Dogs for people with allergies
This is the saddest article I’ve had to write. Mainly because at 3 years of age, my son was diagnosed with an
allergy to dogs and so at the recommendation of the allergist, I decided that I wouldn’t replace my 2 dogs when the
time came for them to go. Being a real lover of dogs, this was a heartbreaking decision to make but I realised that
for the sake of the dogs and my son, it was the right decision to make. Allergies to dogs are related to either their
dander or more commonly to their saliva. Imagine having to tell your dogs 'no licking' when all they want is to say hi
and kiss you. Which is why I had to draw the line on getting any other dogs in the future. As it is, I now have to
separate the 2 parties – whenever my son goes out to the backyard, the dogs get shut up in the garage. What
about those low allergen dogs that people always seem to promote? Yes there are dogs which are less prone to
shed dander but all dogs have saliva and if that's the thing that triggers off your allergies then it’s going to be hard
to live with even the most 'hypoallegenic' dog breed which doesn’t shed much. After all, dogs lick and nuzzle you as
their way of showing affection so it’s not going to be easy to stop that behavior. Having said that, if your allergies
are more related to dander and dust mites then you do have alternatives in choosing your dog breeds. These are
the more conventional pure breed dogs that are recommended for people with allergies because it is purported that
they shed less. However, there are a growing number of what’s commonly termed, 'designer dog breeds' being bred
specifically to cater for conditions like allergies eg the Labradoodle (Labrador cross Poodle) was first bred to give the
blind with allergies a guide dog which didn't have the problem of shedding as much.
Picking dogs for people with allergies
- Choose hairless dogs – Chinese crested, Mexican hairless
- Dogs with fur which don't shed much dander – Bichon Frise, Bedlington terrier, Basenji, Italian Greyhound, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Soft coated Wheaten Terriers.
Even if you choose to get one of these dogs, the following household rules would ease the allergies and would make your life with dogs more bearable :
- Do not sleep with the dogs and it’s probably best not to allow them into the bedrooms or confine them just downstairs in the hard floored areas. Try using baby gates on stairs.
- Try to have just hardwood flooring wherever possible – carpet tends to harbour pet dander and makes it hard to remove.
- You can have HEPA air cleaners in the house to reduce the mold, pollen and dander level
- If the dogs are allowed on the sofas then it’s best to have slip covers or sheets
- Vacuum the house regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner..
- Wash your dog twice a month to remove dander. If you can get a pet groomer to do it at their parlour all the better because it means you don’t have set off your allergies whilst doing it.
- Wash all the dog bedding and toys regularly. You can try using special laundry detergents formulated for allergy control – click here.
For more products that alleviate allergies – visit Allergybegone.com .
- Sign Up for Membership $19.95/month
- Ask the online vet a question $8.95/question
- Find answers to common pet health and behavior questions $3.95/article
- Read up on previous ask the vet pet health questions for just $3.95
Vet question of the day
Add to
Female cat with bloody discharge from vagina
Our (1yo female DSH) neutered cat (neutered prior to our ownership) has had intermittent small volume bloody discharge from her vagina for the last 3 months. On exam her vulva had an ulcerated area and our veternarian is planning an exam under anesthesia later this week. She has no weight loss, a healthy appetite, and has had no change in activity. She is the only animal in our home. What do you believe this could be?
- Click
here to read the answer
More
pet
health questions
Pet Care Articles and Pet Supplies Deals
| Dogs - dog care | 
Sign
up for the Ask the Vet newsletter
- Click
hereWe're in the news! Read full article here. |
