Allergic to Dogs Prevention | Summary Chart

Person allergic to allergens produced by the dog itself i.e. dog allergens associated with dander, skin secretions/ sebaceous oil glands, saliva, urine, blood or feces ³

1 – Maintain optimal skin/coat condition of dog.

2 – Reduce dog allergen levels on/in coat.

Minimize dog allergen contamination of surroundings by the dog and subsequent human exposure to contamination.

1 – Ensure skin/coat is clean, hydrated and nourished e.g. regular brushing and grooming, use of omega 3 supplements etc.

2 – Brushing and grooming tips ¹
a) Surface Coat Allergens
Frequent use of damp microfiber cloth or unscented wet wipes.
b) Deep Coat Allergens
Frequent bathing – medicated dander shampoos.
c) Toilet Related Allergens
Frequent ‘mini baths’ to reduce toilet-related dog allergens levels around the home, in particular:
Males –  Feet/Legs/Belly
Bitches – Feet/Legs

Maximize time dog spends outdoors*

Minimize contact with dog ¹
Brushing and grooming tips ¹
e.g. brush outside, wash hands after handling etc.
Consider using ¹
– Hypoallergenic covers
– HEPA vacuum cleaner
– Air Filters and purifiers
Reduce allergen build-up ¹
e.g. frequent, efficient home cleaning through having wooden floors not carpets, blinds not curtains etc.

Good communication ²
Let others know about your condition.
Set boundaries for the dog ²
e.g. no bedroom access, crating
Other considerations ²
e.g. avoid allergy ‘aggravators’, gender of dog etc.

Designated toilet area in garden with good drainage e.g. 6+” (15+ cm) of sand facilitates drainage and helps limit cross contamination of the dog’s feet/legs (particularly as bitches squat when urinating). Avoid grassed areas and always remove feces as soon as possible.

Person not allergic to allergens produced by the dog itself but to other allergens transported by them e.g. dietary or environmental allergens ³

Minimize non dog allergen (i.e. dietary and environmental allergens) levels associated with dog e.g. transported via licking or those on/in its coat.

Minimize non dog allergen (i.e. dietary and environmental allergens) contamination of surroundings by the dog and subsequent human exposure to contamination.

Dietary Allergens –
Consider a hypoallergenic diet for the dog which excludes allergens known to cause problems for the person with a food allergy.

Dietary and Environmental Allergens –
Brushing and grooming tips ¹
Surface Coat Allergens
Frequent use of damp microfiber cloth or unscented wet wipes
Deep Coat Allergens
Frequent bathing e.g. Hodson et al. 1999

Environmental Allergens –
Minimize time dog spend outdoors*

For allergens such as pollen, good practice for reducing allergen load inside the home is to keep windows closed and use filtered air-con.

Dietary and Environmental Allergens-
Minimize contact with dog ¹
Brushing and grooming tips  ¹
e.g. brush outside is still preferable to brushing inside, wash hands after handling etc.
Consider using ¹
– Hypoallergenic Covers
– HEPA vacuum cleaner
– Air Filters and Purifiers to minimize airborne allergens
Reduce allergen build-up ¹
e.g. frequent, efficient home cleaning e.g. wooden floors not carpets, blinds not curtains etc.

Good communication ²
e.g. let others know about your condition.
Set boundaries for the dog ²
e.g. no bedroom access, crating
Other considerations ²
e.g. avoid allergy ‘aggravators’, dog size  etc.

¹ Refer to Allergic to Dogs Prevention | Practical Tips and Advice

² Refer to Allergic to Dogs Prevention | Communication, Boundaries and Other Considerations

³ Refer to Dog Allergies Causes for more information on dog specific allergies and dog related allergies