dog allergy? – Tips and dog breeds for allergy sufferers
Dogs are considered man's best friend: they are loyal, friendly and great companions. As dog fans, we really enjoy having our furry four-legged friends close by. However, there are also many people who like dogs around but are allergic to them: people with dog allergies .
Can you keep your own fur nose despite an allergy ? We present the answer to this as well as tips and suitable dog breeds for allergy sufferers in this blog.
What is a dog allergy?
Before we look at the dog breeds that are suitable for allergy sufferers, we should clarify what a dog allergy actually is. A dog allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to certain proteins found in dogs' saliva, urine and hair. The symptoms of a dog allergy are relatively similar to house dust or pollen allergies: inflamed eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing and skin rashes, even asthma in severe cases.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
However, a dog allergy does not mean that you cannot have a dog. Because there are a number of dog breeds that are more suitable for allergy sufferers than others. This is also referred to as a hypoallergenic dog breed. Hypoallergenic means less allergenic.
However, that does not mean that they do not trigger allergic reactions at all. After all, just like all dogs, they produce the same proteins. But the difference lies in the fur: many people react less sensitively to dogs that shed less hair.
Which dog breeds are suitable for allergy sufferers?
The poodle is arguably the best-known hypoallergenic dog breed . They have curly coats that don't shed and produce less dander than other dog breeds. Poodles are also considered to be intelligent and particularly family-friendly.
Similar dog breeds include the Labradoodle, Lagotto Romagnolo, or Portuguese Water Dog , which share a comparable character and are roughly the same size.
On the other hand, there are a number of small dog breeds with longer coats that also shed little. Bichon Frize, Maltese, Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terriers have silky soft fur, do not develop an undercoat and therefore do not have a pronounced change of coat. These too are very social, friendly, and active, making them great family companions.
Also, some short-haired dogs are considered allergy-friendly because they are very clean and don't shed much fur. These include the Basenji as well as some sighthound breeds such as the Afghan hound .
These are just a few examples of dog breeds that may be suitable for people with dog dander allergies. However, it is important to note that every person and dog is an individual and that no breed of dog is 100% allergen-free. So before you decide on a dog, you should first test whether you fit together at all and how strongly you react to him. In addition, it can be useful to first inform yourself about possible allergies and, if necessary, to have an allergy test carried out.
Dog despite allergy: how does it work?
In addition to choosing an allergy-friendly dog, there are other ways to deal with a dog allergy.
desensitization and therapy
One option is desensitization therapy , in which you are injected with slowly and gradually increasing doses of allergens. With this treatment, also known as hyposensitization, your immune system becomes more and more accustomed to the dog proteins so that it reacts less strongly to them. It is not possible to cure the allergy, but it can effectively reduce your symptoms. There are also a number of medications that relieve allergy symptoms, such as tablets and nasal sprays.
Tips for keeping a dog despite allergies
In addition, there are also some tips that can help you minimize allergic reactions. For example, you should brush or comb your dog regularly to remove loose hair and dander. Cleaning your living space also plays an important role: Daily vacuuming and cleaning of sofas, furniture, etc. can help reduce allergen exposure. Another important measure is not to let your dog on the sofa or in the bedroom, e.g. B. Avoiding asthma attacks while sleeping.
If you quickly get a rash on your hands, you should wash them after you have stroked your dog extensively. Frequent showering and daily change of clothes can also be effective.
Happy with dog and allergy
As you can see, you can keep a dog even though you suffer from a dog allergy. The selection of the dog breed also plays an important role: because although no dog is free of allergens, there are some dog breeds that are more suitable. However, there is no guarantee that you will react little to a dog .
Before committing to a dog, it is always a good idea to do a thorough research on the breed and make sure it fits your lifestyle and needs. So you too can enjoy the company of a furry friend - even if you have an allergy.
Sources:https://herz-fuer-tiere.de/haustiere/hunde/hunderasse/hunderassen-fuer-allergiker
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