An estimated 15% of Americans are allergic to dogs and other pets to some degree. Allergies can strike anybody, at any time in life. The good news is that millions of allergy sufferers still enjoy a life with dogs. Allergies vary in intensity, and can often be suppressed with medication or dealt with through household control measures. Also, many people are allergic only to specific breeds or even individual dogs.
But finding out you have a serious allergy to dogs after you bring home a puppy or new dog is tragic for all involved. If you or anyone in your family—children especially—haven’t lived with dogs before, arrange to borrow a friend or neighbor’s dog. Alternatively, have your child sleep over at a friend’s house where there’s a dog.
Fur Or Hair?
A lot of confusion accompanies these terms as they relate to dogs. What’s typically said is that allergy sufferers should get dogs with hair rather than fur, also often called hypoallergenic dogs. A more accurate distinction is between double-coated and single-coated dogs. Generally, however, people are referring to double-coated dogs when they say fur (e.g. Afghan Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, collies, Irish Setters) and to single-coated dogs when they say hair (e.g. poodles, Cairn Terriers, Shih Tzus, Maltese).
More importantly, there is no such thing as an allergy-safe or hypoallergenic dog. In the majority of cases, dander (dead skin) triggers the allergic reaction, not a dog’s coat density or shedding cycle, and all dogs shed dander. However, some breeds do shed less dander and are therefore often easier for allergy sufferers to tolerate. See below for a list of these breeds.
Living With Dogs Despite Allergies
If you intend to get a dog despite an allergy, here are some measures that can make the process easier.
- Consult your doctor/allergist to discuss an ongoing regimen of anti-histamine meds or immunotherapy.
- Invest in air filters and remove carpeting. Carpets are bad for allergy sufferers in general and a pet in the house worsens the problem.
- Clean and vacuum regularly.
- Brush your dog daily, and bathe (or plain water rinse) him weekly. Launder your dog’s bedding weekly.
- Keep your dog out of the bedrooms at all times. Studies show this can significantly reduce symptoms in people with pet-related allergies. Also consider keeping your dog off the furniture and out of the car.
- Many people are allergic to dogs’ saliva. If that’s you, consult a trainer about how to teach your dog not to lick you.
Best Dog Breeds For People With Allergies
American Hairless Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bergamasco, Bichon Frise, Bichon/Yorkie, Bolognese, Border Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Cairn Terrier, Cavachon, Chacy Ranior, Chinese Crested, Cockapoo, Coton de Tulear, Doberman Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Hairless Khala, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Lagotto Romagnolo, Lowchen, Maltese, Malti-Poo, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Portuguese Water Dog, Puli, Schnoodle, Shepadoodle, Shichon, Shih Tzu, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Spanish Water Dog, Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Poodle, West Highland White Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier (from DogBreed.com)
