A Hypoallergenic Dog?


With the increase in rates of childhood asthma and allergies, many parents are looking for a non-allergenic pet for their children. Some breeds of dogs are promoted as being safe for those with allergies. Are they?

First, it helps to understand what makes someone allergic to a dog. Unlike cats, it is not the dog's skin that usually causes the problem: it's a substance called Can f 1 that is primarily found in dog saliva. There is also a protein in dogs' blood, Dog albumin, that can cause a reaction for some people, especially if combined with albumin from other animals.

While all dogs have saliva, not all dogs shed their fur, spreading the allergen throughout the environment. A few of the breeds that don't shed are poodles and poodle hybrids, such as the popular "golden doodles" and "schnoodles"; schnauzers, Portuguese water dogs, and some terriers. These dogs require regular grooming, meaning they are bathed and have their hair cut, both of which reduce the potential allergens they cast off into the environment.

If you have allergies and are set on having a dog, choose from one of these breeds. Bathe the dog once every one to two weeks, and wipe the dog daily with a damp cloth. Keep it out of the bedrooms, and buy a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to keep your surfaces and air clean. Many people find that taking these steps allows them to live comfortably with a canine companion.