Dog Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dog allergies are a common issue that affects millions of people, even among those who adore their furry friends.

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to allergens found in dog dander, saliva, or urine. These allergens can easily become airborne or settle on furniture, which makes it more challenging for those with sensitivities to avoid exposure.

Gaining insight into symptoms and how to treat them can help pet owners handle their allergic reaction to dogs and still enjoy being with them.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergies can begin with mild signs that often resemble common cold symptoms or seasonal allergies. If you're allergic to dogs, catching these symptoms early can help you take steps to reduce exposure and manage your reactions.

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Redness and itching in the eyes
• Occasional coughing
• Itchy skin or rash

These symptoms may occur shortly after exposure and can help you determine whether a dog allergy is developing.

What Causes People to Be Allergic to Dogs?

People are allergic to dogs not because of the dog's hair or fur, but due to specific proteins found in dog dander (tiny flakes of dead skin), saliva, and urine. While it might seem like fur is the problem, it is actually these proteins that trigger allergic reactions.

When a person with a dog allergy comes into contact with these proteins, their immune system mistakenly treats them as harmful, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and respiratory issues.

According to Lung.org, pet dander can stay in the air much longer than other types of allergens. Because they are extremely small and have rough edges, they can easily float through the air and attach to surfaces like furniture, bedding, and clothing — including personal items like shoes and bags [*].

Related: Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

Testing for Dog Allergies

Testing for dog allergies is usually done through skin tests and blood tests [*].

In a skin prick test, a small amount of dog allergen is placed on your skin, typically on your arm or back, and then the skin is lightly pricked.

If you're allergic, a small bump, like a mosquito bite, will appear within 15-20 minutes and is often accompanied by some redness or discoloration around the area. This test is quick and gives immediate results.

A blood test, on the other hand, checks for the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. In people with allergies, the immune system produces higher levels of IgE antibodies in response to specific allergens, including pet dander. Studies have found that the skin test is much more sensitive than the blood test.

Both tests help doctors confirm if you're allergic to dogs and decide the best treatment.

That being said, we have found in our clinical experience that most people are able to eventually tolerate their own dog in approximately 8-12 months. During that initial period, keeping the dog out of the bedroom and using a nasal spray consistently has been found to be extremely helpful.

Treating Dog Allergies

For those dealing with allergies to dogs, there are various treatment options available to help manage symptoms.

Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction, different methods may offer relief, from over-the-counter medications to long-term solutions like allergy shots.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a common treatment managing allergies to dogs, but are not the most specific and effective at treating the root problem ( which is the nose) in our experience. Common options include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). These medications are effective for mild to moderate allergy symptoms.

They work by blocking histamines — chemicals released during an allergic reaction — that would otherwise bind to their receptors and cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.

While generally safe, some antihistamines can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness, especially with older formulations. Newer options like loratadine and fexofenadine tend to have fewer sedative effects.

Related: Allegra vs. Zyrtec: Differences and Alternatives

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays are particularly helpful for more severe allergies to dogs because they treat the root problem, which is in the nose.

Common options include corticosteroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Rhinocort), and Nasacort ( triamcinolone) , which work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.

The relief that intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) bring can significantly enhance sleep quality, as breathing becomes easier at night. However, while they are well-tolerated, some users may experience mild side effects due to local irritation in the nasal passages. The most common side effects include dryness of the nasal mucosa and a burning or stinging sensation [*].

If you're looking for a well-rounded option, combination sprays like Allermi can be particularly beneficial. Allermi provides an excellent solution for allergy sufferers with its custom blend of clinically proven ingredients that tackle all symptoms in one easy spray.

Its unique formula combines a micro-dose of a decongestant to clear nasal congestion, an antihistamine to relieve sneezing and itching, and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce swelling. Acting quickly within just 10 minutes, Allermi targets both indoor and outdoor allergies.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are recommended for long-term relief and work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to pet allergens helping the immune system build tolerance over time.

This treatment is particularly useful for individuals with persistent or severe allergies who do not respond well to medications.

Tips for Managing Dog Allergies

Managing dog allergies can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Follow these strategies:

• If possible, babysit different dog breeds to see what breeds you do the best with.
• Keep the dog out of your bedroom. Keep dogs out of bedrooms and other areas where you spend a lot of time to lower dog allergen levels in those spaces.
• Take medications before contact. Consider taking allergy medications before coming into contact with dogs or visiting places where dogs are present.
• Minimize close contact. If you hug or kiss your dog, please wash your hands immediately. This applies to other pets as well.
• Clean regularly. Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter and wash your dog’s bedding and any fabric that they come into contact with.
• Use air purifiers. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove dog allergens from the air.
• Groom your dog regularly. Bathe and brush your dog frequently to reduce dander and loose fur. If your dog is particularly active or enjoys playing outside, you may need to bathe them more frequently.
• Limit dog access to fabrics. Prevent your dog from climbing on furniture or beds to reduce the spread of allergens.

Related: 7 Ways to Reduce Pet Dander in Your Home

When to See a Doctor for Dog Allergies

You should see a doctor for dog allergies if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening despite managing exposure and using over-the-counter treatments.

It's especially important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience significant respiratory issues, such as wheezing or shortness of breath, or if your symptoms interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

A doctor can help confirm the diagnosis through testing, provide personalized treatment options, and develop a comprehensive management plan to help alleviate your symptoms effectively.

If you have underlying conditions like asthma, seek medical advice to prevent complications and receive proper management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that address common concerns about dog allergies:

Can you suddenly develop an allergy to dogs?

Yes, it is possible to suddenly develop an allergy to dogs, even if you’ve previously had no issues. Allergies can develop at any age when the immune system becomes sensitized to allergens over time.

Exposure to dog allergens, such as dander or saliva, can trigger an allergic reaction even if you have previously been able to tolerate dogs without problems.

Related: Can You Develop Allergies Later in Life?

Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?

There are no completely hypoallergenic dog breeds, but some breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions due to lower levels of dander or less shedding. Low-shedding dog breeds include poodles, basenjis, and Yorkshire terriers.

However, individual reactions can still vary, so it’s important to spend time with a breed before bringing a dog home to see how your allergies respond.

Related: Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

How long do dog allergy symptoms last?

The duration of dog allergy symptoms can vary depending on the level of exposure and individual sensitivity. Symptoms can last as long as you are exposed to dog allergens and may persist for several hours to days after contact with a dog.

For some people, dog allergy symptoms can become chronic if exposure is frequent or ongoing.

The Bottom Line

It’s possible to manage your allergies and maintain the joy that a pet brings. With the right approach, you can continue to share your life with dogs while keeping your symptoms at bay.

Effective treatments like the Allermi nasal spray can significantly improve your comfort level. Learn more here.

References:

1. American Lung Association. (n.d.). Pet Dander. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander
2. Almutairi, T. A., Aldayel, A. A., Aldayel, A. S., Alotaibi, F., & Alhussain, H. A. (2020). Safety Concerns of Nasal Corticosteroids Usage in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis. Cureus, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11651