| For people that love dogs, yet have allergic | | | | If you are choosing a breeder who lives a |
| reactions to them, there is a simple | | | | substantial distance away, then one thing to |
| alternative. If you cannot do without a four | | | | consider is sending a clothing item to the |
| legged friend, choosing a hypoallergenic dog | | | | breeder and asking them to place it near the |
| is without doubt the best alternative. For | | | | dog for a day. Then get them to send it back |
| those who are scratching their heads | | | | to you in a plastic bag. Wear the clothing |
| wondering what one of those is, a | | | | item or breathe in the smell and see how you |
| hypoallergenic dog is not a special breed of | | | | react. If there is no reaction, you might |
| dog. They are dogs that generate less (hypo) | | | | want to consider visiting the breeder in |
| allergens (allergenic) in the air, which has | | | | person. If you do get a negative reaction, |
| a lot to do with both the physical size and | | | | then it is best not to waste your time |
| the length of fur of the dog. | | | | visiting in person. The allergic reaction |
| | | | would probably be worse if you were around |
| For allergy sufferers, finding an | | | | the real thing. |
| allergy-friendly dog is probably the most | | | | |
| sensible approach or choice. This does not | | | | Another thing you might want to consider when |
| mean that the dog will be completely allergy | | | | choosing a dog is the temperament. You want |
| proof, but it does mean that this type of dog | | | | to choose a dog that will meet your needs, |
| tends to generate less amounts of allergy | | | | and be confident that you in turn, can meet |
| causing elements. The reality is that it is | | | | their needs as well. Not only do you want to |
| impossible to find a dog that causes no | | | | choose an allergy-friendly dog, but if you |
| degree of allergens. | | | | have a family, you want one that is |
| | | | family-friendly as well. |
| Allergy reactions from dogs can consist of | | | | |
| skin rashes, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing | | | | There are a few breeds you might want to |
| and a stuffy nose. More serious reactions are | | | | consider: Bichon Frise, Irish Terrier and |
| wheezing, asthma attacks and not being able | | | | Poodles. These dogs enjoy being in family |
| to breathe deeply. Obviously these can be | | | | surroundings, they are considered to be |
| frightening reactions and choosing not to | | | | excellent with children and they also make |
| have a pet, for these reasons, clearly can | | | | great watch dogs. Critically they also have |
| outweigh the benefits of having one. | | | | low shedding levels. If you are a single |
| | | | adult, you might want to consider a dog that |
| For dog lovers, who suffer with allergies | | | | is happy with minimal people in their |
| that can be a very hard fact to accept. The | | | | surroundings. In that situation a couple of |
| reason some people suffer as a result of | | | | good choices might be Chihuahua or a |
| simple pet hair is because of their immune | | | | Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs tend to bond |
| system. They are hypersensitive to the | | | | with one person rather than several. |
| components found on the dog hair. | | | | |
| | | | There are a few dogs that you really want to |
| Many people think it is the animal hair that | | | | stay away from because of their high shedding |
| causes the problem, but in reality it is what | | | | ability. These are Cocker Spaniels, Irish |
| attaches itself to the pet hair. The hair | | | | Setters, Dachshunds, Basset hounds, German |
| picks up pollen and dust attaching itself to | | | | Shepherds and Afghan Hounds. |
| the hair follicle. With normal movements of | | | | |
| your dog, the elements are distracted on | | | | If you choose an indoor dog, it is best to |
| whatever it comes across. Hence, larger and | | | | choose one that can be groomed regularly or |
| longer haired dogs have a tendency to | | | | that you can bath easily. It is best to bath |
| generate more allergens than smaller and | | | | them at least one or two times per week. This |
| shorter haired dogs. Therefore, the bigger | | | | will reduce the amount of pet dander. Taking |
| the dog, the more allergy components it will | | | | care of their hair is an important part of |
| distract. | | | | reducing the components that cause allergies. |
| | | | You can even choose a hairless dog such as |
| If choosing a dog from a breeder, try | | | | the Chinese Crested, American Hairless |
| spending at least 30 minutes playing with the | | | | Terrier or the Mexican Hairless. |
| dog and being in the area around the dog to | | | | |
| see how you react to it. If you have a severe | | | | Some people claim that certain breeds bring |
| reaction in that short amount of time, then | | | | out the worst in their allergies than others. |
| you can be pretty confident that having it as | | | | In choosing a breed, be open to finding the |
| a live-in would not be a good idea. | | | | best one that suits you and also fits in with |
| | | | your lifestyle. |