Can You Live With a Dog if You’re Allergic?
People love having dogs in their homes. Dogs are the best companions. They’re called man’s best friend for a reason. But what happens if you want a dog but are allergic to them? Some people think they can’t own a dog if they’re allergic, but there are definitely some options to work around this issue.
The following points will help you to understand how you can have a furry friend despite your allergies.
Breed
Before you get any dog, you need to think about the dog’s breed. For example, some people love lab puppies but may face allergic reactions if they go with that breed. Labs tend to shed and have dandruff, so that could cause problems for your allergies. And, anxiety for your dog.
You can go with a hypoallergenic breed or a hairless one based on your allergies. Hypoallergenic breeds work well for people who don’t have severe allergies. However, the owners must remain mindful of potential shedding and monitor their pets.
Make sure you clean your home and adjust your diet if you get a dog. Doing so will reduce your odds of an allergic reaction even if you get a hypoallergenic or hairless breed.
See a veterinarian
You can talk with a veterinarian about the situation if you don’t know how to handle your allergies.
Vets study animals and understand what causes their shedding so that they can offer you some advice. For example, they may recommend the best medication to reduce your allergy symptoms or give you strategies to reduce shedding.
You can also bring up other concerns, such as behavioral issues and separation anxiety, while you visit the vet to help your dog.
It never hurts to seek understanding to keep you and your dog safe. Otherwise, you could deal with sneezing and severe side effects while you try to care for your dog.
Have an outdoor dog
You can have an outdoor dog if you face allergies in enclosed spaces. On the other hand, some people don’t like outdoor dogs since they don’t want them in poor weather conditions. Think about how you feel about the subject before you get a dog.
Many dogs do well while outside but ensure you provide them proper shelter, warmth, and care to keep them healthy. Doing so will limit your exposure to their fur, so you don’t end up suffering.
Since the outdoors provides an open space, you don’t have to worry about fur and dander building up in the air. While keeping your dog outside won’t be a perfect solution, it can work for some people based on their situations.
Taking the necessary precautions
If you have any allergies when it comes to pets, you must consider the necessary precautions and how to keep yourself safe. Doing so requires you to identify the best actions to reduce exposure to potential allergies.
You can try these cleaning tips to prevent an allergy outbreak in your home:
- Having a no-pet room
- Giving weekly dog baths
- Cleaning the house regularly
A no-pet room also works well since you can go in there whenever your allergies act up. You can also remove fur from your home by vacuuming your home and grooming your pet. Even though your dog may not appreciate a weekly bath, doing so will make your life easier.
Wrap up
Even though dogs can cause allergic reactions, you can minimize the risk. Doing so will help you have a dog in your home without sneezing or having watery eyes the entire time.
If you follow the above tips, you can enjoy having a dog in your life without suffering from allergies.
