Are You Allergic to Dogs?

Chinese crested dogs are considered hypoallergenic. Having any allergy can be incredibly frustrating, but finding out you are allergic to your very own beloved dog can be a devastating experience.

Symptoms of dog allergies include watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, breathing difficulties, plugged or itchy ears and rashes or hives on the skin. These often result in head aches and fatigue. Asthma and Eczema is also known to be a result of dog allergies.

The allergy is the result of allergy causing proteins (allergens), which can be found in the dog's dander, saliva or even urine. Dander is the dead skin which is shed by the dog.

Unfortunately, a cure for such a frustrating problem does not exist. Allergies often come and go with age, and certain drugs can keep symptoms at bay for a limited time. But a true sufferer is simply advised to stay away from the cause altogether.
Existing Dog Owners

There are a number of steps which can be taken to keep allergies at bay. These include:

*Minimizing furniture - Rugs, throws, cushions and excessive carpeting will all accumulate allergen.
*Restriction - Allow your dog entry only to certain rooms in the house. They should be completely banned from the bedrooms, and should never be allowed to sleep with you.
*Vacuuming - Be sure to vacuum the house on a regular basis, to remove as much of the allergen as possible.
*Ventilation - Adequate ventilation and the use of an effective quality air filter may dramatically reduce the amount of allergens.
*Grooming - Do not over bathe your dog, this will only dry out the skin and cause unnecessary stress. A once a week maximum bath is recommended. However, regular brushing outside the house will help prevent the spread of allergens throughout the house.

Basenji's are considered hypoallergenic
Potential Dog Owners

If you are adamant you want to keep a dog, even with your allergies, there are a number of breeds which can be taken into consideration when deciding upon the individual you purchase. However, as the allergens are also present in the saliva, sufferers will still be affected at some level.

The following dogs are said to produce fewer allergens due to their various coat types.

The coat types include:

*Single-coated dogs which do not have a thick undercoat.
*Double-coated breeds, whose coat continues to grow, much like human hair, rather than shedding regularly.
*Hairless dogs.

Hypoallergenic breeds include:

Single-coated breeds

*Afghan Hound
*Australian Terrier
*Basenji
*Bedlington Terrier
*Boston Terrier
*Bichon Frise
*Bolognese
*Bouvier des Flandres
*Coton de Tulear
*German Shorthaired Pointer
*Greyhound
*Havanese
*Irish Water Spaniel
*Italian Greyhound
*Jack Russel Terrier
*Kerry Blue Terrier
*Lowchen
*Lhasa Apso
*Maltese
*Poodles
*Portuguese Water Dog
*Schipperke
*Schnauzer
*Shih Tzu
*Silky Terrier
*Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
*Spanish Water Dog
*Yorkshire Terrier
*Wheaton Terrier

Double-coated breeds

*Border Terrier
*West Highland White Terrier

Hairless breeds

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