How To Reduce Dog-Related Allergy Symptoms

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Many people who love dogs and own dogs are also mildly allergic to dogs. These proud pet owners develop strategies to reduce their symptoms, so they can happily co-exist with their canine companions. These tips will help you reduce your dog-related allergy symptoms.

Wash Your Hands After Every Interaction 

Your allergic reaction to your dog is probably related to secretions from the dog's glands, urine, dander, hair and saliva. To reduce your contact with these substances, wash your hands after every interaction with your dog. If you aren't able to wash your hands right away after contact with your pet, avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face until you can. Carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer to ensure that you can always remove the worst of the allergens, no matter where you are.

Medications and Immunotherapy

There are a variety of medications and medical therapies that can reduce your allergy symptoms and allow you to live in relative comfort with your pet. Allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, are an effective method for building tolerance to an allergen. Immunotherapy works by giving an allergy sufferer shots that contain an allergen. The shots gradually increase in strength until the allergy sufferer is able to handle regular exposure to dog allergens. To find out more about methods for reducing your allergy symptoms, speak with a qualified allergy doctor like those at Oak Brook Allergists.

Limit Your Dog's Access to Parts of Your House

The most practical way to have a dog and protect yourself from your dog's dander is to keep your dog outside for the majority of the year. When temperatures drop in the winter, you can put your dog in the basement or garage of your home to ensure your dog is safe. However, not all pet owners are comfortable keeping their dog outside. 

If you must allow your dog to live in your house, limit your dog's access to the common areas of your home (living room, dining room, kitchen and bathrooms) and keep your dog out of your bedroom. This will give you an allergen-free zone in your home where you can sleep comfortably. 

Groom Your Dog Frequently

Wipe down your dog with a microfiber cloth on a daily basis. Do this outdoors, and wash the microfiber cloth immediately. Have your dog professionally groomed outside your house, as often as your dog's veterinarian will allow. Note that bathing your dog frequently can contribute to dry skin. Speak with your dog's veterinarian to find out if your dog could benefit from moisturizing shampoo. 

For more information about reducing your allergy symptoms, speak with your allergy doctor. He or she will be able to give you many methods for reducing your allergy symptoms. 


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