Tips on Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog

By Raymond Witherspoon

If you suffer from dog allergies, it can be frustrating if you and your family are a real dog lovers. Who wants to continually suffer from watery eyes, runny nose or even worse, wheezing and sneezing? Well, there may be relief other than taking your Benadryl and keeping your distance from your pooch. If you really want a dog that doesn't make you sneeze, consider one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Hypoallergenic dogs are specific breeds that shed less hair and dander than other dogs, and produce fewer allergens in their saliva and urine. You should keep in mind that all breeds carry a certain amount of allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs carry less. Allergens can become stuck in carpets, on walls, and in bedding and clothing.

This is why people have allergic reactions to their pets. In order to have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, designating certain spots in the house for your pets to sleep, and by finding pets that have shorter hair and do not shed their skin cells as often.

Hypoallergenic breeds tend to be short haired and will shed their skin cells less frequently than other breeds. They also may make less saliva, which means fewer allergens to deal with. Cleaning frequently is still required to prevent a concentration of dander from building up. If you can, try to spend an extended time with the dog or breed that interests you to see if you can tolerate its allergens. You might visit a breeder or offer to watch your friend's dog. This will give you a better idea whether the dog you like also "likes" you, in terms of your allergies.

You may be having more severe allergic reactions to dogs if you live in a smaller house or apartment, since you are concentrating the dander in a smaller space. A hypoallergenic dog (or a bigger house) could be your answer. Just remember that you still need to clean on a regular basis to minimize allergy symptoms. Taking your dog outside at least a few times per day can also go a long way toward diminishing the accumulation of dander in your living areas.

Take charge of the allergens in your home by cleaning often and invest in a quality vacuum that will thoroughly clean your carpeting. These precautions will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for many years to come. Give yourself a few weeks before deciding whether your new pet will be welcomed long term. You could see your allergies worsen initially, but they often get better after about a month. Of course if they get worse, you either have to try some dander minimizing strategies or you may have to admit that your chosen breed may not be right for you.

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