Allergic to Dogs?

There is no dog breed that is truly non-allergenic (not allergy causing) because all dogs produce dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine. You can be allergic to the dog dander, dog saliva, or both. Urine is less of a problem since dogs usually potty outside. Pet hair itself is not an allergen, but it can collect dander, dust, and pollen.

People with pet allergies have supersensitive immune systems that react to harmless proteins (allergens) in the pet's dander, saliva or urine. These allergy-producing proteins can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and serious asthma attacks. This can happen within 5-30 minutes or occur much later as a delayed reaction. Based on pet allergy sufferers' testimonials, it is possible to be allergic to all dogs or only to certain breeds.

The word hypoallergenic (less allergy causing) is typically used with skin care products that tend to be less irritating to sensitive skin. Sometimes people also call "low dander" dog breeds’ hypoallergenic, low allergy, or allergy friendly.

Some dog breeds supposedly produce less dander than others, and many people who are mildly allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these "low dander" dog breeds with proper environmental controls. Be careful though, there are no guarantees. People's pet allergies vary greatly. Severe pet allergy sufferers may not tolerate any dogs at all, with the best environmental controls.

Caution! If it is your child that is allergic to dogs, think twice before getting a dog. Is it really worth it to put your child through possibly severe allergic reactions just to have a dog? It will also be heartbreaking for your child to give up his or her beloved pet if it comes to that. And many times it does!

Visit the foster home and tell them about your allergies. Ask a lot of questions and stay as long as you can. Hug and kiss the dogs, rub your nose into their fur, and breath the air in the room where they live. Let the dogs lick your bare skin, especially on your neck (if you are brave) and inside your arms where the skin is more sensitive. You want to test your allergic reaction both to the dander and saliva. This will help you to evaluate your current allergic reaction to that particular breed.

If you choose to purchase rather than rescue, choose a breeder that only breeds that one breed of dog. You don't want to visit a house that has mixed allergens from several dog breeds. Visit only one breeder per day or even per week. Visiting several breeders on the same day could give you inconclusive results of your allergic reaction. For example, you might have a delayed reaction to your first visit when visiting the second breeder and not actually reacting to the dogs in the second house.

If you decide on a hairless dog, here are some tips to reduce any allergens:

• Bathe your dog frequently
• Bathing hairless dogs is very quick
• Using a mild dog shampoo helps prevent over drying of the skin
• Keep your dog's skin healthy
• Dermatitis often causes accelerated skin cell shedding
• Wash dog bedding, clothes, and soft toys frequently
• Wash all dog bedding, cushion covers, doggie shirts, and soft dog toys frequently with a mild, fragrance free detergent
• You can try using an anti-allergen detergent to wash your doggie stuff
• Get leather furniture instead of fabric. Leather is the ideal sofa material for allergy sufferers
• You can also use sofa slipcovers (see allergy products) for a neater look
• Have reserved seating in the family room. No dog is allowed on the furniture. Sitting in a dog dander free chair makes a significant difference
• Vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum cleaner
• Air the house
• Open the windows occasionally to let the airborne pet dander air out, but not when the pollen count is high outside
• Wash your hands frequently
• Limit dog dander in your car
• If you have no second car, you can cover the car seat with a washable sheet or pet blanket, or use washable car seat protectors (see allergy products) designed for pet owners
• Leather car seats are ideal

Allergen reduction products:

• You can also try spraying areas where your dogs spend their time (carpets, sofas) with an anti-allergen spray (they supposedly deactivate pet allergens
• Visit your allergy specialist for advice and medications. Be sure to discuss your pet allergies with your allergy specialist to create the best treatment and maintenance plan for your specific allergies.