Anyone in any age group can be allergic to dogs. In a worst case scenario, you don’t not know that you are allergic to dogs until you actually have one. Offending allergens to humans can be found in dog’s dander (dead skin that is shed), saliva and urine. Once allergens are airborne, they adhere to clothing, walls, furniture and other surfaces and remain active in the environment for a long time.

Reactions to dog allergens can include stuffy nose, inflamed eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulties in breathing, asthma, rashes, etc... Healthcare professionals suggest that the best treatment is to avoid contact with dogs, but to many of us, this is not an option. If you are one of those unfortunate ones who are allergic to your own dog, here are steps you can take to relieve your allergy problems other than just taking medications:

• Wash your hands every time after you touch your dog.
• Clean your house frequently and thoroughly, especially carpets and upholstered furniture. Wash walls and baseboards and clean air ducts. Wash draperies and rugs in hot water.
• When vacuuming, wear a dust mask. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
• Bare floors are better than carpeted floors for allergy sufferers, but if you are unable to remove carpets, steam clean them frequently.
• Replace central heating/cooling air filters frequently.
• Use air cleaner with a HEPA filter.
• Do not allow your dog to enter your bedroom. Keep the bedroom door closed at all times.
• Cover central heating/cooling air vents with thin, dense material such as cheesecloth in your bedroom.
• Wash your dog’s bedding and toys frequently in hot water.
• Bathe your dog once a week and brush him/her frequently. Use shampoo that does not dry out your dog’s skin. You may also add a supplement that contains quality essential fatty acids (important building blocks in healthy skin) that helps reduce dry skin and flakes to your dog’s diet.