Your dog melts your heart, but your nose runs every time you cuddle them? You're far from alone, as around 20% of the world's population is thought to be allergic to dogs or cats to varying degrees. But did you know that your dog allergy isn't actually caused by the fur itself? In most cases, your symptoms are triggered by a protein called Can f 1, found in your four-legged companion's saliva, urine and dander (dead skin).

Discover everything you need to know to help relieve your allergies to dogs and enjoy your pet's company every day!

What causes dog allergies (fur, saliva or something else)?

As we just mentioned, the Can f 1 protein is the main canine allergen, responsible for more than half of all dog allergy cases. However, there are five other proteins that may be involved: Can f 2, Can f 3, Can f 4, Can f 5 and Can f 6. All are found at varying levels in your pet's dander, saliva, urine and sebum secretions.

These allergens are highly volatile and can easily end up on furniture, clothing, carpets and even walls. They can also remain suspended in the air for long periods of time.

What are the signs and symptoms to watch for in people allergic to dogs?

Dog allergy symptoms vary from person to person and can appear quickly after exposure.

Possible types of allergic reactions include:

• Respiratory symptoms (frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, dry cough, chest tightness or allergic asthma in more severe cases);
• Eye symptoms (watery eyes, redness, irritation or eye tingling);
• Skin symptoms (eczema, hives and intense itching).

Anaphylaxis: when your allergy becomes an emergency

In rare cases, dog allergy symptoms can escalate into anaphylactic shock. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Call 911 right away if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, which may signal a severe allergy:

• Severe difficulty breathing;
• Swelling of the face or throat;
• Dizziness or feeling faint;
• A sudden drop in blood pressure;
• Nausea or vomiting.

What are the right treatments for a dog allergy?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution for treating an allergy to an animal. However, several options are available to help relieve your symptoms and address the cause of your allergies.

Reducing exposure to allergens

Before considering any specific treatment, a few simple steps can make a real difference.

• At home: Use an air purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, ventilate rooms daily and wash your sheets at high temperatures on a regular basis.
• Pet management: Limit your dog's access to your bedroom and bathe them about once a week to reduce the amount of allergens on their coat. Keep in mind, though, that allergen levels return to normal two to three days after bathing.
• Personal hygiene: Wash your hands after every contact with your pet and avoid rubbing your eyes after touching them.

Relieving symptoms with medication

Several types of medication are available at the pharmacy to help you better manage your dog allergy symptoms or allergies to other animals:

• Antihistamine tablets to reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose;
• Eye drops to soothe irritated eyes;
• Nasal sprays to relieve congestion;
• Corticosteroids (by prescription), for more persistent cases.

Not sure which medication is right for relieving your allergy symptoms? Your Brunet-affiliated owner pharmacist is here to help you find the treatment that's right for your situation!

Addressing the cause of your allergies (desensitization)

Immunotherapy, also known as desensitization, is the only treatment that acts directly on the cause of allergies, not just the symptoms. The principle is simple: the body is gradually exposed to small doses of the allergen so the immune system learns to tolerate it.

This treatment can be administered in two ways:

1. Through subcutaneous injections, given in a clinic by a healthcare professional, first at close intervals, then more spaced out as treatment progresses.
2. Through sublingual tablets or drops, placed under the tongue and taken daily at home.

Allergen desensitization typically spans a period of three to five years, but the results can truly change daily life for people living with a dog allergy. Talk to a healthcare professional to find out if this type of treatment is right for you.

Are there any hypoallergenic dog breeds (ones that don't cause allergic reactions)?

Let's get this out of the way: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. In fact, all dogs produce allergenic proteins. However, some breeds shed less, which can significantly reduce the spread of allergens in your environment.

Among the dog breeds considered "less allergy-triggering" are:

• Poodle;
• Bichon Frise or Maltese;
• Shih Tzu;
• Portuguese Water Dog;
• Schnauzer;
• Basenji.

Living with a dog allergy: we're here to help

Living with a dog allergy doesn't necessarily mean giving up the company of a furry companion in your life.

With the right habits, the right medication and proper follow-up, it's entirely possible to live in harmony with your four-legged friend. Especially with the right advice from your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist!

Last updated on March 27, 2026