A good living environment can effectively reduce allergens

There are many types of allergens. If the allergy is not easy to determine, like after a vaccine injection or eating food, it is basically difficult for us to identify the allergen causing the dog’s allergy. The severity of allergies can vary greatly. Mild allergies can be treated with a single desensitization injection, while severe allergies may directly threaten the dog’s life. Therefore, when allergy symptoms appear, it is important to take the dog to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. Of course, corresponding anti-allergy measures should also be taken daily.

1. Maintain good indoor ventilation habits regularly to effectively reduce indoor dust. Some dogs may be allergic to dust and other fine particles.

2. Try to use materials that are not easily permeable, and avoid materials that easily retain dust and debris, such as cloth curtains, bedding, and carpets. Carpets can carry a hundred times more allergens than floors. If carpets cannot be removed, they should be cleaned frequently.

3. Sofa covers, bedding, curtains, the dog’s bed, and the toilet should all be washed regularly. Using a micro-filter on vacuum cleaners can clean allergens more effectively.

4. Groom your dog outdoors so that the shed dandruff and hair remain outside, ensuring indoor cleanliness and hygiene.

5. Bathe your dog regularly as dogs carry as many allergens on their bodies as in the external environment. Although products that reduce allergens by spraying on the animal's fur have been developed abroad, studies show that regular bathing is more effective. An American allergy and asthma expert believes that using some professional products daily to wipe the dog’s saliva and dandruff can achieve the same effect without forcing water-fearing dogs to endure baths. Usually, companion animals should not be bathed more than once every 10 days.

If allergy symptoms are found, the dog should be taken to the hospital immediately

6. Immunotherapy can reduce symptoms but cannot cure completely. Doctors try to reduce the patient’s immune system sensitivity to the animal through injection treatments that stimulate the body to produce antibodies that bind allergens, preventing allergic reactions. Patients usually receive weekly treatments; after several weeks or months, injections can be given once a month.

7. Other desensitization treatments include steroid and antihistamine sprays, decongestants, eye drops, or tablets. Asthma patients can use medication, sprays, and inhalers. Studies have shown that antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, play an important role in reducing allergies.

Almost all dogs have their own allergens. Therefore, if owners are not sure about what items their dogs are allergic to, they can take the dog for allergen testing, which some hospitals can now perform. After identifying the allergens, owners should try to prevent dogs from contacting these items. Dogs like to chew on things randomly, which easily exposes them to allergens. So besides avoiding contact with allergens, owners should train dogs not to develop the habit of biting everything they see. If such behavior is noticed, it should be stopped as soon as possible.