Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet with how attached most owners are to their dogs, they seem to chose living with their allergies rather then giving up their beloved pets.

If you find yourself getting congested or suffering a runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, sore throat, skin rashes or hives, headaches, fatigue, difficulties breathing, or asthma symptoms when you're around dogs, then you probably have allergies.

You can still indulge in your appreciation for canines, but you will need to learn some basic techniques for protecting your health, while still enjoying your pet's company.

Firstly, dog allergens can adhere to clothing, drapes, walls, furniture and even remain airborne for quite awhile. You can ease your allergies by observing some basic rules of cleanliness.

Keep the dog out of areas where you will be sleeping or spending prolonged periods of time. Wash your hands after playtime, petting or grooming. You may need to take an over the counter allergy medication prior to playtime, extensive petting or grooming. A shower and change of clothing may help as well.

Never allow the dog to jump, sleep or play on furniture where you will be sitting, sleeping or using extensively. Dander will pool in these areas and cause a severe allergic reaction. Keep floors swept or vacuumed, and shampoo or steam carpets every second or third month. Keep the dog's bedding, toys and feeding area washed and clean also.

Second. A good HEPA air filter may help keep airborne dander under control, but you will need to maintain a rigorous grooming schedule if you want to prevent dander at the source. If grooming the dog yourself is a problem, you might need to recruit a friend or family member for this job.

Bathing should be once or twice a week, but be sure that the shampoo does not dry out the dog's skin or it will create worse dander. The use of a soft body brush can be daily, if gentle. It will remove loose dander on and in the hair.

A full body scrub down should be scheduled once or twice a week, this will work loose any flakes deeper in the coat. When I say 'scrub' I'm suggesting a firm body brush that will be able to massage the skin but not hurt the dog. If you brush too roughly your dog will quickly learn to dislike grooming, and it will become a miserable chore for both of you!

Third. No dog should be considered completely non-allergenic because, regardless of strict grooming and prevention techniques, all dogs produce dander, saliva and urine, which are the cause of allergies. There are some breeds, however, that produce less dander than others, and sufferers should seriously consider choosing from one of these breeds.

Airedales, Poodles and Schnauzers make the best choices for allergy sufferers. All three of these breeds shed less dander then other breeds. They also shed very little hair, and have very little dog odor if they are kept regularly groomed and cared for.

Airedales

Airedales are a medium large breed originated in England where they were bred to be a brave, strong, and intelligent hunting dog. Today it is highly prized as a companion for it's beauty, shape and type. They're called the "King of Terriers" by dog fanciers. They have a merry temperament and love to play games. They are good learners, good with children and adapt themselves easily to either home, yard or garden.

On the downside, Airedale's coat should be trimmed by a professional, as they require their hair to be "plucked" or it will cause unhealthy skin problems, severe irritation, itching and of course, more dander.

Poodles

One of the best features of this breed is choice in size. The standard and giant sized Poodles are a good choice for a family or individual with a large house or yard. They make excellent watchdogs or pets, and are so intelligent that they can be easily housebroken and even taught to do tricks. The miniature and toy poodles are less then 15 inches tall at the shoulder, and are just as intelligent and loving as their larger counterparts.

Poodles are an excellent choice for allergen sensitive owners. They do not shed, and the coat can be clipped quite close by your groomer, making soft brushing less of a chore. In fact, some poodle owners even learn how to clip their own dogs. Bathing is very simple for a poodle with a short coat, just avoid those lion manes and you'll have a perfect companion.

Schnauzers

This breed also comes in a variety of sizes from Giant to Miniature, and the best part is that they have almost NO doggy odor! Just like Poodles, the Schnauzer needs to be clipped because they do not shed out hair as most dogs do. But unlike the Poodle, most Schnauzers are allowed to keep their beard and some fuzzy socks. If necessary, however you can modify his furry attire to best suit your needs.

Schnauzers are very brave, intelligent and aristocratic. He is excellent in a family setting, and was even given the name "kinder watcher" for his loving care of the children. They are so talented and versatile that they are equally suited for hunting, tracking, retrieving, security, guarding, military work, agility, competitive obedience and even learning tricks.

So if you find yourself driving past the dog park and thinking about how much you'd enjoy having a dog in your life, now might be a great time to act upon your desires.

You don't have to give up your love of dogs; you just need to find the right balance to fit a dog into your life. These beautiful and loving creatures truly deserve a warm place in our hearts, and the title of man's best friend.

Visit http://www.avidpets.com for additional helpful tips and advice on caring for both puppies and adult dogs.

---

The Joy Of Having Puppies!

One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More

Chocolate And Your Dogs Health -- What You Should Know

Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it!... Read More

West Highland White Terriers ? Westies- A Wonderful Breed Apart

"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owners Guide to Sanity

Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More

How To Install An Emergency Brake On Your Horse

Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More

Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses

When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More

How to Keep Your Cat Free from Diseases with This Quick Guide to Cat Parasites

Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More

Hamsters and their quest for world domination

"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More

Are Exotic Cats a Threat to Public Safety? Why Exotic Pets Are Not Dangerous

I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More

Old Fashioned Flea Control

Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More

Your Pets Medicine Chest - Medications To Keep On-Hand

We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More

Seven Ways to Boxer-Proof Your House

You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More

Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!

If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More

10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time

The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More

A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good...

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More

A Look at Discount Dog Beds

Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More

How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy

So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More

Animal Ethics

IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat?

Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

Do You Know About Boxer Dogs?

Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More

Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate Your Dogs Aggressive Behavior

Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More

Whos Pulling On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?

Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More

Crate Training Tips: How to Crate Train Your Dog

A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More