Babies and Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Solutions

Living with a dog can be a joy, but for families with babies or toddlers, dog allergies can present real challenges. Identifying allergies in very young children can be tough, as babies can’t express their discomfort or symptoms clearly. Understanding the signs, diagnosis, and practical solutions can help you keep your home happy and healthy for all family members, including your canine companion.

Recognising Dog Allergy Symptoms in Babies and Toddlers

Dog allergies occur when a child's immune system mistakenly reacts to proteins found in a dog's skin flakes (dander), saliva, or urine. Additionally, pollen, mould spores, and dust trapped in dog fur can also trigger allergies. Symptoms are a result of the histamine response and might include:

• Red, watery eyes and eye irritation.
• Runny or congested nose.
• Coughing, sneezing, or irritated airways.
• Wheezing or noisy breathing, potentially asthma attacks.
• Skin reactions such as rashes or hives.

These symptoms may persist whenever your baby is near the dog or in a home where the dog's allergens are present. Early recognition can lead to better management and comfort for your child.

Diagnosing the Cause of Allergies

To correctly identify if your baby is allergic to dogs, liaise with your GP who may refer you to a specialist allergist. They will differentiate dog allergies from seasonal or other environmental allergies based on symptom patterns and exposure history. Sometimes, a break from the dog—such as a holiday or temporary rehoming—helps clarify the cause, though allergens can linger in the home environment.

How Allergists Test for Dog Allergies in Young Children

Allergists may conduct different tests tailored for young children to pinpoint allergens. Common methods include:

• Skin Patch Testing: Small patches with allergens are applied to the skin to check for reactions, ideal for skin symptoms like eczema or hives.
• Skin Prick Testing: Suspected allergens are lightly pricked into the skin, monitoring immediate allergic responses under medical supervision.
• Intradermal Testing: Small allergen injections under the skin to detect sensitivity with greater precision when other tests are inconclusive.

Managing Dog Allergies in Babies

If your baby is diagnosed with a dog allergy, managing allergen exposure while maintaining the family pet relationship can be possible with these steps:

• Use HEPA air purifiers and vacuum with HEPA-filtered cleaners regularly to reduce airborne allergens.
• Restrict the dog's access to rooms where your baby spends most time, especially bedrooms.
• Prevent the dog from jumping on furniture or your baby’s bed to limit allergen contact.
• Stop the dog from licking the baby’s skin.
• Wash your baby’s hands after any contact with the dog to reduce allergen transfer.

Always work closely with your healthcare provider on medication or treatments to relieve symptoms effectively.

Choosing Dog Breeds for Allergy-Sensitive Families

For families planning to get a dog, selecting breeds that are less likely to trigger allergies can be important. It is essential to meet individual dogs beforehand, as allergens vary by dog even within breeds. Some breeds frequently considered more suitable for allergy sufferers include:

• Labradoodle puppies – Crossbreeds with lower shedding coats.
• Poodles – Known for their curly, low-shedding coats.
• Cockapoo puppies – Mix of poodle and cocker spaniel, typically low allergen.

Always assess your child’s reaction to a particular dog, regardless of breed, before making a permanent adoption decision. Responsible and ethical breeding and adoption from reputable breeders ensure healthier, well-socialised dogs.