 Alas, there are no treatments for dog allergies. Nevertheless, there are several measures you can take to make life with your dog more comfortable. Try the following:
- Wash your hands frequently.
After handling your dog wash your hands immediately with soap in hot water. If there are no opportunity to wash your hands right off, try to avoid touching your hands with your face mainly your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes during the day.
- Feed your dog a well-balanced diet.
You should know that your dog's diet must include some natural fat. The point is that this fat makes your dog's skin less dry, causing less shedding. Visit your vet and ask him for some recommendations on how to safely add fat to your pet’s diet.
- Don't let your dog in the bedroom.
This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. As an extra precaution, you can cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers.
- Bathe your dog frequently.
Your dog's shampoo should be ahypoallergenic or oatmeal based shampoo. If it's not, try to change the brand. If your allergies can't handle the bathing, ask another family member be responsible for giving baths. There is one more solution for this problem – have your dog visit a groomer.
- Brush your dog routinely.
It is the ideal option to brush your dog daily. Nevertheless, if you have allergies, you will need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. The dog should be brushed outdoors. If you live alone just with your dog, think over taking him to a professional groomer. For brushing your dog in between grooming visits you could put a dust mask and gloves on.
- Wash your dog's implements.
You should develop a habit to wash your dog's bed, blankets, and toys weekly.
- Check your vacuum.
Make certain your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. It will help pull up and trap more of your dog's dander from the floor.
- Dust often.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces like tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. For additional precaution you can wear a dust mask as you clean.
The less a dog sheds the less dander it produces. The following breeds typically produce less dander:
- Airedale
- Basenji
- Bedlington terrier
- Bichon frise
- Chinese crested
- Irish water spaniel
- Italian greyhound
- Kerry blue terrier
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Portuguese water dog
- Schnauzers
- Shih tzu
- Soft-coated Wheaten terrier
- Tibetan terrier
- Wire-haired fox terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless)
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