How to Tell if You or Your Child Are Allergic to Dogs
It might seem obvious that if you or your child were allergic to dogs, you’d know from clear reactions when around them. However, dog allergies can be tricky as symptoms vary widely between individuals and may change over time. In some cases, allergies may develop later or lessen with age, and some people react only to certain dogs or environments.
Knowing for sure if someone has a dog allergy is crucial for proper management and could even mean considering dog ownership with the right breed and care. This article explains how to identify dog allergies, key symptoms to watch for, and how to approach diagnosis and management effectively in the UK.
Main Symptoms of Dog Allergy
Dog allergy symptoms can affect the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, and their severity often varies. You might not experience all symptoms every time you meet a dog.
- Respiratory symptoms: sneezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness, nasal congestion or runny nose, and asthma-like attacks.
- Eye symptoms: itching, redness, watering, and irritation.
- Skin symptoms: itching, rashes, hives, bumps, or irritation.
- In children: persistent indoor symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, or skin rashes year-round may indicate dog allergy, especially if these symptoms are unrelated to seasonal changes.
Why Allergy Symptoms Vary
Individual immune responses determine how symptoms manifest; some react more strongly than others. Factors include exposure level, breed differences, and environment. Allergens from dog dander, saliva, and urine can linger in homes, increasing reactions in dog-owning environments compared to open spaces.
Why Some Dogs Cause Allergies More Than Others
Not all dogs trigger allergies equally. Breeds with heavy shedding coats and those that drool more often release more allergens through dander, saliva, and skin flakes. Low-shedding breeds like Cockapoo puppies and poodles tend to cause fewer symptoms but no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic.
Getting a Confirmed Diagnosis
A definitive diagnosis requires allergy testing via skin prick or blood tests, which your GP or allergy specialist can arrange. Keeping a symptom diary with timing relative to dog exposure helps doctors identify triggers. Testing is especially important if asthma, eczema, or other allergies coexist.
How to Manage Dog Allergies in the UK (2025 Guidance)
- Limit dog access to bedrooms and soft furnishings.
- Regularly clean the home with a vacuum equipped with HEPA filters and wash dog beds frequently.
- Use air purifiers to reduce indoor airborne allergens.
- Consult your GP about antihistamines or inhalers for mild to moderate symptoms.
- Specialist allergy immunotherapy might be an option for severe cases.
- If allergy tests confirm sensitivity and symptoms are severe, reconsider dog ownership or choose breeds thoughtfully.
Conclusion
Identifying whether you or your child suffer from a dog allergy is vital to improving quality of life while allowing for responsible pet ownership. Observing symptoms, getting proper testing, and following UK-recommended management strategies can help you manage allergies effectively and safely in 2025.
