Dog Dander Allergies: Causes and Home Remedies for Dog Dander Removal

June 1, 2010 | Dog Health | Leave a Comment |

Causes of Dog Dander Allergies

  • Dog dander is actually the sloughing off of skin cells that float around airborne, causing sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose to those who are exposed to it. Dogs scratch a lot and these skin flakes are constantly being shed. The skin flakes of dog dander are sticky and when they land on surfaces they can build up, thereby increasing the allergen levels in the home.
    Cleaning regularly prevents excessive build up of dog dander, and can decrease the irritating allergic reactions to it.
  • Also read the treatment and home remedies for flea allergy
  • Rest assured that if you or a family member has allergies to dog dander, you don’t have to get rid of the dog or keep him outside. There are many measures you can take in your home, and with your pet, to keep your dog right beside you, where your best friend should be.

Home Remedies and Treatment of Dog Dander Allergies

  • Rest assured that if you or a family member has allergies to dog dander, you don’t have to get rid of the dog or keep him outside. There are many measures you can take in your home, and with your pet, to keep doggies right beside you, where your best friend should be.
  • Also read how to stop puppy from chewing furniture
  • Keep the dogs skin moisturized to prevent scaling, flaking, and the itchiness that the dog himself experiences.
    Include plenty of the good fatty acids in your dogs diet to keep the skin supple and prevent drying. The dry skin leads to more itching, and ultimately, more dog dander.
  • Bathe your dog regularly. It is very important to be sure to rinse the dog thoroughly to get all the soap out. Excess soap left on the dog can dry the skin and cause severe itching for the dog. Excessive itching can easily lead to secondary infections for your dog.
  • Also read why is my puppy sneezing a lot
  • Treatment  and home remedies for Dog Allergy To Grass.

Natural Dog Dander Removal

  • Even if you remove the dog completely, which most pet owners would not hear of, the allergens from dog dander will remain for 6 months.
  • A good quality air filter in the home will decrease the amount of dog dander floating throughout your home.
  • Vacuum and steam clean your furniture regularly to prevent build up of the dog dander and decrease allergic reactions to it. You may want to make some furniture off limits to the dog. For those of us who share our bed and couches with our pups, this may seem mean, but making SOME sacrifices is better than not having the dog at all.
  • If you have forced air vents in your home, the dog dander is spreading throughout the entire house and being constantly blown around. Investing in central air filters would help immensely with allergies to dog dander.
Related Reading:

Causes of Human Allergies to Dogs

  • People who have an allergy to dogs typically have other preexisting conditions such as asthma or respiratory issues.
  • Humans allergies to dogs involve either an allergy to the dogs saliva, urine, or the dog dander.   Dander is old dead skin cells that are shed. The fur has nothing to do with the symptoms you experience

Symptoms of Human Allergies to Dogs

  • Red and Itchiness in Eyes
  • Runny Nose
  • Cold
  • Sneezing
  • Asthma
  • Red Itchy Skin Or A Rash

Home Treatments of Human Allergies to Dogs

  • If possible, set the dog up outside for a couple months. Thoroughly clean all indoor areas to remove dander and disinfect saliva areas like the dogs feeding area and dog dishes.
  • When you move the dog indoors, make your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen off limits. You spend most time there. Keep extra clean and free from dander. This will offer some relief to you.
  • Home treatment of human allergies to dogs will be an ongoing process. Keep your pet clean and brushed regularly. You might be wise to take the dog to a groomer or wear a mask. Brushing the dog can aggravate your symptoms of watery, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing  and wheezing as you are removing dander.
  • Close the ducts in the bedrooms and use some type of electric heat.
  • Use a hepa filter system in your vacuum to prevent dust and dander and hair from escaping back out of the vacuum.
  • Use a Hepa air cleaner in your home.
  • Encourage the dog outside more in the fresh.
  • Don’t allow the dog up on the furniture particularly if it is upholstered. Dog dander sticks to it. Steam clean often.
  • If possible, use throw rugs that can be thrown in the washer easily. Get rid of wall to wall carpeting where dust, dander and mold can build up. Stick to smooth surfaces like wood or tile.
  • Thorough regular cleaning will be a way of life if you want to keep your pet.
Related Reading:

Causes of Dog Cat Allergy

  • It can certainly upset the harmony of a happy household if your dog becomes allergic to the cat that you love too.
  • It is possible for the dog to develop allergies to the cat. If he starts showing signs of sneezing, irritated watery eyes, congestion and a clear drainage from his nose and eyes, an allergy should be considered.
  • Generally the dog cat allergy is in direct response to the cats dander.
  • Have no fear, it doesn’t mean you have to get rid of either one of your furry friends. There are many home treatments for dog cat allergies to make the situation tolerable for all involved.
  • You may want to read more about list of least allergenic cats

Home Treatments of Dog Cat Allergies

  • Be vigilant about keeping the cat dander to the minimum. Good grooming of the cat is essential.
  • Brush the cat frequently, outside if possible, to remove excess hair and remove the old dead skin cells underneath that are the instigators.
  • Most times the allergy symptoms will occur only if the dog and cat are in close proximity over prolonged periods of time. Don’t let them sleep in the same room. 8 hours of sleep time together at  the foot of your bed is bound to exacerbate symptoms.
  • Allow more time for the animals to be outdoors in wide open spaces. If it is an indoor cat, allow the dog to spend most time outside.
  • Make at least one area in the home off limits to the cat, perhaps wherever the dog likes to sleep.
  • Meticulous cleaning is essential in the home to wipe down blinds, walls and all nooks and cranny’s where dust and dander accumulates.
  • Vacuum frequently with a good vacuum with a special hepa filter. This will cut down on particles, dust, and hair being released back into the air.

Speak Your Mind