7 Tips for Living With a Dog If You’re Allergic

Do you have a canine companion you wish to hug, pet and kiss, but sometimes allergies prevent you from fulfilling that need? Try these tricks to soothe your allergies while living with a dog you love.

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently

In most circumstances, when you feel like you have some sort of contamination on your hands, you wash them before touching your face. You should treat your hands the same way once you’ve touched your dog. Of course, your pup hasn’t contaminated anything, but by rubbing your face after playing with them, you risk allergens getting into your eyes or nose.

Washing your hands correctly can help you avoid most allergens. Make sure to use soap and scrub the nooks and crannies of your hands for a few minutes, long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, before you rinse. Practicing good hand hygiene will free you to play with your dog every day.

2. Groom Your Dog Regularly

Even if you think your specific dog breed may not need much grooming, it’s always a great idea to book them regular grooming appointments. Bathing your dog can get rid of dead skin cells that may contribute to the dander you’re allergic to. Since dander can hide in many places, such as in carpets or on furniture, you should reduce the likelihood of them camping out in your home however possible.

3. Limit Your Exposure

As much as you don’t want to avoid your dog to avoid allergic reactions, you may need to set a couple of boundaries. One such limitation might be to let your dog sleep on the floor in your bedroom instead of on the bed itself. This way, you can still keep your beloved pup in your bedroom without exposing yourself to more allergens.

4. Filter Your Air

An air filter might be pricey, but it can do its job well. If you have multiple dogs or can’t avoid allergens any other way, an air filter in one of the most frequented rooms in your home could filter out any dander particles in the air so you have fresh air to breathe. The only downside of relying on an air filter is that it can’t be in every space of your home. You may only be able to use it in the room you hang out in most frequently.

5. Get IV Therapy

IV therapy is a unique treatment that can help relieve many symptoms of allergies. It’s an at-home treatment that can work well in extreme allergy circumstances. IVs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins, like magnesium, to reduce the antihistamine response, which can encourage your body to feel well again. After a flare-up, IV treatment can give you the relief you need.

6. Take Medicine

When you can’t have IV therapy treatment, over-the-counter medications may help. Antihistamines, like Allegra and Claritin, can clear out your nose and reduce any symptoms of an allergic reaction. Medicine may not always be a viable option, particularly if you have only a certain amount you can take each day. It can work well, however, as a supplement to another, more feasible allergy-eliminating option.

7. Change Your Flooring

If you’re allergic to dogs, carpet is not the best hypoallergenic flooring option as it can trap all sorts of pet dander and it must be taken care of meticulously. Hardwood flooring may be your best bet as it’s easy to sweep up pet hair and other forms of dander when you see it.

However, if you do have carpets and rugs, they should be vacuumed almost daily. They also trap dust, so anyone with a dust allergy may feel their symptoms amplified in this situation. Keep fabric flooring to a minimum in your house so you can easily take care of any dander once you clean.

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Unfortunately, getting rid of allergies completely isn’t possible. However, you can take steps to mitigate the effects allergies have on you. Whether you choose to go the medical route or find a way to keep a cleaner home, you’ll determine some way to coexist with your dog’s dander without sacrificing bonding time with your pup.

About the Author

Mia is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body + Mind. She specifically enjoys writing about women’s fitness, as well as mental health-related topics. When she’s not writing, Mia can usually be found reading poetry, taking a dance or cardio class, or hiking.