If you suffer from allergies but love dogs, you may have assumed that owning a dog is out of the question. However, research has shown that having a dog can actually help alleviate allergy symptoms.

In this article, we’ll explore the power of pets and how dogs can help treat allergies.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to substances such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

For some people, allergies are a minor inconvenience. For others, they can significantly impact their quality of life.

How Dogs Can Help

It may seem counterintuitive, but owning a dog can actually help alleviate allergy symptoms. Here are some ways in which dogs can be helpful:.

Dogs can help strengthen the immune system

Studies have shown that exposure to pets, particularly dogs, during infancy can help strengthen the immune system. This means that people who grow up with dogs are less likely to develop allergies later in life.

Dogs can help reduce stress

Stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Dogs are known to be calming and can help reduce stress levels, which in turn can help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Dogs can help keep the house clean

Cleanliness is important when it comes to managing allergies. Dogs can help keep the house clean by acting as natural vacuum cleaners, picking up hair and debris from floors and furniture. This can help reduce the amount of pet dander in the home.

Dogs can help reduce pet dander

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not pet hair that causes allergies, but rather pet dander. Pet dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin that are shed by dogs and other animals.

Regular grooming and bathing can help reduce the amount of pet dander that your dog sheds, which in turn can help alleviate allergies.

Choosing the Right Dog

If you’re considering getting a dog and you have allergies, it’s important to choose the right breed. Some breeds are less likely to cause allergies than others. Here are some breeds to consider:.

Poodle

Poodles are a popular choice for people with allergies because they don’t shed much hair. They also have curly hair, which can help trap dander, preventing it from being released into the air.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises have curly hair, like poodles, and don’t shed much hair, which can help keep dander to a minimum. They’re also small dogs, which means they produce less dander than larger breeds.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small dogs with long hair that doesn’t shed much. They’re also known for their low dander levels, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

Tips for Living with a Dog if You Have Allergies

If you do decide to get a dog and you have allergies, there are a number of things you can do to make living with your new pet easier:.

Invest in an air purifier

An air purifier can help remove pet dander and other allergens from the air. Make sure to choose a model that’s designed for pet allergies.

Vacuum frequently

Regular vacuuming can help remove hair and dander from your carpets and furniture. Make sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap smaller particles.

Wash your hands frequently

Washing your hands frequently can help remove pet dander that you may have come into contact with while petting your dog.

Designate a pet-free zone

Consider designating a room in your home as a pet-free zone. This can give you a break from dander and other allergens when you need it.

The Bottom Line

If you love dogs but suffer from allergies, don’t despair. With the right breed and some simple strategies for managing allergies, you can enjoy the many benefits of pet ownership without the discomfort of allergy symptoms.