For people that love dogs, yet have allergic reactions to them, there is a simple alternative. If you can’t do without a four legged “friend,” choosing a hypoallergenic dog is the best alternative. For those who are scratching their heads, a hypoallergenic dog is not a special breed of dogs. They are dogs that generate less (hypo) allergens (allergenic) in the air, which has a lot to do with the dog’s physical size and length of its fur.
For allergy sufferers, finding an allergy-friendly dog is the most reasonable choice. This doesn’t 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.
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.
These can be frightening reactions and choosing not to have a pet, for these reasons, out ways the benefits of having one. For dog lovers, who suffer with allergies, this is a hard fact to accept.
The reason some people suffer from 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 dog’s hair picks up pollen and dust attaching itself to the hair follicle. With normal movements, 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 dog’s area to see how you react to it.
If you have a severe reaction in that amount of time, then you can be assured that having it as a live-in would not be a good idea.
If you’re choosing a breeder who lives a substantial distance away, send a clothing item to the breeder and ask them to place it near the dog for a day and send it back to you in a plastic bag. Wear the clothing item or breathe in the smell and see how you react.
If no reaction, you might want to consider visiting the breeder in person. If you do get a negative reaction, it’s 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 you in turn, can meet its 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.
Here are a few breeds to consider: Bichon Frise, Irish Terrier, Poodles.
These dogs enjoy family surroundings, they’re excellent with children and they make great watch dogs. 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 surroundings. A couple of good choices would be Chihuahua or a Portuguese Water Dog. These dogs tend to bond with one person rather than several.
Here are a few dogs to stay away from due to their high shedding ability. They are: Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Dachshunds, Basset hounds, German Shepherds and Afghan Hounds.
If you choose an indoor dog, it’s best to choose one that can be groomed regularly or that you can bath easily. It’s best to bath them at least 1-2 times per week.
This will reduce the amount of pet dander. Taking care of your dog’s 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 find the best one that fits your lifestyle.
Posts Tagged: dog
23
Jan 10
Learn How To Choose An Hypoallergenic Dog.
18
Jan 10
what is the best breed of dog for a first time dog owner if you live in an apartment and want a healthy dog.?
what is the best breed of dog to have as a pet if you lived in an apartment with a family? the two teenage boys want a dog to go outside and play with and the mother wants a calm low maintenance quite dog. the dad wants a dog with no health problems because he is the one who has to pay the medical bills. what breed do you think fit the conditions, list all the dog breeds or a pet of any other species you think fit the conditions.
18
Jan 10
Boost Senior Dog Health with Natural Remedies
As your pet ages, senior dog health should become a priority. Certain breeds develop age-related problems as they get older. Other dogs develop issues that have to do with diet and lifestyle, so it’s important to come up with a preventative plan, just as you would for your own health. In this article, you’ll learn what you can do to boost your dog’s vitality and immunity.
Any dog over seven years of age can begin to show these age related symptoms, and larger dogs are more likely to suffer from age related problems. Senior dog health problems, like senior human health problems, vary from bone and joint related problems, dysfunction of organs like the liver or kidneys. Metabolisms tend to slow down, and eyes and ears get weaker. Skin and coat loose their youthful glossy look, and teeth and gums begin to rot, as they do in humans.
Senior dog health is an iffy thing, and takes a lot more maintenance than that of a younger dog or a puppy. Older dogs not only tend to be less energetic, they also have lower recuperative powers. So, if an older dog falls ill, she takes much longer o recover, especially after a harsh treatment by conventional antibiotic drugs. This is where natural homeopathic treatments can make a large and significant difference to the ongoing maintenance of the health of your pet.
Problems of the bones and joints, like arthritis, which are chronic, are also helped enormously by natural remedies. Weakened eyesight, and weakening of the heart, lungs, liver, etc, can be arrested, and slowed significantly by herbal remedies, and long term natural treatment. Older dogs are more prone to infectious diseases as well, because their immune systems become weaker with age, which leaves them vulnerable to viral and bacterial attacks. Any of these infections can cause serious and life threatening senior dog health problems.
The right and continuous administration of holistic and natural treatments can make a big difference to how your dog deals with infections too. Herbal treatments help to bolster the immune system, making your dog stronger, and better able to resist or deal with infectious agents.
Maintaining the health of an older dog entails paying more attention to age-related health issues. Do the research, and make sure you are up-to-date as far as possible problems are concerned. Find out the specific health issues that your dog is likely to face. There are problems associated with specific breeds and age groups of dogs.
Help your dog adjust with advancing age by changing her lifestyle and diet to go with her lower energy and metabolism levels. Adding daily herbal supplements like Huang Qi, Mistletoe, Purple Coneflower, Indian ginseng, and Milk Thistle can help improve senior dog health by boosting immunity and fighting diseases like cancer. Just remember that homeopathy or holistic treatments must be continued long term, and as specified, for full effects to be felt.
18
Jan 10
My dog is 7 years old. Is he too old to get neutered? Will there be any health problems?
My yorkshire terrier is about 7 years old. I have him and another dog who is a girl. The girl is spayed, but my boy isn’t. I was really little when we got him, so we didn’t get him neutered then, and I didn’t think much of his behaviors like humping his toy and stuff, but now he just stares at the girl dog and whimpering and stuff. So I think it’s best to get him neutered. All I’m wondering is if it will affect his health in anyway since he’s way past the recommended age. Help!