Can I keep a dog if I'm allergic to dogs? Here are some tips and recommended dog breeds!

01/22/2026 01/22/2026

root

Hello, dog lovers!

I love dogs and want to live with one! But I discovered I'm allergic to them.
I developed an allergy to dogs after getting a dog.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

Allergies can be a real pain. Many people give up on owning a dog because they're allergic, but did you know that there are actually some dog breeds that are easy to keep even if you're allergic?

Also, depending on the severity of your dog allergy, there are several measures you can take to alleviate symptoms.
This time, we've created a column focusing on "allergies"!

Dog Allergies and Symptoms

What is dog allergy?

Dog allergies are allergic symptoms caused by allergens such as dog dander, saliva, and hair. They develop when the body's immune system overreacts, and some people may suddenly develop a dog allergy.

Dog allergies can occur not only through contact with dogs but also through spending time in the same space. The severity of the allergy varies from person to person.
It is not uncommon for people to have no symptoms before owning a dog, only to discover they have a dog allergy after starting to live with them.

Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Although dog allergies are generally referred to as such, symptoms vary from person to person. This time, we will introduce "mild symptoms" and "severe symptoms."

Mild symptoms

Cough, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, bloodshot eyes, itchy eyes, swollen eyes, skin rash, hives

Severe symptoms

Diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, palpitations, dizziness

At first, symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, similar to those of a cold or hay fever, appear. Gradually, symptoms such as itchy and bloodshot eyes and hives appear.
If symptoms become severe, such as diarrhea and vomiting, they can interfere with daily life, and in some cases, the pet may have to be given up.

Since there is no cure for dog allergies, symptomatic treatment to alleviate symptoms is the main focus.

Dog Breeds That Are Easy to Keep Even If You're Allergic to Dogs

The most popular and well-known breed of dog that's easy to keep even for people with dog allergies is the Toy Poodle.
The main allergens for dog allergies are dog dander, hair, and saliva. However, toy poodles shed very little, so they are thought to be less likely to cause allergic symptoms.

Other breeds with little shedding, such as Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers, are considered relatively easy to keep even for people with dog allergies.

Toy poodles have a single coat, meaning they don't shed and their curly coats prevent hair from getting stuck in various places.
Poodles require grooming, so they can be kept clean by shampooing and cutting them once a month.

Shih Tzus and Maltese dogs are also considered relatively easy to keep even for people with allergies because they don't shed much.
One option might be to choose a dog with a single coat that doesn't shed much or a dog with short hair that's less likely to attract allergens.

However, brushing any dog breed will naturally cause hair loss and dandruff.
So what measures should you take?

How to Deal with Dog Allergies

If you discover or develop allergies after bringing a dog into your family, here are some measures you can take.
We've also compiled some everyday tips to help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Suppressing Symptoms with Medications

Getting allergy medication from a medical institution can help alleviate symptoms.

Since allergies cannot be cured completely, the general treatment is to alleviate symptoms. For many people, medication appears to be sufficient for mild allergy symptoms.

It's also important to thoroughly wash your hands and remove allergens, such as by washing your hands immediately after touching a dog.

Keep Your Dog Clean

Remove allergens to prevent allergic symptoms.

Frequent brushing can remove loose hair and unwanted fur. By designating specific areas for brushing, you can prevent hair from getting into other rooms.

Also, shampooing regularly can remove allergens such as dander and dust mites.
However, excessive shampooing can be stressful for your dog and is bad for its skin, so shampooing your dog about once a month is best.

When you come back from a walk, be sure to wipe your dog's body and paws clean!

Cleaning and Ventilation

It's important to remove airborne allergens by ventilating and cleaning the room.
It seems that air purifiers can also be used to remove allergens, so you may want to consider installing one.

It's important to frequently clean your home and wash dog rugs to prevent allergens from accumulating indoors.

Limit the space you share with your dog

The more time you spend in contact with your dog, the more likely you are to develop allergic symptoms. One way to minimize your dog's exposure to allergens is to separate rooms that your dog can enter from those that cannot.

In particular, keeping dogs out of areas where you spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and dining rooms, can help reduce allergy symptoms. However, it's also important to take measures to ensure your dog doesn't get lonely, such as by increasing the amount of time they spend walking.

Finally

While there are dog breeds that are easy to keep even if you have dog allergies, it's best to have an allergy test done before bringing a dog into your home!

Even if you have allergies, we understand that some people want to get a dog for their children, or that you simply want to own one.
One option is to choose a dog breed that sheds less, which is one of the allergens. Some pet shops allow you to pet puppies, so it might be fun to do so!

Even if you developed allergies after getting a pet, the measures introduced here can help alleviate allergic symptoms.

Dog allergies are difficult to cure completely, but that doesn't mean you can't live with a dog. By consulting with your doctor, taking medication, and improving your daily living environment, you can enjoy a happy life with a dog!