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How to control allergies?
We have a 5 month old english bully who just started to grow into himself and is really starting to shed. Our clothes, furniture, floors, etc are covered in dog hair. We use the furminator 2x a day and pull up a ton of hair each time. I am also a clean freak and vacuum/sweep a few times a week to help combat some of the hair issues. We live in the desert so we can't bathe him too frequently or his skin will get irritated and dry but we try to bathe him every 2 weeks or so. We use a high quality oatmeal shampoo/conditioner.
That being said, I think I am starting to develop an allergy to his dander...I have a light rash all over my body that itches like crazy that gets aggrevated in the am/pm when I cuddle with my pup. No new changes to anything, besides the fact that my clothes are covered in dog hair. I have never really been around short hair dogs that shed; we always had long hair dogs in the past that did not shed. Since giving him up is NOT AN OPTION, how do those with pet allergies cope? Are there specific foods that people recommend to help? Supplements that could help as well? I am going to go to the Dr to have a RAST test but I didn't know if you pesties had any at home remedies.
TIA!
Re: How to control allergies?
To reduce the shedding I would look into feeding a high quality grain free food. I can't remember what age dogs can start eating grain free. For foods, check out ww.dogfoodanalysis.com. Our beagle doesn't shed much at all as a result of eating good food.
For allergies I take zyrtec and that's worked pretty well.
If you are worried about his skin drying out you can add some coconut or olive oil to his food to give him a little extra boost. It might also help his coat.
If you are in a position to get rid of carpet (if you have any) that will collect less dander. Also, launder any blankets your and your pup might cuddle under more frequently.
If you have a leather/vinyl type couch you can wipe it down daily with a damp cloth. If it's fabric, you can vacuum it to get his dander off.
Zyrtec works well for me during allergy season... but I just have hay fever, not pet allergies.
Good luck with this!
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