Are you dreaming about a pet, but are you afraid of the appearance of such unpleasant symptoms as a skin rash, cough, runny nose? In this case, you can get a dog hypoallergenic breed. It is important to properly care for your pet to reduce the risk of developing pathology.
What you need to know about allergies to dogs?
Unfortunately, 100% exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction in humans to an animal is impossible. But if you give preference to hypoallergenic rocks, then the situation can be significantly improved. The human body is an individual and can react differently to dogs of the same breed. It is believed that one or another type of animal can be attributed to hypoallergenic.
There are several criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a four-legged pet. They will allow dogs to be classified as hypoallergenic breeds or to breeds with a high risk of human reaction. The following factors should be considered:
- Wool. Many people think that the less hair is on the body and the shorter it is, the lower the risk of any problems. There is some truth, but most short-haired breeds shed every day. Therefore, allergy sufferers need to pay attention to both the length of the coat and the frequency of molting.
- The size of the dog. Among hypoallergenic species of animals rarely meet the representatives of large sizes. These are mostly small or medium dogs. Buying these animals will reduce the risk of developing allergies. And all because the body area of the animal is small, therefore, less allergens accumulate on it.
- Salivation. Canine saliva is dangerous for allergies. Many people, not only outwardly dislike the constantly flowing liquid from the mouth, but also it can cause an undesirable reaction. Allergy sufferers should completely eliminate dog breeds that are characterized by active salivation.
- Character. Some breeds often bark, which also leads to the spread of saliva. Allergics are recommended to give preference to a balanced and calm animals. It is very important when choosing a four-legged pet to know in advance about its character.
When leaving, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
Purity. Even if it seems to the dog’s owner that the dog is absolutely clean and no smell emanates from it, you still need to bathe it once a week. This will get rid of dirt and dandruff accumulated on the dog's body.- Health. You must carefully monitor the condition of your pet. The dog, while walking, is constantly in contact with sources of infection. Any skin problems, ticks, worms harm the health not only of the animal, but also of man. Planned visit to the doctor, vitamins, means for protection against ticks and fleas - these measures are very important.
- Feed. A person can react in a peculiar way even to the feed of his pet. In this case, the animal must be transferred either to natural food, or to change the feed.
Purity. Even if it seems to the dog’s owner that the dog is absolutely clean and no smell emanates from it, you still need to bathe it once a week. This will get rid of dirt and dandruff accumulated on the dog's body.Why does allergy start?
According to doctors, the number of people who suffer from allergies has increased. At the same time, anything can cause a specific reaction of the organism. Allergies can occur suddenly and disappear just as suddenly, even if people have not taken any measures to do so.
It is believed that the predisposition to allergies is inherited. If one of the parents suffers from allergies, then you need to be prepared for the fact that the child is more than 50% likely to have this pathology. If both parents are allergic, it does not mean that the child will be born with a similar problem, but in this case the risk of allergic reactions increases by 70%.
Also, allergies can occur with any excessive load on the immune system. Often people, without knowing the details of the problem, say they are allergic to dog hair. If everything were really so, then the problem could be solved by choosing a pet without wool.
But the problem is that the allergy in humans is not caused by the wool itself, but by the protein that is on it.
Also, as allergens can be:
- saliva;
- leather;
- excrement;
- sebum;
- discharge from the nose or eyes.
The following symptoms indicate the presence of allergies to dogs:
- runny nose;
- eye redness;
- skin rashes;
- problems in the digestive tract;
- cough;
- asthma.
The most serious outcome is Quincke edema and anaphylactic shock, which cause a sharp deterioration in health and may even cause a fatal outcome.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
Hypoallergenic dogs are a relative concept, since an absolutely harmless breed for allergy sufferers has not yet been bred. But at the same time there are individuals that produce less allergenic protein.
Small breeds
These dogs include:
- Bichon Maltese. This is a small dog with fine silk hair. It produces a minimum amount of dandruff, saliva, is one of the best companions for people who suffer from allergies.
- Pygmy poodle. Many do not for nothing believe that the most hypo-allergenic dogs are poodles, since they practically do not shed. It really is. Such dogs are ideal for allergy sufferers, however, despite this, it is necessary to constantly monitor their coat. So, a person who decides to start a miniature poodle must be prepared for the fact that he will need a lot of time to care for his pet.
- Chinese Crested Dog. This is a very affectionate, playful and energetic dog. Deprived of wool, it has no odor, is not afraid of ticks, fleas, is the best companion for those who suffer from allergies. However, it is important to know that the skin of a Chinese crested dog is sensitive to perspiration, burns, drafts. The dog needs to be washed twice a week and regularly rub the skin with a moisturizer.
- Yorkshire Terrier. One of the most popular breeds of small dogs. These pets practically do not fade, so you will not find wool in your house. But we must remember that long wool requires daily combing. Choosing a puppy for a child, pay attention to smooth-haired dogs, because, for example, caring for York takes a lot of time and effort.
- Shih Tzu. Despite the long hair, dogs of this breed do without molting. A small, playful Shih Tzu would be an excellent option for an allergic owner.
Medium breed
These include:
- Bedlington Terrier is suitable for keeping both in the house and in a small apartment. This is an energetic hunting dog with high physical activity. Curly hair is not allergenic, but the dog must be regularly combed and washed every three months.
- Xoloitzcuintle. Very rare breed. Due to the lack of wool, it does not cause allergies, and the dog does not emit odor. But it requires very gentle skin care.
- Kerry Blue Terrier. A dog of this breed of medium size with soft curly hair. Due to the lack of undercoat almost no shedding. But at the same time it needs to be combed every day.
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog This muscular dog has a long coat and a soft undercoat that does not cause allergies. However, the future owner needs to regularly take care of the animals and be prepared for long and active walks.
- Bullets. Active shepherd dog with stiff and long hair in the form of tubes. Does not require regular maintenance, and it does not need to be combed.
Large breeds
Among them are:
- Flanders Bouvier. Large and powerful dog with a balanced character. Despite its shaggy appearance, it loses very little wool, but only if it is properly maintained, namely, regular grooming and combing.
- Irish Water Spaniel. If you need a large hypoallergenic dog, then this breed will be the best choice for you. Dogs of this breed have short hair, similar in structure to human hair. However, you should know that the pet needs regular haircut, approximately every 2 months. As for the character, this is a friendly dog that needs daily exercises; during the warmer months, she likes to enjoy swimming.
- Giant Schnauzer (giant schnauzer). It is a reliable and energetic companion, with a long life expectancy, an average of 13 years. With regular combing and shearing 2 times a month, this breed does not have any problems with wool, as the Giant Schnauzers practically do not shed.
- Russian black terrier. Become the best guard for the child. These dogs are more suitable for keeping in a large area than in an apartment, as they are good hunters and watchmen. With strangers behave wary. Despite its hairiness, allergies with this dog can be avoided, since the fur almost does not fall out, and dandruff is formed quite a bit.
- Komondor. Breed of the largest size, created to protect the family and home. Pets of this breed are loyal and brave. Dogs do not cause allergies in sensitive people who have a tendency toward it. A lot of space is required for their stay - apartments for them are small, therefore a dog should be kept in the house.
We considered the most popular hypoallergenic dogs that can become your faithful friend, even despite health problems. You just have to choose the breed that is most suitable for you!
What to do if you are allergic?
If after the appearance of the dog in the apartment, sensitive household members have unpleasant symptoms, for example, coughing, itching, tearing, you do not need to immediately get rid of the animal. First, review the hygiene of your four-legged friend, to the surrounding area.
Frequently, allergies in new-born dog owners occur to the dog food itself, in this case, be sure to change it or organize food so that the dog tries with the same products as all household members. If all of the above measures have not given effect, and allergic symptoms remain, consult your doctor for advice on treatment.
In addition, some experts say that allergy is not a disease, but a certain way of life. It does not impose a ban on friendship and communication with four-legged pets, but it requires strict adherence to all necessary sanitary standards.
