Dog Allergens & How to Help Manage Them at Home

A black and white dog lying on a black leather couch in a sunlit room with dust particles visible in the air.

Explore common dog allergy symptoms and simple, at-home remedies to alleviate discomfort. Find helpful tips to manage allergies and create a more comfortable environment.

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The saying “man’s best friend” refers to dogs, not the allergens that come with them. Dog allergies are a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. These allergies are primarily triggered by allergens found in dog dander, saliva and urine. When dogs roam the house, groom themselves or cuddle up to you, these allergens can become airborne and spread. Understanding the symptoms of dog allergies can help you better manage and mitigate their impact on your day-to-day life.

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Common dog allergy symptoms

If you live with a dog and experience any of these symptoms, you may be allergic.1

  • Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Eye symptoms: Itchy, watery or red eyes
  • Skin reactions: Rashes, itching or hives, especially after contact
  • Asthma flareups: Tightness in chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing

Causes of dog allergies

Where do allergens from dogs come from, exactly?

The primary culprit behind dog allergies is the Can f 1 and Can f 2 proteins, which are present in dog saliva, dander and urine. This protein is transferred to their fur and skin, eventually becoming airborne as dander. These tiny allergen particles can float through the air and settle on various surfaces within the home, including furniture, carpets and clothing. As a result, even brief contact with these surfaces can trigger allergic reactions, making it challenging to avoid exposure to dog allergens.2

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your life as a dog parent. Follow our steps that use three effective Clorox products to remove 99% of allergens, including pet dander, dust mite matter and cockroach matter.

What you need

Steps to reduce dog allergens at home

  1. Clean your home

    Remove pet allergens from hard, nonporous surfaces throughout your home by wiping surface clean with a Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipe. Let air dry. For larger cleaning jobs, spray Clorox™ Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach Spray & Mold Remover 4 to 6 inches from surface until thoroughly wet. Let stand for 3 minutes. Wipe clean. For surfaces that may come into contact with food, a potable water rinse is required.

    Tip

    Don’t just clean where your dog hangs out. Surfaces like ceiling fans, fireplaces and moulding can be typical places that dust and pet dander pile up.

  2. Groom your dog

    Brush and bathe your dog regularly, ideally outside if possible, to help reduce the amount of loose fur and dander. Grooming wipes can also help remove allergens from their coat.

    Tip

    Follow up your grooming routine with Clorox™ Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths to wipe or mop floors clean. Let air dry.

  3. Regularly wash your pet items

    Choose a dog bed with a removable cover, and consider washing it on a weekly basis. A waterproof material can help prevent mold from growing. If your pet bed does not have a removable cover, we recommend vacuuming it regularly to help reduce allergens. Don’t forget other items like car seat covers and carriers, and consider frequently washing your bedding and clothing.

  4. Manage your symptoms

    Talk to your doctor to manage your symptoms. They may recommend taking over-the-counter allergy medication when needed or immunotherapy that can help reduce your sensitivity over time.

Best products for allergen removal

HEPA filters and other products in the market may help manage pet allergens at home.

While having a dog also means living with allergens, a regular allergy cleaning routine may help you manage their effects. Clorox™ Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox™ Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach Spray & Mold Remover are great for hard surfaces, while Clorox™ Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths help remove allergens on floors.

Air purifiers equipped with True HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, significantly improving indoor air quality.3

HEPA filter vacuums are designed to trap allergens during cleaning, preventing them from being released back into the air. These vacuums are particularly effective at removing dust mites, pet dander, and other fine particles from carpets and upholstery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hypoallergenic dog breeds exist?

While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds are known to produce fewer allergens and may be more suitable for people with allergies. These include Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Maltese and Schnauzers.4

Can you develop dog allergies later in life?

Yes. Our immune systems are constantly evolving, as are our lives. For example, you may adopt a dog who sheds much more than your childhood dog. Or perhaps your dog sleeps in your bed now when it didn’t used to. Even your dog’s gender can be a factor — up to 30% of people with allergies to dogs are specifically allergic to the Can f 5 protein, which is produced in the prostate of male dogs.5

Are some people more prone to dog allergies?

Yes, usually due to genetics. A family history of allergies, asthma, hay fever or eczema are more likely to develop dog allergies. Additionally, some individuals may have a more sensitive immune system that reacts negatively to pet allergens.

Can I still have a dog if I’m allergic?

Having a dog is up to you. We recommend creating an allergy-free zone where your dog is not allowed, regularly vacuum floors and furniture and launder your bedding, and invest in an air purifier to help reduce airborne allergens.

Can dog allergies trigger asthma?

Yes. For those with asthma, managing exposure to dog allergens with our tips above is critical to prevent flareups.