There are plenty of ways to avoid or reduce dog skin allergies. If you find yourself sneezing and coughing around your pet or when travelling, then listen up. Here are our top five ways to reduce dog skin allergies without giving your best bud up for adoption.
1. Introduce Dogs Early:
Studies show that children who grow up in homes with pets tend to have fewer dog skin allergies and sensitivities overall. Dogs run around outside and track mud and bacteria into the house that can, incidentally, help strengthen a child’s immune system.
2. Wash Your Dog (& Your Home!) Regularly:
Make sure that you give your dog a bath at least once if not twice a week and rub him down with a wet cloth every day. You should also make sure that you’re vacuuming regularly and sweeping thoroughly to prevent dog hair and dander from collecting in curtains, behind furniture, and in the corners of your house.
3. Choose the Right Pup:
There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, long-haired, work dogs typically shed more hair and produce more saliva than single-coat terriers and mixed breeds. The dogs below are well-known as allergy-friendly breeds.
Schnauzers
Yorkshire Terrier
Poodles and Miniature Poodles
Lhasa Apso
Kerry Blue Terrier
Irish Water Spaniel
Maltese
Portuguese Water Dog
Shih Tzu
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
4. Neuter Your Dog:
Neutering your dog can actually help reduce the number of allergens they produce. Can f 1, in particular, is far higher in non-neutered dogs than neutered ones.
5. Invest in Immunology:
If you suffer from dog skin allergies, call to ask us about immunology. Whether as a spray or an injection, allergy shots are designed to help your body overcome its sensitivity so you gradually become less and less dependent on temporary solutions like over-the-counter drugs.
Final Thoughts:
You shouldn’t feel obligated to give up your best friend if you find that you have dog skin allergies because there are plenty of ways to help you keep your symptoms under control.
