Five Ways You Can Still Own A Dog and Minimize The Allergies You Suffer

Hypoallergenic… this word was first mentioned in 1950s and usually when talking about cosmetics. But what does the word mean? It means something that’s not as likely to cause someone with allergies to become allergic. A canine-friendly person with allergies to dogs may have been, at one time, unable to own one as pet because of the lack of allergy-friendly canines available. However, today, there are breeds and ways available that allow a person who allergies to dogs able to own one.

It’s Not Dog Hair

Most people believe that they’re allergic to dog hair but, in actuality, it’s everything on the dog hair such as dander, skin flakes, and proteins from the urine and saliva. It’s a big reason people will have hives after a dog licks them.

However, these allergens are on dog hair, which get carried around the house and gets distributed. Thus, dogs that don’t shed as much or have just one coat of hair are typically called hypoallergenic. It tends to do very little with the dog’s actual hair length.

What Dog Breeds Are Thought Of As Hypoallergenic

- Bichon-Frise
- Chinese-Crested (similar hairless breeds that don’t shed a lot of skin cells)
- Greyhound
- Maltese
- Poodle or hybrid of poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog (other curly-haired dog breeds)
- Terrier

Do you already own a dog that’s causing you grief with allergies? What can you do that makes living with your canine friend friendly to your body?

1 – Give your dog a bath at least one time a week. This will get rid of the dust, protein and skin flakes, which can get into the air that you breathe.

2 – Brush your dog regularly and outdoors since it’s less likely to give you an allergic reaction. If you need to, wear a dust mask as you groom your canine friend.

3 – Don’t permit your dog into the bedroom, as you’ll spend a good chunk of time in there. This is also when you want your body to get a break from the allergens. Consider buying an air purifier to run in your room.

4 – Let your dog spend a good amount of time outdoors. Be sure you build a fence for them to stay in your area but only when the weather allows you to do this.

5 – Feed your canine friend a healthy diet with a high amount of fatty acids like Omega-3 and 6. These help to build a healthy skin and coat and keep abnormal shedding from occurring.

Allergy proof dogs are not available for purchase but you do have choices that can help you and other persons like you who suffer with allergies know the joys of owning a dog without all the sneezing, watery eyes and whatnot.