Did you know that your inhalant allergies can last all year if you are allergic to your dog? According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, approximately 10% of people are allergic to dogs.
Pesky allergies can interfere with the fun of owning a dog. How can you enjoy walking your dog if you can’t see the path through teary eyes? How can you play a game of fetch if you are fetching a tissue every 60 seconds? Although there is no magic wand to make your allergies disappear, there are a few tricks that may minimize your problems.
What causes allergies to dogs?
Many allergens are protein particles. Some people are allergic to the proteins found in canine saliva and dander. Saliva sticks to the hair when a dog licks itself, then invades the household environment when the dog sheds. Dander lies on the dog’s skin and coat and is left behind when the dog sheds hair or shakes. People with dog allergies mount an immune response to these allergens that results in typical allergy symptoms.
Are certain dog breeds hypoallergenic?
There are varying opinions, but it is generally thought that certain breeds are less likely to stimulate allergies in people, even though there is no canine breed that is 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs have saliva and dander, but some breeds produce less saliva and dander than others.
Some studies indicate that the production of allergens varies by breed, making certain dog breeds more compatible with allergic owners than others. Still other studies claim that there is no real difference between breeds in their allergen production. However, there is agreement on why some breeds fare better with allergic owners. Breeds that shed less are less likely to make their owners sneeze, because the dander and saliva remain on the hair that stays in the hair follicle. Less shedding means less allergens in the house.
In general, dogs that shed less have longer hair. Dogs that visit the groomer frequently for haircuts, like schnauzers and poodles, fall into this category. On the opposite end of the spectrum are dogs that have relatively little hair, like the Chinese crested, but even hairless breeds produce dander. It is the in-between, short-haired dogs, like Labrador retrievers and beagles that play havoc with allergies.
That said, not all dogs produce the same proteins, so some people are allergic to a specific dog, not a specific breed. How hypoallergenic a dog is may depend on the individual dog and person. A person could react to one poodle and live symptom-free with a different poodle. So, while some dogs are less likely to provoke allergies in people, there is no universal hypoallergenic dog breed. It all depends on the dog and the person.
The good news is that certain breeds are more suitable partners for allergy sufferers. Here are a few breeds that are less likely to put your immune system into an uproar:
- Bichon frise
- Afghan hound
- Schnauzer
- Poodle
- Chinese crested
- Maltese
- American hairless terrier
- Irish water spaniel
- Yorkshire terrier
- Bedlington terrier
- Shih tzu
- Wheaton terrier
- Portuguese water dog
Remember that any dog can stir up allergies, so picking a certain breed may not eliminate your allergy problems.
How can you reduce the allergic impact of your dog?
Decreasing the allergenic contamination of the environment will minimize exposure and may help sensitive people. Anything that reduces the amount of dander, saliva, and dog hair in your home is an advantage. Here are some precautions you can take to minimize the impact your dog has on your immune system.
Bathe your dog frequently. Weekly baths reduce the amount of allergen-related protein on a dog’s coat and also minimize airborne allergens. If you are severely allergic, you may want to use rubber gloves when giving your dog a bath. Hairless breeds are easy to bathe, allowing for more efficient removal of dander, which may explain why they are considered hypoallergenic. Consult your veterinarian before deciding on a bathing schedule. Excess bathing may dry out your dog’s coat and result in skin issues. Moisturizing shampoos and coat conditioners may prevent dry skin.
Brush your dog regularly. Brushing does not stop the shedding but will remove loose hairs in a controlled manner. Better to have that hair contained in a brush than dispersed all over the house. Consider wearing a mask and rubber gloves when brushing if you are severely allergic.
Consider the size of your pet. When it comes to dog allergies, the size of the dog does matter. It makes sense that a 70-pound dog will disperse more allergens than a 7-pound dog. The total surface area of a larger dog simply harbors more particulate matter (e.g., dander). Also, larger breeds may produce more allergen-laden saliva.
Remove outside contaminants before your dog comes indoors. Many people who suffer from dog allergies are also allergic to pollen or mold particles that hitch a ride on the dog and enter the home. Walking through the grass, rolling in the flower bed, or just lying on the patio allows particles to attach to your dog’s fur. Wipe your dog with a damp cloth before they come inside to reduce the allergens tracked indoors. You can also just focus on the body areas that are most likely to encounter allergens, like the feet and underbelly. Many people find that baby wipes are convenient, especially when stored by the back door.
Practice healthy home care. Change the air filters in your home often and consider using filters specially designed to reduce air-borne allergens. Vacuum rugs and floors frequently, and damp-mop wood or tile floors. Restrict your dog to areas of the home that can be thoroughly cleaned.
With some forethought and effort, allergy sufferers can certainly enjoy canine companionship. Plus, the aggravation of sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes may be outweighed by the health benefits of dog ownership.
