How to Cope with Dog Allergies Articles | Allergies

Though dog allergies are fairly common, with 15% of the population suffering under its influence, people have not refrained from keeping pets. If you are also one of those hapless pet owners who are constantly managing a running nose or a chronic sneezing problem, then it is time to learn about how to cope with dog allergies. The first step to know before you learn to cope with dog allergies is to know how to groom your pet. A few of the basic steps to get started include:

Start wearing a mask that filters our dust while you bathe or brush your dog. Even wearing gloves is helpful in reducing the symptoms. Remember to always wash your hands and arms after handling the dog, even if it means just petting.

It is best to comb or brush your dog outside your home. Even if you do these activities indoors, do it on a floor which is either made of hard wood or linoleum-based. This makes it easier to wipe the floor clean, after the job is completed.

If you have spent some time with a pet in someone else’s home, take a shower and change your clothes immediately.

In case you are also prone to allergic reactions from pollens, make it a habit to brush your dog, after it has returned home from a walk outside. This will help in getting rid of any pollen which the dog may have carried home on its coat.

According to the Humane Society of the United States you could get rid of 84% of allergens carried on dog furs, if you bathe the pet once a week. To prevent your dog from any harm from such regular cleaning, you could use a very mild soap.

You could rub the pet between baths with a damp paper towel or better still with special allergy wipes.

You may not be able to stay away from allergies by simply following some dog cleaning procedures. There are several household maintenance tips which can help in its prevention:

• Use damp cloths for dusting your home, which must be done regularly.

• HEPA micro filters or double bags must be used while using the vacuum cleaner.

• After vacuuming, put on the furnace or central air conditioning for at least 2 hours. This will help in sucking up all extra dust particles.

• The playing, sleeping and eating areas frequented by the dog must be cleaned at least twice a week.

• The dog bed must be washed and cleaned regularly in hot water.

• The toys used by the dog also need to be cleaned regularly.

Here are some other tips which can help in reducing symptoms of dog allergies:

• To prevent dog dander from spreading, bar dogs from entering your bedrooms.

• Keep pets away from beds and furniture.

• Heavy curtains and drapes attract and retain allergens. In stead, use light curtains and shades.

• Install air filtration system in your home; even the small portable units are helpful to keep allergens away.

• Keep on changing the air filters.

• Filters must be placed on air ducts.

• In stead of carpets use tile, wood, vinyl or any other hard flooring.

• To control dander and reduce shedding use doggie sweaters or any other similar clothing for the dog.

It is hard to part with a dog, especially if you are used to having this loving companion in your home. But even after following these tips, as well as those recommended by your physician, the symptoms do not show any sign of reducing, perhaps it is time to take the hard decision and look for an alternative to a dog.