Dog Allergy Symptoms: Respiratory and Skin Reactions

Dog allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchiness can be signs that you have a dog allergy. Typically, you would notice these allergy symptoms after you are around a dog, especially if you pet them. However, if you live with a dog, it can be more challenging to discern whether your allergy symptoms are from your dog or something else.

This article explains common skin and respiratory dog allergy symptoms, dog breeds known for causing dog allergy symptoms, and treatment. It also covers how to live with pets when you have dog allergies.

An illustration with dog allergy symptoms

Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health

Dog Allergy Skin Symptoms

As with other allergies, dog allergies can produce skin symptoms. The predominant dog allergy skin symptoms are:

  • Rashes
  • Hives
  • Itching

Allergens to a dog are found in a dog's fur, dander (dead skin cells), and body fluids like saliva and urine. Skin symptoms may occur after you are scratched or licked by a dog.

Dog Allergy Respiratory Symptoms

In addition to skin symptoms, dog allergies often produce respiratory symptoms. These include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Watery, red, itchy eyes

Pet allergens can linger in the air longer than other allergens. That's because their jagged shape allows them to stick well to things like furniture, clothing, and carpet.

The clinging nature of dog allergens means they can be easily transported in and out of the home. So, if another household member spent time with a dog, you might notice allergy symptoms even if you didn't interact with the dog.

Dog allergies can trigger some people's asthma. So, if you have asthma and a dog allergy (or suspected dog allergy), be aware that respiratory symptoms may cause an asthma attack.

Allergists (doctors specializing in treating allergies and asthma) can usually diagnose dog allergies by using an allergy test called a skin prick test.

Dog Allergies vs. Cat Allergies

Cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs. However, cat and dog allergy symptoms are similar, including respiratory and skin symptoms.

Dog Breeds Known for Causing Allergy Symptoms

While not all dogs produce the same allergens, the idea of a "hypoallergenic dog" is a misnomer. In fact, a 2011 study found no statistically significant differences in allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic dog breeds and non-hypoallergenic dog breeds.

That said, since allergens are present in saliva, breeds that tend to drool may spread allergens more than breeds that don't. Popular high-drool breeds include:

  • Bloodhound
  • Mastiff breeds
  • Newfoundland
  • Saint Bernard

In addition, while fur, itself, is not an allergen, it can carry dander. So, breeds that shed a lot may spread allergens more readily than dogs that shed less. Popular breeds that shed a lot include:

  • Bernese mountain dog
  • Collie
  • German shepherd
  • Golden retriever
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Huskies
  • Labrador retriever
  • Newfoundland
  • Pekingese
  • Sheepdog breeds

Can You Live With a Dog If You Have Dog Allergies?

While no dogs are truly hypoallergenic because all dogs have allergens, some dogs are called "hypoallergenic" because they do not shed. Commonly, these are poodle and doodle-style breeds.

If you suspect you have dog allergies, allergists recommend working with a healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis. You may find through testing that your allergy is to pollen or dust that your pet carries on their fur, and your allergies are not to your dog after all.

If you are allergic to dogs, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a dog. Allergists recommend treating dog allergies with immunotherapy (allergy shots). This treatment desensitizes you to dog allergens so that you can live with dogs without unmanageable allergy symptoms.

Severe Dog Allergy Symptoms

As with any allergy, sometimes dog allergies can be severe. This is more common in people with asthma, as dog allergies can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.

If you suspect dog allergies and you have asthma, be aware of the following warning signs of an asthma attack:

  • Increased need for inhaler medication
  • Worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Low exercise tolerance

Stay calm and use your inhaler. Then seek immediate medical attention.

What Helps With Dog Allergy Symptoms?

Many methods are used to treat dog allergies. Like other allergies, the most effective way to treat the allergy is to remove the allergen. However, that's often easier said than done when it comes to pets. In addition to managing the allergens, you should also discuss treatment with a healthcare provider.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block a chemical called histamine released by your immune system when it encounters an allergen. These medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. They temporarily relieve allergy symptoms.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays deliver a fine mist of medication directly to your nostrils. The medication types vary, including antihistamines, steroids, decongestants, or mast cell inhibitors.

Allergists often prefer this type of treatment for those with nasal allergy symptoms because they are very effective in relieving symptoms. Some are available OTC, while others are by prescription.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots expose your body to the allergen through a series of shots. They are not medications but rather a way to desensitize your body over time to the allergen. As you become less sensitive to the allergen, your allergy symptoms are more manageable.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids (preventive inhalers) are primarily used to prevent asthma attacks and control asthma. Healthcare providers prescribe these for those who need more consistent management than a rescue inhaler.

Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators (rescue inhalers) provide quick relief from an asthma attack. They use a medication called albuterol to open and relax the airways. They provide relief from airway constriction within minutes.

Living With Pets With Dog Allergy Symptoms

In addition to treating your allergy symptoms, if you have pets in the home, allergists recommend the following dog allergy management techniques:

  • Keep the dog out of your bedroom and restrict the number of rooms it has access to.
  • Wash your hands after interacting with your dog.
  • Avoid hugging and kissing your dog.
  • Run high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers.
  • Clean often with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
  • Bathe and groom your dog once a week.

Summary

Dog allergies have many of the same symptoms as other allergies, including skin rashes, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing.

While there are no truly hypoallergenic dog breeds because all dogs carry allergens, some dog breeds that shed or drool less may deposit fewer allergens. Severe symptoms may occur in people with asthma, as they may trigger an asthma attack.

Fortunately, there are ways to treat dog allergy symptoms, including immunotherapy and antihistamines. Many people with dog allergies find that with treatment and management techniques, they can live comfortably with their pets.

12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Kathi Valeii
As a freelance writer, Kathi has experience writing both reported features and essays for national publications on the topics of healthcare, advocacy, and education. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice.