If you suffer from allergies, you
may have found it impossible to own a pet. For pet lovers, this
is a heart-breaking experience. There are however, some breeds
of dogs that produce less dander and allergens than other types
of dog. Referring to any breed of dog as "hypoallergenic"
may be a misleading term. Hypo does not mean the dog has no allergens,
it means less allergens.
Those with severe allergies will still be at least minimally
affected by a hypoallergenic dog, but there are several breeds
from which to choose if you are searching for a dog that will
affect your allergies less severely.
Dogs have different types of coats according to breed, but
there are two types in particular that will produce significantly
less dander, hairless dogs and single-coated dogs that do not
have a thick undercoat. Some of the hairless breeds are the
American Hairless Terrier, Chinese Crestless, Peruvian-Inca
Orchid, and the Mexican Hairless. A few of the single-coated
breeds are Poodles, Schnauzers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bichon
Frise, and several breeds of terrier.
There are several measures you can take to help manage your
allergies if you have dogs in your home. Investing in a good
air purifier and a good quality vacuum cleaner will be an excellent
place to start. You can also limit your dog's access to certain
areas of your home, especially the bedroom. Mop and vacuum your
floors regularly to reduce pet dander. Make sure you clean your
air filters on a regular basis and use curtains that can be
washed instead of blinds or drapes.
Make sure you brush and bathe your pet regularly, at least
every 10 days. The use of hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses
will be quite helpful in reducing allergens as well. Wash your
dog's bedding and toys often and steam clean your carpets several
times per year. A hypoallergenic dog and some extra preventative
measures will lessen the dander you have in your home and make
your life as a dog lover a bit more comfortable.
