Choosing A Hypoallergenic Dog

It's a sad fact that some people are allergic to dogs

. Even people who seem to love dogs the most may be allergic to them. Fortunately, there are some solutions to this problem. One answer is to look for breeds that are so-called "hypoallergenic" dogs. That is, they are supposed to cause fewer allergic reactions in people with dog allergies. These dogs are not actually free of the allergens that cause allergy sufferers to react, but they often seem to cause fewer reactions than some other dogs. It isn't possible to find dogs or breeds of dogs that have no allergens at all.

Common allergic reactions to dogs can be skin rashes, watery, itchy eyes, and a sneezy, stuffy nose. Other reactions can include wheezing, asthma attacks and trouble breathing. You can see the problem can be serious. People with dog allergies are exceptionally sensitive to allergens on dog hair. It is not actually the dog hair which causes the problem but the things which are attracted to the hair such as pollen and dust attaching to the hair follicle. Dogs which shed more hair or more frequently have more hair to attract these particles.

Some people try to overcome the problem by having shots for their dog allergy. Other allergy sufferers with dogs may vacuum their home several times a week to make sure no dog hair stays in the house. These both cut down on reactions to the allergens

If you are looking for a dog that could be hypoallergenic you may need to contact a breeder of purebred dogs or a purebred rescue. You can narrow down some breeds that are known to be good for allergy sufferers. Dogs such as the Bichon Frise, the Irish Terrier and Poodles are good with families and have lower shedding levels, making them allergy-friendly. They also have good temperaments as a rule. They enjoy family life, they're great with kids and they make good watch dogs without being aggressive. If you're a single adult you could consider a dog such as a Chihuahua or a Portuguese Water dog. These dogs also have low shedding levels and they tend to bond with one person rather than with multiple people. You can even choose a hairless dog such as the Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier or the Mexican Hairless.

Some of the breeds you may want to steer clear of, from a shedding perspective, include Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, German Shepherd Dogs, Afghan Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers. If you have your heart set on one of these breeds, or another breed that sheds a lot, talk to your doctor about allergy shots or consider whether you are willing to vacuum your house daily.

If you contact a breeder about a dog you should plan to spend at least 30 minutes or more playing with the dog before making any kind of decision. You will need to see how you react to the dog. If you have a strong allergy reaction in that short amount of time then you will know that you would have trouble living with the dog. If the breeder lives some distance away from you then you can send an article of your clothing to him or her and ask them to place it near the dog for a day, and then send it back to you in a plastic bag. You can wear the piece of clothing or breathe from it to judge your reaction to it. If you have no reaction the dog might be one for you to consider further and you can visit the breeder in person. If you do have a negative reaction then you will know that you probably don't need to see the dog in person. Any reaction in person would probably be even stronger.

You will need to plan on having your dog groomed regularly since grooming can reduce the amount of shedding. You will also need to plan on bathing your dog frequently, perhaps once or twice a week. This will help reduce the amount of pet dander. Grooming and bathing will help cut down on the allergens that cause allergic reactions.

It may take you some time to find a dog that fits your circumstances and which you can tolerate with your allergies but it can be done. Many people with dog allergies are living quite happily with dogs. Some breeds may be worse for your allergies than others and some individual dogs may be better or worse than some others. You can find a great dog that fits your situation and lifestyle with a little work.

by: Tristan Andrews

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