Fact or Fiction: The Truth About Allergy-Free Dogs
A warm or dry nose means a dog is ill. Fiction. Dogs have sweat glands between their paw pads. Fact. Your pooch’s saliva has healing properties. Fiction. You dog has three eyelids. Fact. There is such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Fiction. Wait… what? Yes, that means your precious Poodle isn’t doing your nose any more favors than any other breed.
Many breeds have been purported to be “allergy free”, but a recent study revealed that homes containing“hypoallergenic” breeds contain just as much allergen as those containing other breeds. In fact, it seems that individual dogs within a breed may just produce more allergenic particles, no matter what that breed is.
The American Kennel Club does suggest several breeds for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding characteristics, but that is no guarantee that a dog of that breed won’t make you sneeze.
It is a dog’s fur that causes most dog allergies. Mostly Fiction. Most dog allergies are caused by skin cells (known as dander) that collect in the fur. Breeds most likely to be tolerated by those with allergies are those that produce and shed less dander, or a mixed breed involving one of these types of dogs. (Note: some people are actually allergic to dog saliva or urine rather than dander.)
Breeds considered to be ‘Low Dander’ by Adopt-a-Pet.com
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier (commonly called a Wheaten)
So what’s an allergy-sufferer to do? Before you commit to caring for a pooch, take extra steps
to ensure that yournew family member will not exacerbate anyone’s allergies. It is smartest to arrange a trial-period with an adult dog to see how they will fit into your family. An adult dog will have a mature haircoat so that you can get an accurate idea of how much allergen it may produce. By having a trial period with a local shelter or rescue, you can be sure that your pet has a place to go should the arrangement not work out.
And make extra efforts to keep the dog’s skin healthy. Dogs with dry skin tend to scratch a lot which transfers more dander into their fur or hair and into your home.
