Best medication for allergies to dogs: Types and more - Medical News Today

People with an allergy to dogs may take medications to help manage their allergic reactions. A person can choose from several available options depending on the symptoms and their severity.

An allergic reaction occurs when a person's immune system reacts hypersensitively to specific proteins called allergens. In response to these foreign substances, the body produces antibodies that release chemicals such as histamines. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.

People may have an allergy to dogs, or dog fur may carry other environmental allergens, such as molds, pollen, and dust mites.

This article explores dog allergies, the best medications to treat them, and other possible treatments.

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 69 million households in the United States owned dogs from 2021 to 2022.

About 10–20% of the world's population is allergic to dog allergens, which may trigger allergy symptoms and trigger or worsen symptoms of asthma.

Pet allergens circulate in the air, including in areas with no pets. In people with a dog allergy, it is not the dog that triggers the allergic reaction but the proteins trapped in their fur. These allergens are present in dogs' dander, which are dead skin cells, as well as their saliva and urine.

Different dog breeds may have different dog allergens, and people may develop allergies to some breeds but not others. Hypoallergenic dogs may cause fewer symptoms in people allergic to dogs because they shed less.

A person who believes they have a dog allergy may consider visiting an allergist. Allergists are healthcare providers who can help diagnose a person's allergies and provide a specific treatment that suits their symptoms.

Learn more about dog allergies here.

Symptoms of allergies

Allergens trigger allergy symptoms when they reach a person's eyes, nose, mouth, skin, or airways. Symptoms include:

Learn more about seasonal allergies here.

Below are some of the most common medications for people with dog allergies.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines block histamines, the chemicals that initiate the body's immune response against allergens.

This type of medication can relieve itching in the nose and eyes and reduce sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. These come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form.

A person can buy them online or obtain them through a doctor's prescription. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines include:

• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Learn about the difference between Zyrtec and Claritin here.

Corticosteroids

Nasal spray corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and control allergy symptoms. They contain low dose corticosteroids and have a lower risk than oral corticosteroids. Examples include:

Some of these drugs are only available with a prescription.

Decongestants

Decongestants shrink swollen tissues in the nasal passages to help a person breathe through the nose more easily. These come in nasal spray and oral forms. Examples of decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).

Learn about the differences between pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine.

Oral decongestants can increase a person's blood pressure. As a result, people with any of the following conditions should talk with their doctor before taking this medication:

Taking decongestants for longer than 5 days may lead to rebound nasal congestion.

Learn more about the best decongestants by age.

Leukotriene modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers are prescription medications that block the action of immune system chemicals called leukotrienes.

Doctors may prescribe them to individuals who cannot tolerate antihistamines or corticosteroids. Montelukast (Singulair) is an example of this type of drug.

Cromolyn sodium

Cromolyn sodium is an OTC nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals such as histamines and leukotrienes.

A person needs to take this 4 times a day. It works best if people take it before symptoms develop.

Aside from OTC and prescription medications, people may also consider other treatments for dog allergies.

Allergy shots

Allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots aim to train the body's immune system to tolerate an allergen. Doctors may recommend this in people with severe or long-standing dog allergies.

A doctor delivers the allergen to the body through a series of shots. Allergists typically give the allergy shots once or twice a week for 3–6 months. A person continues to receive maintenance shots every month for the next 3–5 years.

Current research suggests that allergen immunotherapy may effectively reduce pet allergy symptoms.

Safety concerns

Treating pet allergies using immunotherapy depends on consistent and reliable allergen extracts.

Lack of standardization in manufacturing dog allergen extracts can also be a safety issue. Having different lots of extracts that contain different amounts of allergen proteins, even from the same manufacturer, could potentially lead to sudden exposure of a person to high levels of allergens. This exposure can lead to adverse reactions like anaphylaxis.

A person needs to consult an emergency room immediately if they are experiencing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Nasal rinse or irrigation

Nasal irrigation is a natural remedy that can help clear the nasal passages of any allergens to reduce symptoms. A person can use a device called a neti pot or a nasal lavage with a prepared saline rinse.

Research suggests that nasal saline irrigation, whether alone or combined with other traditional treatments, may improve symptoms, decrease the need for allergy medications, and enhance quality of life.

Asthma medications

Exposure to allergens may affect individuals with asthma. Asthma medications such as bronchodilators or inhalable corticosteroids can prevent these allergens from triggering or worsening asthma episodes.

Learn more about asthma and allergies at our dedicated hub.

Dog allergies occur when allergens or proteins in dog dander, saliva, or urine cause a person to have an allergic reaction.

Avoiding exposure to dogs is the most effective way to prevent dog allergies. However, medications and natural remedies can help with reducing symptoms.

The best treatment for dog allergies depends on the type and severity of the allergy. A doctor or allergist may recommend a person take medication to manage it.