How to Get Rid of Dog Allergies

An allergy to dogs is essentially an allergy to their saliva, glands and urine. That's really what a person is allergic to, not the dog's hair, which is a commonly held belief. But the hair of a dog isn't without its problems, because the hair can carry particles and proteins from all the bodily fluids that prompt an allergic reaction. So if you have a dog allergy, you're probably wondering whether there's any way to get rid of it, especially when you have one of those lovable mutts already in your home. Sadly, there isn't any way to get rid of a dog allergy, but there are ways to minimize the effects the dog has on your senses.

Things You'll Need

• Allergy medication
• Dog shampoo
• HEPA filter
• Cleaning supplies

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Instructions

• 1

  Start taking an allergy medication. First and foremost, you should start taking an allergy medication to treat your dog allergy. The best form of treatment should be decided on by you and your doctor, as he will be able to recommend the type of medication that is appropriate for you. But, many over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications do work wonderfully for many people. According to the Mayo Clinic, antihistamines and decongestants are an effective choice.

• 2

  Bathe your dog regularly. To lessen the impact of the dog's saliva, glands and urine, you should bathe your pet regularly, approximately once every week. If you're the one with the allergy, you should probably ask someone else to do this or simply take "Spot" to the groomer for a bath.

• 3

  Invest in an air purifier. Another effective way to rid your home of dog allergens is to pick up a HEPA air filter. These types of devices can remove allergens from the air and let you breathe a little easier.

• 4

  Keep "Spot" off the furniture. Not all dogs need to be lap dogs, especially when someone in the home is suffering from pet allergies. The easiest way to do this is keep him off the furniture. This will lessen the amount of dander and hair on the furniture, reducing the potential for an allergic reaction to your pet.

• 5

  Rip up that carpet. This may sound a bit extreme, but the less fabric there is for the dander and hair to cling to, the better off you and your allergies will be. Hardwood floors won't trap allergens like carpet, and if you're committed to your pet, this is a fairly effectual option of ridding the home of allergy-causing particles and proteins.

• 6

  Protect your bedroom from your pet. It is completely acceptable to make certain rooms of your home off-limits to your dog. The bedroom is the perfect place to keep all to yourself.

• 7

  Clean, clean, clean. Now that you've established the ideal environment in which to have a dog, you're going to need to clean. No matter what kind of dog you have, she's going to leave dander. Getting into a routine of good cleaning can do wonders to rid your home of pet allergens.