Managing Dog Allergies: What Causes Them and What Actually Helps

Jun 28, 2025

Written by: Pacagen Team
Reviewed by: David Zhang, PhD
David is an immunologist, bioengineer, and a scientific advisor at Pacagen.

If you’re a dog lover but constantly battling allergy symptoms, you’re definitely not alone. Millions of people experience allergic reactions around dogs. And while it’s frustrating, understanding what’s going on behind the scenes can make a big difference in how you manage it.

So, what is it about dogs that triggers all this sneezing, sniffling, or skin irritation?

Let’s dive in.

dog allergies

It’s not really about the fur

Most people assume it’s dog hair that causes allergies. That’s the myth we’ve all heard at some point. The real troublemakers are tiny proteins found in places you might not expect. Dog allergies are caused by proteins found in saliva, oil secretions from the skin, dander, and urine.

In particular, two proteins called Can f 1 and Can f 2 are the biggest culprits. These allergens are incredibly light and sticky, so they float around your home, settle into fabrics, and cling to just about every surface.

Even dogs that barely shed—or have short coats—can still trigger reactions. It’s less about the breed and more about how much of these proteins they produce and spread around.

Why dog allergens stick around

Here’s the part no one wants to hear: once dog allergens get into your home, they’re tough to fully get rid of. Research has shown that homes with dogs often have airborne allergen levels similar to homes with cats, and cat allergens are famously persistent.

Even if you vacuum, dust, and clean like your life depends on it, traces can linger in carpets, curtains, air ducts, and furniture. And if you’ve ever thought that rehoming your dog would bring instant relief—sadly, that’s not how it works. Dog allergens can stick around for months.

How allergies actually work in your body

So what’s going on inside you when these allergens float into your airways or land on your skin?

According to Harvard immunologist Dr. David Zhang, PhD,

“At a high level, allergic responses are driven by about half a dozen key contributors in your immune system, which work together in complex, but very cool ways to give rise to a vast range of symptoms,”

It all starts with your body treating harmless proteins like dangerous invaders. Once you’re sensitized to dog allergens, even small exposures can trigger your immune system to overreact—causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, rashes, or even asthma flare-ups.

And as Dr. Evan Zhao, PhD, explains,

“Upon subsequent exposure to the specific allergen—whether through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with the skin or eyes—a chain reaction is triggered.” Basically, your immune system sends out histamines and other chemicals to fight the perceived threat, leading to inflammation and all the unpleasant symptoms that follow.”

What actually helps (and what doesn’t)

If you’re hoping for a magic fix, here’s the honest truth: managing dog allergies usually requires combining several strategies. No single solution works for everyone.

First: get serious about cleaning

Small cleaning tweaks can make a surprisingly big difference over time:

Vacuum carpets and furniture regularly—preferably with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.
Mop hard floors with a damp mop to trap dust and allergens instead of kicking them up.
Wash your bedding and your dog’s bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F).
Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent allergens from settling.
Groom your dog regularly—but don’t overdo it. Dr. Findlaytor cautions that too much bathing can dry out your dog’s skin and actually make shedding and allergen release worse.
Try to keep your bedroom dog-free: Giving your immune system a break while you sleep can help reduce how bad your symptoms feel day to day.
Dr. Findlaytor says, “Having a safe spot to rest is extremely important for your immune system to recharge, especially if you are having a bad allergy day.”

Next: consider home changes

If you’re dealing with more severe allergies, it might be worth making bigger changes to your environment:

Swap carpets for hard flooring wherever possible.
Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
Consider getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter, especially in rooms where your dog spends the most time.

These changes won’t eliminate allergens entirely, but they can help lower the levels in your home.

Medical help: traditional options that still work

When cleaning and home changes aren’t enough, it’s worth talking to your doctor about medical treatments.

According to Harvard physician scientist Dr. Ben Ouyang, MD, PhD, doctors have relied on classic treatments like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and immunotherapy for decades. Each works differently and has its own pros and cons.

Antihistamines help block your body’s allergic reaction but may make you sleepy. Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation, but over time they can irritate your nose. Immunotherapy—whether it’s allergy shots or tablets that go under your tongue—can actually change your immune system’s response over months or years, though it doesn’t work for everyone and takes time.

Dr. Ouyang adds,

“In recent years, there has been exciting development in the biologics space for serious autoimmune and allergy conditions.”

Newer drugs like dupilumab and omalizumab offer hope for severe allergy sufferers, but they’re expensive and usually reserved for people who haven’t found relief with more standard treatments.

A new option: neutralizing dog allergens directly

One of the most exciting recent developments comes from Pacagen’s research into bioengineered allergen-neutralizing proteins.

Pacagen’s Dog Allergen Neutralizing Spray uses lab-designed proteins (similar to those found in alpacas, interestingly enough) to target dog allergens in your home before they trigger your immune system.

As Dr. Evan Zhao explains, “The allergen neutralizing formula harnesses the power of naturally engineered proteins to precisely target and neutralize specific allergens, including cat, dog, and dust mite allergens, making them effective compared to other medical treatments and harmless to the surrounding environment.”

This means instead of just treating your symptoms after the fact, these sprays work by binding to dog allergens like Can f 1 and Can f 2 right where they float—in the air and on surfaces—making them less likely to cause a reaction.

Final thoughts

If you’re struggling with dog allergies, know that you have more tools today than ever before. From better cleaning routines to environmental tweaks, from proven medications to innovative allergen-neutralizing sprays , you don’t necessarily have to choose between your health and your dog.

Managing dog allergies isn’t about finding one perfect solution—it’s about layering multiple strategies that together make life with your pup easier and more comfortable.