How do you get rid of dog allergies fast
What Can You Do to Get Rid of and Manage Allergies?
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Allergies are becoming more common than ever before. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), allergies are now the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. If your allergies are interfering with your daily activities, you may be wondering how to get rid of or better manage them.
Allergies can affect your quality of life. While there are many options available for treating allergy symptoms, many people want a better solution. There are additional steps you can take to prevent your allergy symptoms from bothering you.
Allergy shots
Allergy shots, which are also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment option for people with severe allergy symptoms. Allergy shots can decrease symptoms such as:
They may work well for most airborne triggers, including:
- dust mites
- mold spores
- pet and cockroach dander
- pollen (trees, grasses, weeds)
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says that allergy shots work by desensitizing you to the things you are allergic to. If your allergies are caused by pollen and cats, your injections will include tiny amounts of pollen and cat dander. Over time, your doctor will slowly increase the allergen amounts in your injection.
Allergy shots are given initially at frequent intervals. In the first few months, youll need to go to a doctors office for an injection once or twice per week. After that, youll need to go every few weeks. It can take months to notice a decrease in symptoms. The recommended total course of allergen immunotherapy is between 3 and 5 years.
Unlike other treatments, this type of immunotherapy can actually alter your immune system and may help prevent new allergies from developing.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend sublingual immunotherapy as an alternative to allergy shots, which can be taken at home by placing a small tablet under your tongue every day for 3 to 5 years. Currently, the only types of sublingual immunotherapy approved by the
- grass
- pollen
- dust mites
- ragweed
Once treatment is completed, many people remain allergy-free for the rest of their lives. Some people may find that symptoms return after stopping the shots, however.
Home HEPA filters
Air filters and purifiers are designed to remove allergens from the air inside your home. There are different types of air filters available, and some work better than others.
To clean the air throughout your home, an air filter can be installed in your heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning system. If your home has forced air ventilation, switching your current filter to a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can make a big difference.
The California Air Resources Board says that these filters work by trapping particles as air passes through. You can also hire a professional to come in and clean out your ducts to remove additional allergens. This process can be expensive, but you shouldnt need to do it more than once every 2 to 5 years.
HEPA filters are great at removing large particles from the air, including:
- dust mites
- pollen
- pet dander
- some types of mold
They can also filter smaller particles, like viruses, bacteria, and smoke. The organization above also says that when used properly, HEPA filters can remove about 99.9 percent of particles above a certain size.
If you dont have a forced air system, you can get a portable HEPA filter. These mechanical filters draw in dirty air, trap particles in the filter, and release clean air. These machines are designed for small spaces and are only capable of filtering a certain amount of air. Keep them in places where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom, office, or living room.
HEPA filters are the top-rated type of air filter, but you should do your research before purchasing one. Check to see if your filter or air cleaner is certified by the AAFA.
Hypoallergenic bedding
Making your bedroom an allergy-free zone can help you feel better throughout the day. Your sheets, pillows, and comforters make a cozy home for dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Hypoallergenic bedding is made from materials that provide an effective barrier against these allergens. This prevents allergens from accumulating inside your pillows and comforters.
You can buy hypoallergenic bedding online.
Designed to be easily cleaned, hypoallergenic bedding can withstand the wear of a frequent wash cycle. Washing your bedding in hot water is critical to preventing the accumulation of allergens.
Hypoallergenic comforters and pillows are usually down-free because bedding made with goose down easily accumulates dust mites and mold. Down bedding is also very difficult to wash and dry.
Hypoallergenic bedding is free of irritating chemicals, so its also a good option for people with sensitive skin.
You can also get an allergen-resistant mattress pad or mattress encasement. According to the AAFA, a mattress encasement can reduce your allergy symptoms better than an air cleaner.
You can buy an allergen-resistant mattress pad or mattress encasement online.
Theres not much you can do to protect yourself from allergies when you are outside, but you should strive to make your home as allergy-free as possible. Combining a variety of different allergen-reducing techniques can make you more comfortable.
These techniques include:
- Cut down on pet dander. Consider a hypoallergenic dog, or give your dog or cat weekly baths to reduce dander accumulation. If your pet has long hair, consider getting them shaved. Keep your dog or cat out of your bedroom.
- Eradicate dust mites. Keep your home clean and uncluttered, get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting, and put protective covers on furniture cushions to keep your home free of dust mites.
- Vacuum. Vacuuming twice per week with a vacuum containing a HEPA filter reduces airborne allergens.
- Dehumidify. Mold thrives in moist, warm environments. Air out your bathroom after showers or run a dehumidifier to suck moisture from the air.
- Get rid of houseplants. House plants make a great home for dust mites and mold spores. Reduce your number of house plants and get rid of dried flowers.
- Control cockroaches. Cockroaches are common in urban areas and in the southern United States. Set traps and avoid leaving out food.
Allergies happen when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a foreign invader. When you come into contact with that substance, or allergen, your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals via pre-formed antibodies. Histamine causes symptoms such as itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Common allergens include:
- pollen
- dust
- pet dander from cats and dogs
- certain foods
Its unlikely that you can get rid of a food allergy, though sometimes children outgrow food allergies. You may be able to get rid of environmental allergies, however. Read on to learn what you can do to manage and possibly eliminate your allergies.
Its not always possible to prevent allergy symptoms. Often, you can only treat symptoms as they arise. There are many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options available, including:
Identifying substances that you are allergic to is a critical part of allergy treatment. This way, you can avoid them in the future.
There are many different types of allergies, so ask your doctor about the best allergy tests for diagnosing your symptoms. Most often, allergists perform skin prick tests. These involve injecting tiny amounts of several common allergens to see if they provoke a reaction. Skin prick tests are different from allergy shots.
Because your immune system is constantly changing, it is possible for your allergies to change over time.
In some cases, children may outgrow food allergies as they get older. In fact, its estimated that about
However, a 2016 research review showed that certain food allergies are usually lifelong, including allergies to ingredients like:
- peanuts
- tree nuts
- fish
- shellfish
Adults can also develop allergies later in life, including seasonal allergies or allergies to specific foods.
On the other hand, some people may develop a tolerance to certain allergens and could experience a reduction in the severity or frequency of reactions as they get older.
This may be due to age-related changes in immune function, which alters how your body responds to allergens. Alternatively, it could be caused by repeated exposure to an allergen over time.
If you find that you are getting sick frequently or are regularly experiencing symptoms like coughing, congestion, or difficulty breathing, you may want to talk with your doctor.
You should also consider consulting your doctor if you feel that your allergies are interfering with your daily life or if OTC medications are no longer able to help you manage your symptoms.
Your allergist can help you develop a plan tailored to your needs and evaluate which treatment method is right for you.
It wont always be possible to completely get rid of your allergies, but you may be able to reduce your symptoms. There are also many steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of encountering allergens in your home. It will take a combination of different tactics to free your home of allergens.
You can also consider long-term immunotherapy treatments. In the meantime, talk with your doctor about medications that can help manage your symptoms.
9 Ways To Get Rid of Dog Allergies (Simple Steps)
Owning a pet comes with plenty of perks from companionship to stress relief, unconditional love, and many other bonuses.
In most cases pet owners consider their pets as part of their family.
But what do you do when one of your family members is always making you sick?
We`re referring to the allergy-causing pet dander which can cause unpleasant and uncomfortable health complications like sinus pain, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or even skin reactions.
While you may not exactly become immune to dander, well discuss some simple ways you can get rid of dog allergy symptoms.
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Please note that this advice is for informational purposes, and is NOT professional medical advice. If you suffer strong or severe allergy symptoms, we strongly encourage you to see a qualified medical specialist about your condition.
Tips For Eliminating Dog Allergy Symptoms
1. Clean More Often
Yes, I know cleaning is no fun, but pet dander, the most common type of dog-produced allergen, sticks to anything it lands on.
It takes some effort to reduce allergy-causing pet dander in your house, however simply cleaning household surfaces is sufficient to remove pet dander, and a quick clean every few days helps enormously.
You should also pay special attention to carpet, especially since foot traffic causes dander particles to continuously be thrown back into the air you breathe.
Did you know that dried dog saliva and urine also cause allergy symptoms?
If your dog likes to sleep in one spot on the carpet, then its likely there will be dried saliva there, and these particles can become airborne.
The best way to clean your carpet is to use a vacuum cleaner withHEPA filters, and for solid surfaces, a simple wipe with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove the dog dander.
2. Groom Your Pet Regularly
Let`s face it, most dog owners do not bathe their dogs as required, usually due to a lack of time, or not enjoying the chore of grooming.
Either way failing to bathe your dog will contribute to the build-up of allergens in your dogs coat.
Regular brushing can also be great to loosen and remove dead skin cells, but if you already have allergy symptoms then breathing the loosened particles can give you a nasty reaction so wear a mask while you brush.
According to the Humane Society, bathing your dog at least once a week is sufficient to reduce the number of allergens in your dog by 84%.
Though a simple dip and scrubbing with plain water can do, it`s recommended that you bathe your dog using the a good dander shampoo.
Shampoo is not only essential for removing dander, but some have ingredients to improve your dogs skin, which in turn lowers the amount of dander produced.
Read our article about anti-itch shampoos for dogs to find out more.
3. Use Dander Removal Spray
For whatever reasons, you might find that bathing your dog is a grueling task.
If that`s so, using a dander spray remover is your next best option, they are extremely easy to use, and are recommended by vets and allergists.
Dander spray contains natural enzymes, which are responsible for fighting pet dander as well as reducing the pet odors.
The spray is handy, especially for pet owners who are expecting visitors who are allergic to dogs, and studies have found vastly reduced dander loads in homes where the spray is used weekly.
Most sprays come with a set of grooming gloves, so you just spray your dogs coat and brush them over with the gloves once a week easy!
See some dander removal sprays at Amazon
4. Install A HEPA Air Purifier
Your ability to clean your household items can only go so far. You`re surely going to miss some places, and there are times when you cant get around to cleaning life gets busy.
Installing HEPA filters in your HVAC system, or free-standing air purifiers is a great solution to filtering microscopic pet dander from the air you breathe in your home.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters work by drawing in small airborne particles and trapping them in the extremely fine filter, with pure clean air returned to the room.
What many users love about HEPA filters is that besides removing dander, they also remove other allergy-causing particles such as mold, lint, and dust.
Most importantly, the air filters can provide a constant flow of fresh and quality air into your household.
See our recommendations for effective HEPA furnace filters
5. Designate Pet Free Spaces In Your Home
Yes, as much as we often like to have our favorite friends sitting on our bed wagging their tails, if youre an allergy sufferer then this brings the problem to the worst possible place.
Anywhere you spend large amounts of time will expose you to more allergens, so its worth thinking about where you do and dont want your dog to be.
One other obvious place is your lounge suite, as you will likely sit there regularly binge-watching some bizarre new Netflix series!
Once you make a final decision, then you can either close doors to those rooms, or train your dog to know where they are allowed to go in your house.
6. Cover Your Furniture With Washable Hypoallergenic Covers
Allowing your dog to roam freely in every corner of your household, including the bedroom is not a good idea.
Once they are on your bed, your pooch is likely to leave traces of dander, which is highly likely to cause an allergic reaction while you sleep there for 8 hours night after night.
However much you try to restrict your dog from sleeping on your bed or lounge suite, sometimes they may sneak where they shouldnt be especially the cheeky ones!
Removable and washable covers are one way you can help combat this problem, as they will protect the surfaces underneath from getting loaded with allergens, and can be cleaned regularly.
Get hypoallergenic bedding covers at Amazon
7. Use A Dust Mite Spray
Aside from having allergic reactions to pet allergens, quite often people have reactions to the microscopic creatures that feed on those allergens such as dust mites.
Reducing dander around your home will help reduce dust mite numbers, since they will have less food, however you can reduce the occurrence of dust mites further with special sprays.
Get mite and allergy control sprays at Amazon
8. Allergy Immunotherapy
Also referred to as allergy shots,allergy immunotherapyis a treatment option that lessens your reaction to the allergens you get treated for.
Similar to a vaccine jab, allergy shots work by decreasing your sensitivity to dog allergens, helping to greatly reduce your symptoms.
Allergy shots work by exposing the human body to mild amounts of allergy-causing contaminants, and helps the body to build up an immunity or tolerance to the allergens.
To get these you will need to speak to your doctor for advice.
9. Get Rid Of Your Dog
Before you begin demonizing me, this is the first thing an allergist will recommend, but obviously for any true dog lover this is the absolute last resort.
While giving your dog away is completely unthinkable, to some the daily misery of strong allergy symptoms is too much to handle.
Though the idea is heartbreaking, it does not mean you can never see your dog again.
You could take them to a farm, give them to a family member, or friend who you trust to look after and love your dog as much as you do.
Sources
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy)
