Dog allergies are created in most cases by interactions between your dog's system and the allergens in the environment. By reducing the number of allergens in the dog's environment, you can create a significantly better quality of life for the dog.

Itchiness and scratching occur when allergens trigger an allergic reaction. Usually, either a skin test or monitoring of areas, times, foods, environments will give you a decent idea of the source of the allergies. Once you have a general idea, the goal is to reduce the allergen exposure as much as possible.

REDUCE ALLERGENS IN THE INTERNAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT

A greatly overlooked opportunity to reduce allergens is by having the air ducts, attic, and carpets in your house cleaned. By improving the air quality the dog and the entire family will be living in a cleaner environment. Change the air filters on your heating and air conditioning systems regularly.

Use electrostatic allergy-free air filters. High-efficiency particle-arresting (HEPA) filters can be attached to central air conditioning systems and are recommended for people and pets with allergies.

Carpets are usually home to a large number of dust mites and an HEPA filter or pressure cleaning can do wonders for the air quality in the house. Regularly vacuum and shampoo carpets in common areas. Your dog being lower to the ground will particularly appreciate the cleaner living environment.

Keep your home clean of dust helps as well. Window treatments, pillows, and furniture trap allergens just as carpets do.

There a variety of vacuum cleaners in the market, use one with an HVAC filter. In addition, air purifiers that reduce the number of allergens or purify the air should be considered.

MAINTAIN YOUR DOG’S ALLERGEN THRESHOLD

By keeping allergens under your dog’s allergen threshold, your dog's itching and allergies will stay under control. Minimize the number of irritants in your pets life.

Another way to minimize the irritants is by controlling and minimizing your dogs time in the presence of fleas. Many dogs are allergic to flea saliva. In addition, pets can be allergic to grasses, trees, mosquitos, and airborne pollens they can inhale outdoors. If you notice your pet is itchy after spending time outside, try to reduce contact by minimizing outdoor time when the dog is showing signs of allergy symptoms worsening.

Another option for dogs that have severe reactions when they are outside is to limit the amount of exposure to allergens by putting a t-shirt on them when they are outside.

Wash bedding frequently to decrease allergens in the sleeping environment. As stated earlier, in addition to keeping the internal environment clean, frequently shampoo and condition the coat of your pet using preferable a hypoallergenci shampo.

Cigarette smoke is another allergen trigger. By smoking regularly in your pet’s environment, you will worsen his allergies and also increase the risk of respiratory disorders and lung cancer. If you have to smoke, do it outdoors.

By practicing all of the above avoidance techniques, you can help control your dog’s allergies and keep him more comfortable.