{"id":3622,"date":"2023-05-11T23:35:51","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T16:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/help-i-am-allergic-to-my-dog-what-do-i-do\/"},"modified":"2023-05-11T23:35:51","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T16:35:51","slug":"help-i-am-allergic-to-my-dog-what-do-i-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=3622","title":{"rendered":"Help! I Am Allergic to My Dog. What Do I Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">A<\/span>fter years of keeping my allergies under control, last year they seemed to return with a vengeance. I had a constant running nose, itchy eyes, and a loud and uncomfortable dry cough. I got some new prescriptions from my PCP, including an inhaler, which I\u2019d never used before, and was able to ride it out through the season.<\/p>\n<p>A couple months ago, I found an allergist to re-test my allergies, since it had been many years, and I know that allergies change over time. I got both a blood test and had allergens applied to my forearms for 20 minutes to see if there was a reaction.<\/p>\n<p>The results were mostly as expected. A variety of moderate to high results for various trees: silver birch, maple, oak, elm, sycamore, and white ash, among others. What wasn\u2019t as expected for me, as a dog owner, was the highest reading: the \u201cvery high\u201d positive test result was for dog dander and something called \u201ccan f 5.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn dogs, there are seven different \u2018component\u2019 allergens that have been identified, can f1 through 7,\u201d explains allergist Martin Smith, MD, a double board certified allergist and immunologist who specializes in skin conditions and is the founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSHL-1061193%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.untoxicated.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.untoxicated.com\/\">Untoxicated<\/a>, a sensitive skincare brand free of 128 of the most common skin allergens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCan f 5 is a prostate-derived molecule, and is only produced by male dogs, and more so in unneutered male dogs,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, I am allergic to my dog. My dog is neutered! Unfortunately, Dr. Smith points out he can still produce lower levels of can f 5, \u201cso you could still experience allergic symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/i-am-allergic-to-my-dog\/\" current-title=\"I\u2019ve Had a \u2018Hypoallergenic\u2019 Dog for 5 Years, and Just Found Out I\u2019m Highly Allergic to Him\u2014Here\u2019s How I\u2019m Managing It\" current-image=\"i-am-allergic-to-my-dog-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-11-11\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/i-am-allergic-to-my-dog\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/i-am-allergic-to-my-dog\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/i-am-allergic-to-my-dog\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>What\u2019s more, my dog is also a hypoallergenic breed (a goldendoodle), or so I thought.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAccording to multiple studies, some breeds might cause less symptoms but there is no evidence that a breed is truly hypoallergenic,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/memorialhermann.org\/doctors\/family-medicine-doctors\/dr-aniruddha-gollapalli-md-1922663848\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/memorialhermann.org\/doctors\/family-medicine-doctors\/dr-aniruddha-gollapalli-md-1922663848\">Aniruddha Gollapalli, MD<\/a>, a Memorial Hermann Medical Group family medicine physician. \u201cThere was a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21819763\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21819763\/\">study performed in the <em>American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy<\/em><\/a> that found that dogs labeled as hypoallergenic did not have a significant decrease in the levels of known dog allergens.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That means that having a dog labeled \u201chypoallergenic\u201d does not necessarily mean you won\u2019t be allergic to that dog. Mind. Blown.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are several breeds that are promoted as being hypoallergenic, as they shed less,\u201d says Dr. Smith. \u201cThough dog hair or fur does contain some allergenic proteins, the majority of allergens come from the dogs\u2019 skin or dander (scales from your pets\u2019 skin) and also from your dogs\u2019 saliva and urine, thus, shedding has little to do with allergenicity.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>So, if you got a pet, and later started experiencing allergy symptoms, what should you do?<\/h2>\n<p>Just because you weren\u2019t allergic to cats or dogs as a kid doesn\u2019t mean you aren\u2019t allergic now. \u201cAllergies can develop anytime in adulthood,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/kaufmanallergy.com\/eghrari\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/kaufmanallergy.com\/eghrari\/\">Jacqueline Eghrari-Sabet, MD,<\/a> an allergist\/immunologist with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allergyasthmanetwork.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.allergyasthmanetwork.org\/\">Allergy &amp; Asthma Network<\/a><strong>.<\/strong> Her recommendation? You should get tested every two to three years if new symptoms develop.<\/p>\n<p>If you do test positive, that doesn&#8217;t mean you have to give up your furry family member. But you will probably want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/natural-remedies\u2026asonal-allergies\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/natural-remedies\u2026asonal-allergies\/\">take some steps<\/a> to ease your symptoms.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Start with OTC remedies<\/h3>\n<p>First, think if your allergies are really starting to affect your daily life. Are you sneezing, itching, and\/or congested? Head to the drugstore for some OTC remedies. \u201cI recommend to see your primary care doctor or allergist if symptoms are [resistant] to treatments such as oral antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, etc) or nasal corticosteroids (Flonase, Nasonex, etc), which have been shown to be effective,\u201d says Dr. Gollapalli.<\/p>\n<p>Personally, I rotate taking antihistamines Zyrtec, Claritin, and Zyzal\u2014it\u2019s not an exact science, I usually just buy what is on sale, since all of them seem to work for me, personally. I also use Flonase nasal spray, a prescription inhaler, and spoil myself with nice tissues and hand soap since I\u2019m always blowing my nose. I like the <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPremium-Tissues-Olive-extracted-Squalane-Organic%2Fdp%2FB0BL11BKR9%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dwgtrx10025-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Premium-Tissues-Olive-extracted-Squalane-Organic\/dp\/B0BL11BKR9?th=1\">Enrich Lotion Tissues<\/a> that contain skincare like coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, as well as the chic and luxe <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhomecourt.sjv.io%2Fc%2F2372336%2F1411577%2F16799%3FsubId1%3DSTMSHM-916435%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fhomecourt.co%252Fproducts%252Fhand-wash%253Fvariant%253D41023056478359&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/homecourt.co\/products\/hand-wash?variant=41023056478359\">Cipres Mint Hand Wash<\/a> from Courtney Cox\u2019s brand Homecourt.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m also getting allergy shots again to build up my tolerance to my main concerns\u2014pets and trees.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Install an air purifier at home<\/h3>\n<p>Both cat and dog dander are airborne, according to Dr. Eghrari-Sabet. That\u2019s why allergists recommend getting a HEPA air filter. \u201cAir purifiers are most effective when the room that they are located in has minimal carpeting and soft furnishings, which serve as reservoirs for pet allergens,\u201d says Dr. Smith.<\/p>\n<p>I use a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rabbitair.com\/pages\/a3-air-purifier\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.rabbitair.com\/pages\/a3-air-purifier\">Rabbit Air HEPA Purifier<\/a>\u2014I have their \u201cArtists Series\u201d cover which features Vincent van Gogh\u2019s Irises, so it looks like a painting. It\u2019s also extremely quiet.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Clean your home and your pet regularly<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cFrequent vacuuming, once to twice a week, especially with a HEPA filter\u2013equipped vacuum, is recommended,\u201d says Dr. Smith. But it&#8217;s not just your home you should clean: \u201cStudies have shown washing your dog or cat does help reduce the allergen level,\u201d he adds. Research suggests that bathing your pup twice a week gives the best results, Dr. Smith says, yet it may not be all that useful for cats, unfortunately, since in felines, \u201callergen levels return to pre-bath levels in one to two days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In my own home, I vacuum frequently, bathe my dog often, and always wipe his paws when he comes inside from a walk. I also use a <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFurZapper-2-Pack-Hair-Remover-Laundry%2Fdp%2FB074CHX3HH%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dwgtrx10025-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/FurZapper-2-Pack-Hair-Remover-Laundry\/dp\/B074CHX3HH?th=1\">FurZapper Laundry Tool<\/a> to remove hair and dander from our clothes and <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBounce-Dryer-Sheets-Guard-90672733%2Fdp%2FB09NT1PRVK%2F%3Ftag%3Dwgtrx10025-20%26asc_refurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.wellandgood.com%252Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%252F%26asc_source%3Ddirect%26asc_campaign%3Dno-campaign&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fi-am-allergic-to-my-dog%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Bounce-Dryer-Sheets-Guard-90672733\/dp\/B09NT1PRVK\/\">Bounce Pet Hair &amp; Lint Guard dryer sheets<\/a>, especially when I wash my dog\u2019s bedding and toys.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Keep some distance<\/h3>\n<p>Finally, it&#8217;s probably a good idea to cool it on the cuddles, at least until you can either get a definitive allergy test or start immunotherapy injections. \u201cThis is a difficult recommendation to follow, but try to avoid kissing, hugging, or petting your pet\u2014and if you do, wash your hands immediately with soap and water,\u201d says Dr. Smith.<\/p>\n<p>My dog does sleep in my bedroom, but not in my bed. Like most things in life, managing my symptoms (since getting rid of my beloved pet is not an option) comes down to finding a livable balance for all of us in my home.<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After years of keeping my allergies under control, last year they seemed to return with a vengeance. I had a constant running nose, itchy eyes, and a loud and uncomfortable dry cough. I got some new prescriptions from my PCP, including an inhaler, which I\u2019d never used before, and was able to ride it out &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3623,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3622","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3622"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3622\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3622"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3622"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3622"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}