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.

Learn how smart habits and an indoor air care routine with Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer sprays can help manage allergens like dog dander and more in your home.

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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?

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the primary culprits behind dog allergies are 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 allergens2.

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your life as a dog parent. Add these simple steps to your regular cleaning and maintenance routine to neutralize and reduce common allergens in your home.

What you need

Steps to help reduce dog allergens at home

  1. Neutralize indoor allergens

    To neutralize allergens including non-living pollen, dust mite matter and pet dander, spray the air with Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer Daily Air Spray and hit soft surfaces and fabrics with Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer Fabric & Carpet Spray as directed. Clorox PURE was developed with Allergists and neutralizes allergens by permanently changing the shape of the proteins so they can’t bind to your body’s receptors. No wonder Dr. Michael O’Connell, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, Board-Certified Allergist is calling Clorox PURE “a gamechanger for allergy sufferers!”

  2. Clean your home

    Remove pet allergens from hard, nonporous surfaces throughout your home by wiping hard, nonporous surfaces clean with a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe. Let air dry. For larger cleaning jobs, spray Clorox Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach Spray 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. Use as directed.

    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.

  3. 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.

  4. Regularly wash your pet items

    Choose a dog bed with a removable cover and spray regularly with Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer Fabric & Carpet Spray. As with other fabric sprays, you should keep pets off treated surfaces until dry. You might also want to wash the cover 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.

  5. 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 management and removal

While having a dog also means living with allergens, a regular allergen maintenance routine may help you manage their effects. Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer sprays can help neutralize pet dander, dust mite matter and non-living pollen.

According to Dr. Michael O’Connell, Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer Fabric & Carpet Spray is a targeted treatment specifically designed by internal leading scientists to neutralize common indoor allergens such as pet dander and dust mite particles, so that those proteins can’t trigger allergic reactions in your body. And Clorox PURE leaves behind a freshened fragrance in fabrics that enhances the pleasure of a clean environment.

On top of that, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes remove 99% of allergens on hard surfaces, including pet dander, dust mite matter and cockroach matter, while Clorox Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths help remove allergens on floors.

Additionally, 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

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. People with 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?

While removing a dog from the home is the best approach for most allergy sufferers, we know that may not be an option. Dr. Michael O’Connell recommends keeping dogs out of the bedroom, along with regular daily use of Clorox PURE Allergen Neutralizer Daily Air Spray in any room the dog occupies, and PURE Allergen Neutralizer Fabric & Carpet Spray on difficult-to-clean fabrics.