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How To Choose A Hypoallergenic Dog
For allergy sufferers, finding an allergy-friendly dog is probably the most sensible
approach or choice. This does not mean that the dog will be
completely allergy proof, but it does mean that this type of dog tends to generate less amounts of allergy causing elements. The reality is
that it is impossible to find a dog that causes no degree of allergens.
Allergy reactions from dogs can consist of skin rashes, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and a stuffy nose. More serious reactions
are wheezing, asthma attacks and not being able to breathe deeply. Obviously these can be frightening reactions and choosing not to have a
pet, for these reasons, clearly can outweigh the benefits of having one.
For dog lovers, who suffer with allergies that can be a very hard fact to accept. The reason some people suffer as a result of
simple pet hair is because of their immune system. They are hypersensitive to the components found on the dog hair.
Many people think it is the animal hair that causes the problem, but in reality it is what attaches itself to the pet hair. The
hair picks up pollen and dust attaching itself to the hair follicle. With normal movements of your dog, the elements are distracted on
whatever it comes across. Hence, larger and longer haired dogs have a tendency to generate more allergens than smaller and shorter haired
dogs. Therefore, the bigger the dog, the more allergy components it will distract.
If choosing a dog from a breeder, try spending at least 30 minutes playing with the dog and being in the area around the dog to
see how you react to it. If you have a severe reaction in that short amount of time, then you can be pretty confident that having it as a
live-in would not be a good idea.
If you are choosing a breeder who lives a substantial distance away, then one thing to consider is sending a clothing item to the
breeder and asking them to place it near the dog for a day. Then get them to send it back to you in a plastic bag. Wear the clothing item
or breathe in the smell and see how you react. If there is no reaction, you might want to consider visiting the breeder in person. If you
do get a negative reaction, then it is best not to waste your time visiting in person. The allergic reaction would probably be worse if you
were around the real thing.
Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a dog is the temperament. You want to choose a dog that will meet your
needs, and be confident that you in turn, can meet their needs as well. Not only do you want to choose an allergy-friendly dog, but if you
have a family, you want one that is family-friendly as well.
There are a few breeds you might want to consider: Bichon Frise, Irish Terrier and Poodles. These dogs enjoy being in family
surroundings, they are considered to be excellent with children and they also make great watch dogs. Critically they also have low shedding
levels. If you are a single adult, you might want to consider a dog that is happy with minimal people in their surroundings. In that
situation a couple of good choices might be Chihuahua or a Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs tend to bond with one person rather than
several.
There are a few dogs that you really want to stay away from because of their high shedding ability. These
are Cocker Spaniels,
Irish Setters, Dachshunds, Basset hounds,
German Shepherds and Afghan Hounds.
If you choose an indoor dog, it is best to choose one that can be groomed regularly or that you can bath easily. It is best to
bath them at least one or two times per week. This will reduce the amount of pet dander. Taking care of their hair is an important part of
reducing the components that cause allergies. You can even choose a hairless dog such as the Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier or
the Mexican Hairless.
Some people claim that certain breeds bring out the worst in their allergies than others. In choosing a breed, be open to finding
the best one that suits you and also fits in with your lifestyle.
About the Author
Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Pet Care. You can read more of his articles at Dog Care and Training
and Pet Care Centre Download Your Free Dog
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