Apr 5, Hypoallergenic Dogs

There's been alot of interest in and discussion about hypoallergenic dogs. Some of this buzz centers around the "designer dog", which is claimed to cause few or no allergic symptoms for their owner. This new "breed" commands top dollar, and has created high demand. If you're looking for such a dog, please remember that no dog is allergen-free. A dog that is considered hypoallergenic generally produces less allergens.

Did you know that all dogs produce allergens? And when dogs go out-of-doors they can also pick up natural allergens, which can contribute to your allergic symptoms.

If you're a pollen, ragweed, or grass allergy sufferer, can you picture your dog rolling in the grass, picking up allergens on his coat and bringing them indoors to you? Are you sneezing yet?

There's an old saying..."don't get your dander up"...meaning don't let things bother you. In this case, animal dander is one thing that can bother you. All dogs produce dander...those tiny bits of dead skin cells that the animal constantly sheds. You can't see the dander, but those pesky particles can go just about everywhere; on surfaces, bedding, clothing, and furniture.

Dander is sticky and can even be found on wall surfaces. It floats in the air where it can mix with other particles to form dust. If you've ever seen dust particles floating through a shaft of sunlight, there's a good chance that dander is in the mix!

Even the breeds which are touted as hypoallergenic dogs and have less fur or are hairless, can still carry around allergens. What most people are allergic to is the protein secreted by the sebaceous glands, found in saliva and dander. Another point to keep in mind is that individual dogs can produce individual amounts of allergens.

People with allergies tend to have more sensitive immune systems to these allergens, and allergic symptoms can develop. My allergist explained that you can compare your tolerance to a "bucket". If you keep filling the bucket with exposure to different allergens to which you are allergic, pretty soon the bucket will overflow, and your tolerance has been exceeded. That's when you start showing allergic symptoms. The idea is to minimize your exposure to these allergens, so that your "bucket" doesn't overflow.

Regular dog brushing to reduce dander and other allergens on your dog's coat.Regular dog bathing to wash away dander.Wear a dust mask if needed while brushing your dog.Feed your dog a balanced diet with natural fats to prevent dry skin and shedding.Wash your bedding and dog bedding frequently.Groom your dog at frequent intervals to remove loose fur if needed.Keep your dog off the furniture! Those upholstered chairs will collect dander. If that's not possible, spread a towel or blanket on the chair, and wash it frequently.Try a room air purifier in the bedroom to trap airborne dander.Install an air filter in your furnace or A/C.Keep your dog out of the bedroom (that's not always possible!)Vacuum frequently with Allergen or HEPA bags.Remove animal dander from carpeting and furniture with specially formulated cleaners.If your dog rides in the car frequently, spread an old sheet on the back seat to collect fur and dander. Wash it periodically.Dust your furnishings and house with dusting products to help reduce dust and dander.The American Kennel Club suggests that allergy sufferers consider these dog breeds. While not true hypoallergenic dogs, they should be considered for their low allergen production:
Read the American Kennel Club's article on hypoallergenic dogs.

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