6 Useful Tips For Managing Your Dog Allergies

If you suspect that you are allergic to dogs and worry that you might need to give up your furry friend, fret not. A lot of people still keep their pets with them even if they are suffering from pet allergies.

Contrary to what most people think, you can still have a healthy relationship with your dog even you have dog allergies. You can successfully manage your allergies so that you can continue to live comfortably with your dog.

Understanding your dog allergies

Information is key to understanding your medical condition. You need to visit a doctor, a specialist, to determine if you really are allergic to dogs. Do not make hasty assumptions that you are allergic to your pet because you’re suddenly sneezing and wheezing minutes after handling your dog. For all you know, you could be allergic to dust, pollen, or the food that you last ate.

A visit to your doctor will confirm if you really have pet allergies. He or she will conduct an allergy test to determine if it’s your pet that’s causing you to manifest allergy symptoms.

If the test confirms that you’re allergic to your pet, know that what triggers your allergic reaction is not animal fur. What causes the allergic reaction are proteins or allergens in your dog’s dead skin cells and saliva. These proteins may cause a suite of symptoms that may vary from person to person. Allergic reactions to pets may range from sneezing to something as life-threatening as severe asthma. Pet allergies are often exacerbated by exposure to known triggers such as food allergies, smoke, mold, pollen, and dust mites.

Tips for managing your dog allergies

If you are allergic to your dog, rest assured that you could prevent allergic reactions and manage your symptoms. Below are useful tips to follow to avoid dog allergies:

1. Create a space in your house for your dog.

The idea is not about confining your pet to a small space, rather, you are giving your dog his or her own special nook with lots of space to move around in. To reduce allergens, the area should be easy to clean and should not contain unnecessary furniture or carpeting.

2. Declare your bedroom a pet-free and allergy-free zone.

You might love your dog dearly but having your companion inside your room poses serious risks to your health. Establishing pet-free zones can significantly reduce the levels of allergens in your home.

3. Take advantage of HEPA air filters.

HEPA filters are effective at removing allergy-causing dander, pollen, and dust mites from the air in your home.

4. Clean your home frequently.

Cleaning your home frequently will help remove allergens – wipe walls, vacuum floors, shampoo rugs, and wash linens to remove allergen build-up. Wash your pet’s bedding regularly as well. And if possible, avoid using carpets and limit the use of upholstered furniture in your house.

5. Wash your hands regularly.

Washing your hands is one of the simplest ways to remove pet dander and reduce allergic reactions.

6. Consider getting a dog allergy treatment.

Your doctor might prescribe pet allergy treatment to prevent severe allergic reactions or for the management of mild symptoms. These treatments can range from allergy shots to nose sprays and over-the-counter oral medications like antihistamines.

The benefits of having a pet outweigh the inconveniences of having to deal with pet allergies. And luckily, with significant lifestyle changes and extra care, you can continue having your beloved pets at home.

About the Author: Nicole Lewis is a freelance writer and a professional blogger working at http://essayvikings.com. She is interested in academic research and writing. Providing best content in the web.