By Linda Whitwam
We hear the phrases " hypoallergenic dogs" and "non-shedding dogs" used lot. But what do they actually mean? What is a hypoallergenic dog?
First of all, the dictionary definition of hypoallergenic (or hypo-allergenic) is "having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction".
Note that is does NOT mean that something hypoallergenic will NOT cause an allergic reaction.
The scientific fact of the matter is that:
1. No dog is totally hypoallergenic 2. No dog is totally non shedding.
Incredibly, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimate that as many as 10 million American suffer from some form of allergy. No wonder there are so many people out there looking for a pet that won't make them sneeze or wheeze all day long.
Well, there is some good news for dog lovers.... Firstly, cats are far more likely to cause allergies than dogs! Secondly, although nothing is guaranteed, an allergy sufferer is far LESS likely to suffer a reaction with a hypoallergenic dog breed. They may well suffer no reaction at all.
We can honestly say that this is true in our family. We chose Max, a Miniature Schnauzer, because of allergies and now - four years on - we can honestly say that we have virtually no allergic reaction to Max. Maybe an occasional sneeze when he's in need of a bath or a trip to the groomers for trimming, but that's all.
Another advantage is that we also don't really find any dog hairs around the house, which is great. When friends visit with their dogs - namely Ruby the Cairn Terrier and - even worse - Charlie the Labrador Retriever (lovely dog, but masses of fur which he's not particularly attached to.....), I find dog hairs around the house for weeks afterwards!
Incidentally, a dog is hypoallergenic BECAUSE it is non-shedding.
Most people think that pet allergy sufferers are allergic to animal hair, but that's not the case. What they are actually allergic to are proteins - or allergens. These are secreted by the animal's oil glands and then shed with the dander - or dead skin cells. (These proteins are also found in dog saliva and urine.)
All dogs - even the so-called "hairless " breeds have dander, saliva and urine. Non shedding dog breeds - such as all three types of Schnauzer - have a double coat. The outer coat is hard and wiry, the undercoat softer and close to the skin.
This type of coat sheds only if the dog is left ungroomed for several months. Hypoallergenic dogs virtually do not molt. (You might find the occasional dog hair around the house). Their coats do not trap dander like the heavy undercoated dogs do.
Non shedding puppies are a popular choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking of getting one, try and spend some time alone with the pup at the breeder's to determine what - if any - reaction you have. Allergic symptoms do not always happen immediately - sometimes there can be a couple of days' delay. They can also vary from one breed to another - or even from one dog to another within the same breed.
Of course, there's no guarantee with allergies. But one thing you CAN be sure of is that your chances of having an allergic reaction to a dog are far less if you choose a non shedding and hypoallergenic breed.
There are a surprising number of hypoallergenic dog breeds. To find out which they are, follow this link for the Complete List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds.
Happy hunting!
Linda Whitwam is a freelance journalist and photographer based in the UK. For the last 2 decades she has traveled the world with her profession on commissions for major international publishers. A lifelong animal lover, she is now specialising in canine journalism.
Latterly she has accepted a part-time position as Assistant to her Miniature Schnauzer Max, who has produced the website http://www.max-the-schnauzer.com Max modestly describes the website as "the sensational virtual village for fans of the world's greatest dog, the Schnauzer".
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Whitwam
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypoallergenic-Dogs---The-List&id=1728919
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
By Joseph Devine
Everyone knows that dogs are man's best friend, but try telling that to people who are reduced to sneezing and sniffling by merely being in the same room as a Golden Retriever. While dogs make great, loyal pets, some people just can't stand to be around them because of allergies. All dogs shed hair and skin (called dander), which can cause bad allergic reactions in certain people. The problem is that many people who are allergic to dogs would still love to have the companionship and love of a canine pet. Enter the hypoallergenic dog.
Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds of dogs that are believed to be better for people with dog allergies, for various reasons. While doctors and researchers are still split on whether or not hypoallergenic dogs are actually better for the allergic, many owners swear by their dogs.
The theory is that there are certain factors that contribute to how many allergens a dog produces, and that certain breeds (or new breeds bred specifically for the purpose) possess qualities that cause them to produce fewer allergens than other breeds.
Size
One of the qualities believed to affect the allergen output of dogs is size. The smaller the dog, the less dander will be produced. Additionally, some people believe that smaller dogs will track in fewer outdoor allergens. People who are allergic to dogs almost always have other environmental allergies, and smaller dogs are less likely to bring these into the house on their paws and in their coats.
Fur
Another big factor for hypoallergenic dogs is the nature of their coat. Some believe that dog breeds which do not shed are better for people with allergies, while others believe that furless dogs are better, because the dander won't get caught in the fur and can easily be washed off in regular baths.
Bark
While it may sound strange at first, a dog's bark can actually spread allergens. Saliva and dander are easily spread when a dog barks, especially if the dog barks frequently and has a loud, resounding sound. Many small dogs tend to also be very vocal, canceling out the benefits of having a smaller surface area. People with dog allergies are advised to look for a smaller dog with a relaxed temperament.
Hypoallergenic Breeds
Breeds to look for include:
Boston Terriers
Greyhound
Schnauzers
Silky Terriers
For more information about dogs, visit http://www.austinveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypoallergenic-Dog-Breeds&id=2866808
Everyone knows that dogs are man's best friend, but try telling that to people who are reduced to sneezing and sniffling by merely being in the same room as a Golden Retriever. While dogs make great, loyal pets, some people just can't stand to be around them because of allergies. All dogs shed hair and skin (called dander), which can cause bad allergic reactions in certain people. The problem is that many people who are allergic to dogs would still love to have the companionship and love of a canine pet. Enter the hypoallergenic dog.
Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds of dogs that are believed to be better for people with dog allergies, for various reasons. While doctors and researchers are still split on whether or not hypoallergenic dogs are actually better for the allergic, many owners swear by their dogs.
The theory is that there are certain factors that contribute to how many allergens a dog produces, and that certain breeds (or new breeds bred specifically for the purpose) possess qualities that cause them to produce fewer allergens than other breeds.
Size
One of the qualities believed to affect the allergen output of dogs is size. The smaller the dog, the less dander will be produced. Additionally, some people believe that smaller dogs will track in fewer outdoor allergens. People who are allergic to dogs almost always have other environmental allergies, and smaller dogs are less likely to bring these into the house on their paws and in their coats.
Fur
Another big factor for hypoallergenic dogs is the nature of their coat. Some believe that dog breeds which do not shed are better for people with allergies, while others believe that furless dogs are better, because the dander won't get caught in the fur and can easily be washed off in regular baths.
Bark
While it may sound strange at first, a dog's bark can actually spread allergens. Saliva and dander are easily spread when a dog barks, especially if the dog barks frequently and has a loud, resounding sound. Many small dogs tend to also be very vocal, canceling out the benefits of having a smaller surface area. People with dog allergies are advised to look for a smaller dog with a relaxed temperament.
Hypoallergenic Breeds
Breeds to look for include:
Boston Terriers
Greyhound
Schnauzers
Silky Terriers
For more information about dogs, visit http://www.austinveterinarianclinics.com
Joseph Devine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypoallergenic-Dog-Breeds&id=2866808
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