Portuguese Water Dog Magazine » Allergens

Dog breed: Shed

Master — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:49:18 +0000

With 10% of the US population allergic to animals, finding the “perfect” dog with no shedding which is allergen free is a quest. Contrary to what many people believe, it isn’t a dog’s hair that causes allergies, but dander, saliva and urine. These allergens are light and sticky and can can drift about your home with ease. The one saving grace is that all allergens are not created equally. Although you may be allergic to one species of dogs, you may be fine around another.

Whether your dog has long hair, is bald or has short hair, allergens exist. Any dog with fur will shed a little. Hair may increase your allergic reaction because if there is a lot of loss of fur, all the dander sticking to it may create a reaction in you.

Breeds like poodles, airedales and schanuzers only shed their skin (dander) about every 21 days as opposed to dogs such as cocker spaniels, German Shepards, and Irish setters which shed skin every three to four days. When you hear animals touted as “hypoallergenic” it actually means that your allergic reaction will be reduced, not go away all together.

Some common “hypoallergenic breeds” are poodles, labradoodles, Bichon Frise, Havenese, Miniature Schnauzers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Soft Coated Western Terrier, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dogs, Italian Greyhound, Basenji, Chinese Crested, Chihuahuas, and Mexican Hairless Dogs. If you like one of these breeds and suffer from allergies spend some time with the different dogs. You may find a specific breed that you don’t seem to have an allergic reaction around.

Sources:

Allergy Escape. The Hypoallergenic Dog (online) available at http://www.allergyescape.com/h ypoallergenic-dog.html. (accessed August 24, 2007)

Dog health: Seasonal allergies

Master — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:48:45 +0000

Keeping your dog comfortable during allergy season is very similar to how we as humans stay comfortable. Dogs are more prone toseasonal allergies than any other type of pet.

While there are five types of allergies that a dog can suffer from seasonal allergies fall under the category of an inhalant allergy. Which includes but is not limited to; all sorts of pollen, ragweed, hay and grass.

These allergens are airborne and cannot be avoided. You could keep your pet in the house with all the windows and door closed, invest several hundred dollars in HEPA air cleansing systems and buy little masks for your pet. Then there allergies may be a little betterhowever there quality of life would not be so great!

*SYMPTOMS OF SEASONAL DOG ALLERGIES*

The first and most important step in treating your dog’s allergies is to recognize them as allergies. Many dogs will sneeze or have watery eyes caused from a temporary irritation or even a cold. Itching is the main symptom to look for if you suspect your dog has allergies. Your dog will scratch almost constantly or rub its body on the floor to relieve the itching. Dogs will also rub there ears with their paws or use the floor to scratch them. Allergies and ear infections go hand and hand in dogs.

*TREATMENTS FOR YOUR DOGS SEASONAL ALLERGIES*

According to veterinarians over the counter antihistamines such as, Claritin and Benadryl are very effective in relieving your dog’s symptoms. Do NOT give them the recommendedhuman dosage; always call your vet for the correct dosage.

To help with the itching an oatmeal bath is soothing as is a bath using Epsom salts or a hypoallergenic shampoo.

If these methods do not help your dog then another options is allergy shots. Once your veterinarian has tested your dog and determined which allergen is causing the problem. A small amount of the allergen will be injected into the dog to help build up an immunity to that allergen. It works the same way as it does with humans. A weekly allergy shot is $70 to $120. It is well worth the cost to keep your dog comfortable and compared to the vet bills for ear infections and other issues that can arise from allergies it’s a small price to pay for the season.

Another option is Cortisone shots, which should only be considered as a last resort. Steroids are not healthy for dogs. This treatment causes a sedativeSay and it slows down every organ in your dog’s body. Side effects can vary from vomiting to seizures and in some rare cases death. Cortisone should be used as a last resort and only for a very brief time.

Most dogs will respond to the over the counter meds and maintain a happy healthy allergy season with a few sneezes and occasional runny nose and watery eyes.

Buying a Hypoallergenic Dog

Master — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:48:40 +0000

If you suffer from allergies, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, most of the people afflicted by some form of allergy can generally find howto care abouttheir lives and have pets.

Depending on the seriousness of your allergies, you’ll be able to bring a dog into your house so long as you take the time to find the breed that’s best for you. Hypo allergenic dogs are explicit breeds that shed less hair and dander than other dogs, and produce less allergens in their spit and pee. You must bear in mind that all breeds carry a certain quantity of allergens, but hypoallergenic dogs carry less. Allergens can become stuck in carpets, on walls, and in bedding and clothing. This is the reason why folks have allergic reactions to their pets. To have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, designating certain spots in the house for your pets to sleep, and by finding pets that have shorter hair and don’t shed their skin cells as regularly.
When searching for a hypo allergenic dog, you must research breeds that have short hair, shed their skin cells ( dander ) every couple of weeks rather then every couple of days, and don’t product as much spit. Since allergies can occur at different times during your life, you need to spend a while with the type of dog you’re thinking about adopting. Visiting a dog breeder or a buddy who has a dog will give you a betterconcept of which dog to adopt. You must also consider your current living conditions. If you live in a small house or flat, you may experience more allergy attacks as the dander and hair is restricted to a little space.
Adopting a tiny hypo allergenic dog is the most effective way to address this problem. If you live in a Biggerhome, you should be in a position to buy aMore massive dog. Letting the dog outside to run in the yard or by taking it for frequent walks will also help because your dog will be in a position to shed outside rather than within on your carpeting and bedding. When you bring your new dog home, you need to give it a fortnight for your body to adjust. Your allergies may become worse before they improve, but after a month, you need to see a difference. A hypo allergenic dog does not need any special care unless the breeder has express health recommendationabout the breed you’re purchasing.

Taking of your house by cleaning regularly and invest in a quality vacuum which will totallyclean your carpeting. If at all possible, you need to replace your carpeting with hardwood flooring. This can keep allergens from piling up and causing an allergic reaction attack. Wipe down the walls once every week and try and keep your new pet off your bed. These cares will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for a few years to come.
Realize that selecting a hypo allergenic dog is a tough decision; even for President Obama and his family. They finally selected Bo, a hypo allergenic Portugese Water Dog that is pictured to the right.

Take your time and do extensive research when deciding on a hypo allergenic dog.

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