You’ve just adopted a dog and cannot wait to embark on many adventures with your new best friend. That first afternoon after bringing them home, your perfect little Dachshund or German Shepherd is snuggled beside you on the couch. Suddenly, there’s a tell-tale tickle in your nose. Achoo! After a few sneezes, you realize you are now also itching, and your eyes are watering. Before you know it, you’re frantically searching online for help. “I’m allergic to my dog! Is there anything I can do about it?”
You’re not alone. In fact, up to 20% of the world is allergic to common household pets, including dogs. Can you get rid of dog allergies? Unfortunately, there’s no official cure for these allergies. The good news is, many people can manage their symptoms so that they continue caring for their beloved pup without dealing with sniffles.
Why Am I Allergic to My Dog?
Before you can figure out how to get rid of dog allergies, you’ll need to understand what’s actually triggering your immune system to go haywire. Humans aren’t allergic to dog fur. The problem actually lies within a dog’s dander or saliva. Being around a dog’s urine can also cause allergy symptoms in pet owners. When a dog licks you, sheds their fur, or urinates near you, you are exposed to proteins that can trigger allergies.
How do you know if you’re allergic to canines? Typical symptoms include:
Itchy eyes and/or mouth
Nasal congestion
Sinus pressure
Coughing
Hives or itchy skin without hives
Sometimes, people who were around dogs in childhood and experienced no symptoms find that they have developed an allergy later in life.
Is There Anything I Can Before I Choose a Dog?
Unfortunately, no truly hypoallergenic dog exists. Any dog can trigger allergies, even one without fur (yes, they’re out there!). Dogs cited as “hypoallergenic” are typically low-shedding breeds and often have hair rather than fur. All canines produce dander, saliva, and urine, meaning they have the potential to cause allergic reactions.
However, many people do find that certain breeds are better for their symptoms than others. Some of these breeds include:
What to Do for Dog Allergies for Immediate Relief
There are several short-term solutions for addressing allergy symptoms after they’ve started. Of course, always consult your doctor before beginning new medications. Common remedies include:
Antihistamines. You can find over-the-counter medications in your local drug store for relief from itchy eyes and sneezing. Look for Cetirizine, Loratadine, and Diphenhydramine.
Nasal rinses. Nasal rinse systems, such as neti pots and similar devices, can help flush out allergens from the sinus passages.
Nasal sprays. An over-the-counter nasal spray can help clear your congestion for a while. This option is typically low-cost and widely available.
For each of these methods, your symptoms will return once the effects wear off. In some cases, this may be only after a few hours.
Everyday Changes That Can Help Reduce Dog Allergies
In addition to medications, many people looking for what to do for dog allergies find relief by making practical adjustments to their dog’s care and home environment. These changes won’t cure allergies, but they can help reduce daily exposure to allergens.
Grooming Adjustments for Allergy Relief
Regular grooming can help limit the amount of dander and saliva proteins that accumulate on your dog’s coat, which may help reduce allergy symptoms over time. Many pet owners exploring how to deal with dog allergies turn to specialty or hypoallergenic shampoos designed for sensitive skin.
These products are typically fragrance-free and formulated to support the skin barrier rather than strip natural oils. Some veterinary shampoos may also include soothing ingredients to help calm irritated skin or reduce yeast and bacterial buildup that can worsen shedding and dander.
Diet Considerations to Help with Allergies
Some dogs have underlying skin or environmental allergies that increase itching, shedding, and dander production. In these cases, a veterinarian may recommend dietary changes to support skin health as part of a broader plan for how to help dog allergies for humans. Any food transitions should be done gradually and under veterinary guidance, as sudden switches can lead to digestive upset or worsen skin irritation.
Home Environment Changes
Simple adjustments at home can also help reduce allergen exposure for people desperately needing to know what to do about dog allergies. Using HEPA air filters, washing dog bedding frequently, and keeping certain areas, such as bedrooms, dog-free may make symptoms easier to manage. Regular vacuuming with a high-quality filter can also help remove dander from carpets and upholstery.
Long-Term Solutions for Living with Dog Allergies
While there's no way to stop being allergic to dogs altogether, there are ways to deal with dog allergies. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications simply aren’t enough to keep your immune system from fighting back against allergens.
How to Help Dog Allergies for Humans
Prescription allergy medications and thorough testing can be effective for people whose symptoms don’t respond to more mild options. Your doctor may suggest:
Allergy testing: Formal allergy testing can help determine if your symptoms are in fact from allergies and if so, if the allergen is from your dog. You may assume you’re allergic to your dog, but perhaps you’re actually allergic to a new plant in your home or a new fragrance you’ve been wearing. These tests can be blood, prick, or patch tests.
Prescription medications: Prescription-strength nasal sprays, antihistamines, and eye drops can all work more effectively than something you can buy off the shelf.
Immunotherapy: Your doctor may advise you to receive monthly or more frequent allergy shots that contain tiny amounts of the allergen. You may need to take them for several years, but the hope is that your body eventually no longer develops symptoms when you’re around dogs.
What NOT to Do If You’re Allergic to Your Dog
When figuring out how to stop dog allergies immediately, keep these common mistakes in mind:
Don’t assume rehoming is the only option. Many people find their symptoms improve over time as medications begin working or their body adjusts to ongoing exposure.
Don’t expect instant results from treatment. Allergy medications often take days or even weeks to reach full effectiveness.
Avoid “miracle cures.” No supplement or vitamin can cure dog allergies, and many products marketed for allergies are unregulated. Always talk with your doctor before trying new treatments.
How to Stop Allergies to Dogs in an Emergency
Rarely, there are occasions when someone can have a life-threatening reaction to dogs. People with asthma may experience persistent and dangerous attacks. Other people may have difficulty breathing due to their throat or tongue swelling, which is a medical emergency.
In these cases, you must call 911 immediately. Sadly, if your allergies trigger severe symptoms, you may need to find another home for your dog, as owning one could put your life in danger.
How Pet Insurance and Daily Care Support an Allergy-Friendly Life with Your Dog
Managing dog allergies often means adjusting your dog’s routine, such as bathing more frequently, trying hypoallergenic shampoos, or switching foods. While these changes can help reduce allergens, it’s easy to overcorrect. Too many baths can dry out your dog’s skin and cause irritation, and rapid diet changes may lead to digestive issues or increased itching. When that happens, veterinary guidance is important to keep small problems from becoming bigger ones.
Puppy health insurance can help support these adjustments by making it easier to seek veterinary care for skin issues, food sensitivities, or allergy-related discomfort. Consider adding a puppy wellness plan to help budget for routine exams which allow your vet to monitor how changes in grooming or diet are affecting your dog’s overall health. It can even help with grooming, which in turn may bring you some allergy relief!
When you’re already managing your own allergy symptoms, medications, and doctor visits, it’s helpful to know that you have help dealing with your pup. Knowing your dog’s care is financially supported allows you to focus on sustainable, vet-approved solutions that protect both your health and your dog’s comfort.
Dog Allergies Aren’t the End of Your Relationship
“What can I do if I'm allergic to my dog?”
At Embrace Pet Insurance, we’ve heard this question many times. While dog allergies can’t be cured, many people manage symptoms with medications, daily care adjustments, and veterinary guidance.
Ultimately, you’ll be happy to know that the vast majority of pet owners learn ways to manage their allergies so that they can focus on the positives of dog ownership!