Allergic to Your Dog? Ways to Help…
- Rachel Velarde
- Mar, 18, 2021
- Dog Inspiration, Holistic Supplements, Overall Wellness, Pet Safety
- No Comments.

15 to 20% of Americans have some sort of allergic reaction to dogs. Despite the prevalence of dog-related asthma, sneezing, itchy skin and hives, nearly half of US households have at least one pup. Pet lovers are clearly willing to endure their symptoms in order to enjoy the many benefits of sharing their lives with dogs. Luckily, there are several things these paw-rents can do to help control their dog allergies. Studies have shown only one in five owners are willing to give up their pups due to allergies – even when their doctors recommend it. If allergy testing shows you are indeed allergic to your dog, there are several ways you can help minimize your symptoms and keep your pup!
What Causes Dog Allergies?
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies occur when the immune system reacts to an allergy-triggering substance. For example, when a person with dog allergies encounters a pup, their body reacts to proteins in the hair and skin cells (dander). The immune system goes into defense mode, causing inflammation of the skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.
The severity of the allergic reaction varies from person to person and can change throughout an individual’s life. Some may get an itchy rash while others suffer sinus pressure and sneezing. In rare cases, life-threatening asthma or deadly anaphylaxis can occur.
1. Create an “Allergy-Free” Zone in Your Home.
The dander that causes dog allergies has a way of sticking to clothes, bedding, curtains and carpets. If possible, folks with allergies should restrict their dogs’ access to the bedroom. It may seem sad to give up nightly cuddles with your pup, but it’s better than having to give him up for good! Those with strong allergies should also invest in high-efficiency HEPA air cleaners to make sure dander from around the house does not drift into their “allergy-free” zone.
2. Lose the Carpets.
As mentioned above, allergens have a knack for sticking to soft surfaces. Removing carpeting in favor of hardwood, tile or laminate flooring will help minimize buildup. Drapes and curtains should also be replaced with shutters or blinds. When it comes to furniture, synthetic leather is a better choice than fabric. If you cannot replace your carpets, be sure to have them deep-cleaned at least twice a year.
3. Clean/Vacuum Frequently.
Frequent cleaning and vacuuming prevents allergens from building up in the nooks and crannies of your home. Wipe down all surfaces where dust may accumulate, including fan blades and shelves. Change air filters regularly – perhaps even more often than monthly – and wear a mask when dusting and cleaning, as these activities are likely to trigger your dog allergies.
Be sure to choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. They remove up to 99.97% of tiny, allergy-inducing particles. It is also important to ensure your vacuum is functioning properly. If not tightly sealed, allergens may bypass the filter and be redistributed back into the air. After vacuuming, empty the canister outside to prevent particles from spreading back into your home.
4. Wash Your Dog’s Bedding Weekly.
Dogs spend most of their time sleeping or lounging, so it is no wonder their bedding is a magnet for hair and dander. Frequent washings with specially formulated laundry detergent will help remove allergens. If your pup’s bed is awkward to wash, try covering it with blankets or sheets to catch the dander. These items can be easily tossed into the wash and replaced.
5. Keep Your Dog Well-Groomed.
Many people with dog allergies seek out “hypoallergenic” breeds. While no dog is entirely allergen-free, smaller, low-shedding breeds tend to cause less symptoms. However, low-shedding dogs have constantly-growing hair coats that require frequent grooming.
Talk to your groomer about choosing a short, neat haircut. Sometimes referred to as a “puppy cut,” this style will reduce the number of allergens that accumulate on the hair coat.
While your groomer will bathe your dog at the time of his haircut, you may also want to give extra baths at home. Frequent bathing removes dead skin cells and can reduce allergens by as much as 84%. Just keep in mind that over-bathing can be harmful to your pup’s delicate skin. Ask your vet to recommend a shampoo and help you come up with a bathing schedule.
Grooming wipes are another choice when a full bath is not an option. They are gentle, fresh-smelling and help swab away allergens on your dog’s coat and paws after trips outside. Frequent brushing also helps remove dead hair and dander that may otherwise trigger your dog allergies. As an added bonus, it is great for your pup’s skin and coat.
6. Make Sure Your Pup is Potty Trained.
Potty training is one of the basics of dog ownership, but did you know it can also help reduce your allergies? In addition to dander, dogs release allergens through their urine. The particles stick around long after the pee has dried and easily spread throughout the air. For help potty training your stubborn pup, check out this post.
7. Take Supplements and Medication if needed.
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but being a pet parent with dog allergies does not necessarily mean you have to spend your life in a Benadryl fog. New allergy treatments are emerging all the time, so work with your doctor to find the right combination of medications and holistic options that work for you. Just be sure your allergist understands you are committed to keeping your dog.
Antihistamines, inhalers, decongestants, steroid-based treatments and immunotherapy (allergy shots) can all be quite effective depending on the patient. Vitamins like E, C, A, and B6, as well as oils containing omega-3 fatty acids may also help bolster your system to defend against your dog allergies.
Devoting yourself to these small changes can make a world of difference when it comes to living with dog allergies. As you already know, your pup is worth it!

About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Winter Park, FL. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Outdoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019