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Are you allergic to your pet dog? Here are some natural remedies

The allergy to dogs is caused by saliva, dog urine, and dead skin cells which are collectively known as animal dander. As a result, all animals have the potential to bring on an allergic reaction, regardless of the breed, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet.

There can be different symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing, red eyes, wheezing, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, runny and stuffy nose, etc. Also, there are some people with dog allergies that have skin reactions. For example, their skin might break out when the dog licks them.

The allergy can be more common during the spring when there is pollen, so in addition to the previously mentioned factors, it can increase or worsen your symptoms. If you suffer from an allergy to your dog, you should be aware that when you will come in contact with the dog, you will have symptoms.

If you want to get a dog, but you are not sure if you are allergic to it, then you can take the dog that you thinking to adopt and keep it in your house. If you have noticed that you are allergic, then your family should keep it. You should always look for types of dogs that are allergy-friendly and their fur or coat allows shedding less dander and therefore releasing fewer symptoms–inducing allergens.

Many people use histamines to get relief from the symptoms, but they can cause a lot of side effects. If you have some allergy caused by your dogs and you want to rid of the symptoms, then you can use some of the below-mentioned home remedies. It is very important to talk with your doctor about any possible side effects of the mentioned natural remedies; even if they are usually harmless and do not causing very serious side effects.

17 Natural treatments for allergies to dogs

Keep your distance

If you have an allergy to dogs, then one of the best things you can do is to stay away from them. If you continue petting them, this can worsen your symptoms, like itchy eyes, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. You should not pet, touch, or kiss a dog. Also, you need to avoid homes that have dogs if you are allergic to them. If you need to stay in a house with a dog, then you should ask to be kept out of the room in which you will sleep for a few months before your arrival.

Do not blame the family pet for your allergy

You need to speak with your allergist to make specifically test for allergies to pet dander. There are many sufferers who are sensitive to more than one allergen. You need to reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy.

Nettle tea

The nettle tea has anti-inflammatory properties. It is a tasty and refreshing drink. It can help to counter the pro-inflammatory nature of histamine. You need to talk with your doctor about the best way of using it, so you will be sure that it will not worsen the symptoms that you have, such as swelling around the eyes, congestion, and itchy skin. [1]

Neem

The redness and itchy skin are very common symptoms of allergies in dogs. This is happening when dander lands on the area, but it can be also a result of an overactive immune system. This problem can get worse with the usage of everyday products, such as bubble baths, shower gel, and deodorants. It is a type of tree which is known to have many health benefits. You can use the neem cream as a soothing agent for irritated, red, or itchy skin. You can use fresh extracts of neem rather than dried because it maintains the active ingredients which make neem so beneficial for the skin. But, you should know that when you are washing your dog too frequently, his skin and coat may dry out, so you need to wash it when necessary, so you will avoid skin issues. [2]

Keep your dog out of the bedroom

We spend a third of every day in the bedroom. This is a reason why it is important to keep it as free of dog dander as possible. The closed-door will not completely seal out the allergens, but it can help a lot.

allergic to dog treatmentMake your home easier to clean

You need to pull the carpet and get rid of the rugs and drapes. You should ditch the dusty and overstuffed furniture. You need to reduce the number of items that can catch dust and dander, so it will help to improve the symptoms of your allergy to dogs, such as itchy eyes and difficulty breathing.

Wear a dust mask to vacuum

When you vacuum, you need to wear a dust mask, so you can avoid breathing them and to make your difficulty breathing worse.

Licorice

This herb you can easily find in markets and you can use it as your home remedy for the symptoms that are associated with the allergy to dogs. You can talk with your doctor which is the best form of adding this herb to your diet, so you will see improvements in your condition.[3]

Aloe Vera

This natural cure is used as a home remedy for many different problems. There are some studies which are shown that it can be used as a home remedy for allergies to dogs. If you have itchy skin caused by the allergy, then you can use it on your skin as a gel, because it has soothing properties.[4]

Clean fanatically

You should know that the dog dander can get everywhere. This is a reason why you need to sweep and mop the floors, vacuum rugs, and clean furniture regularly. If you have a chance, then you need to get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. The regular vacuum filters cannot catch the allergens and they send allergens back into the air.

Wash after contact with an animal

You need to wash your hands after petting a dog, so you will not worsen the symptoms of your allergy, such as itchy and watery eyes. Also, you need to take a shower and put your clothes in a washing machine as soon as possible, because in this way you will prevent the dander from collecting on your clothing, hair, and hands.

Filter the air

The central heat and air conditioning can push the dog dander into every room in your house, even those places that the dog is not allowed in. This can worsen breathing and cause you difficulties in breathing.

The central air cleaner, as well as filters on the vents themselves, can help, so you need to use them as soon as possible and rid of the breathing difficulties that you have.

Mushrooms

In some cases, mushrooms can help people who have allergies. Mushrooms have a compound called beta-glucan which is possessing strong immune-modulating properties. This element can change the immune response in allergies by binding to specific immune cells. Some good mushrooms which you can add to your diet include maitake, turkey tail, cordyceps, shiitake, and reishi. [5]

Be wary of visitors who own dogs

You should know that the dog dander can cling to luggage and clothing. Even if your guests leave their dogs at their homes, still they can bring the dander with them and this can worsen your symptoms.

Vitamin C

This natural cure is a supporter of the immune system and a natural antihistamine.

Histamine is produced by the body in response to allergens. Those people who suffer from allergies should add high amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin C–rich foods to their diets, so they can strengthen their immune system. Citrus fruits, like oranges, are high in this vitamin, so you can add them to your diet. But, Vitamin C is part of other tasty fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, broccoli, kiwi, kale, and red peppers, so they can be part of your diet too. A strawberry and pear smoothie is a quick and refreshing drink that is rich in Vitamin C and it can help you to boost your levels. [6]

Give your dog a bath

It is very important to give your dog a bath at least once a week, so this will reduce the airborne dog allergen and it will reduce your chances of worsening of your symptoms. It is a good idea to use a shampoo which is recommended by your vet or other animal care professional, so in this way, you will be sure that it will not hurt the skin and fur of your dog. Also, you need to brush your dog thoroughly at least once a week, because this can minimize dander levels on your dog and the deposits around the house, so make sure that your dog is well-groomed.

Do not give the dog free rein

You need to protect yourself by making other areas of your house dog-free too. If the weather is good and sunny, then you can keep your dog in your garden as much as possible. But, this depends on the climate and surroundings, so you will know if you can keep your dog in the garden or ask your family to have more walks with him.

References:

[1] Bakhsshaee M, Mohammad pour AH, Esmaeili M, et al. Efficacy of supportive therapy of allergic rhinitis by stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2017;16(Suppl):112–8.

[2] Khan S. In-vitro analysis of antiallergic activity of neem (Azadirachta Indica) for reduction of wheat allergens. Sindh University Research Journal (Science Series). 2015;47(3):485-8.

[3] Yang R, Yuan BC, Ma YS, et al. The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017;55(1):5-18.

[4] Ferreira M, Teixeira M, Silva E, Selores M. Allergic contact dermatitis to Aloe vera. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;57(4):278-9.

[5] Gabriel MF, González-Delgado P, Postigo I, et al. From respiratory sensitization to food allergy: Anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). Medical Mycology Case Reports. 2015;8:14–6.

[6] Vollbracht C, Raithel M, Krick B, et al. Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of allergies: an interim subgroup analysis of a long-term observational study. Journal of International Medical Research. 2018;46(9):3640–55.

Vijila
Vijila
Dr. Emil Sarsath (aka) Vijila, a licensed naturopathic doctor (BSMS) who always ensures his patients receive compassionate, and individualized care. He has extensive experience in primary care, digestive health, mental health, nervous system disorder and more.Area of Expertise – Naturopathic Medicine, Whole Foods-based Nutrition, Siddha, Panchakarma.She is always available through [email protected]

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