Dog Allergies

You may be one of millions of people who have allergies to dogs. Or maybe one of your close family members has allergies to dogs. The trouble is, maybe you’re a dyed in the wool dog lover. The question is, do you have any options?

Luckily, except in very extreme cases, the answer is yes. Either by taking specific steps to remove the causes of your allergies to dogs, or even choosing a breed that is less likely to cause symptoms of allergies to dogs. Here’s how.

Choose a Hairless Breed

They may not be the prettiest of creatures, but they are lovable, and they are dogs. If you don’t already have a dog, and you or someone you love have allergies to dogs, consider adopting a Chinese Crested or Mexican Hairless. Less (or in this case no) hair, means less of the causes of reactions to allergies to dogs. Plus, no shedding, and bathing is a breeze!

Try A Variety of Breeds

If you or a loved one has allergies to dogs, and you can’t face the thought of a hairless dog, there are other breeds that may induce fewer symptoms of allergies to dogs. In fact, the reaction of a particular person can vary greatly from breed to breed, so if you’re looking for a new puppy, take the person with the allergies to dogs along, and gauge their reaction.

Short coated dogs, like dachshunds, and wire coated dogs, usually produce less of a reaction in those who suffer allergies to dogs.

Take Precautions

If you do already have a dog, or even if you are planning to get one of the dogs mentioned above, there are steps you can take to minimize the reactions experience by those with allergies to dogs. For a start, make sure that your dog sleeps outside, or in an area of the house far away from the person with allergies to dogs. Next, limit their access to areas of the house with carpets and upholstered furniture, and vacuum regularly.

Make sure that you bath your dog regularly, and remember that even wiping them down with a damp towel can minimize the reaction of those with allergies to dogs. When you do bath, brush or groom your dog, do it outdoors, or send them to the doggy parlor. In most cases, with these tips, and perhaps an anti histamine, sufferers of milder allergies to dogs can happily live with their four legged friends. Don’t give up too easily, but also remember that if you or your loved one has very severe allergies to dogs, you may not be able to keep a dog.

If you do find that you can’t keep a dog because someone in your family has allergies to dogs, why not volunteer at your local animal sanctuary? You’ll be doing the animals a big favor, and you’ll still get to enjoy the company of man’s best friend. Sounds like a win win situation to me!