Allergies to dogs can put man's best friend in an awkward position in the home. If you, or a family member, have recently discovered that you are having an allergic reaction to dog dander, you may think that's there's nothing you can do except relegate Fido to the backyard. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take that will help. Here's the short list of tips on how to control allergies to dogs.
Instructions
Of course, it's always best to know about any potential allergies to dogs before you bring one into the home. To find out, take all the family to a local shelter to see these amazing animals before you adopt a pet. Be sure to take the baby. Your child may not come into daily contact with your right now, but within a few months that tiny baby will be climbing all over your dog. It's best to find out about any allergic reactions before a dog becomes a member of the family.
If a dog is already a member of the family, a good HEPA or other high quality air filter will do wonders for decreasing allergies to dogs. In reality, it's not the dog that you are allergic to, but the dog dander. Dog hairs and dander can float through the air until they are all over the house. A good air filter will corral that dander and keep allergies under control.
A weekly bath is another effective step in limiting allergies to your dog. The bath will remove excess hair and dander, limiting it's release into the home. It's best to wash your dog outside as much as possible (weather permitting).
Although expensive, as a last resort, there are allergy shots that you can take that will help reduce your allergic reactions to your dog.