Some people are sensitive enough to dog dander that they need short- or long-term medication. Allergic reactions can occur from inhaling tiny particles of dander, from petting a dog or from being licked or scratched by a dog. Patients may respond with mild itching, respiratory symptoms and asthmatic complications. The range of drugs used to treat allergic rhinitis and contact dermatitis attributed to pet contact can help allergy patients manage all degrees of symptoms.
Corticosteroids
Two types of corticosteroid medications treat two types of allergy symptoms associated with dog dander. According to the University of Maryland UM Medical Center, an over-the-counter cortisone cream should be applied for short-term rash symptom relief. Doctors can also prescribe inhaled nasal corticosteroids to take daily for ongoing nasal symptoms. A third corticosteroid, prednisone, is ordered only in extreme cases of allergic reaction to pets.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines make up the most-used class of allergy medicines for pet-related symptoms. Antihistamine drugs address the itching, sneezing and runny nose allergy symptoms from contact dermatitis and ingestion of dog dander. Drugs that don't cause drowsiness make the best choice for long-term care.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, patients can choose from over-the-counter antihistamine tablets, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. For more severe allergic reactions, patients can seek stronger prescription formulas from their doctors.
Decongestants
Nonprescription decongestant sprays address only stuffy-nose symptoms, so they are often combined with antihistamine preparations, notes MayoClinic.com. Patients who take stand-alone decongestants should follow label advice, because many brands should not be taken for more than three consecutive days.
Cromolyn Sodium
Mast cells release histamines within the body during an allergic reaction to pet dog dander, and cromolyn sodium works to prevent that effect. Cromolyn sodium comes in nasal spray form and needs no prescription. The AAAAI notes that patients should start taking this preventive medicine a few days to two weeks prior to expected contact with dogs and other pets.
Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators such as omalizumab may be chosen for pet allergy patients who also have asthma. The AAAAI reports that this injectable prescription medication contains an antibody that suppresses dog allergy symptoms and also manages asthma conditions.
Leukotriene Modifiers
MayoClinic.com relates that doctors may prescribe pet allergy medicines in the leukotriene modifier class, such as montelukast, for individuals who can't tolerate nasal steroids or antihistamines. These drugs prevent asthma and allergy symptoms but may cause side effects.
