Pet University
Becoming a Dog Parent
Selecting a Dog
Owning a dog can provide much fun, happiness, and many great memories. Before bringing a new dog into your household, take a bit of time to educate yourself on the many breed characteristics before making your selection. Also, put together a budget that includes not just the price you might pay for the dog, but also the cost of health care (vaccines, parasite control, surgery and grooming), food, treats, licensing and possibly obedience training and pet health insurance. This will help you understand the commitment and responsibility you will be taking on. Consider also that it isn’t always necessary to buy a dog. Many great dogs are available for adoption.
Allergies to Dogs
Some people, pet owners and non-pet owners alike, suffer from some sort of allergy to dogs. They suffer by breaking out in rashes, coughing, and sneezing every time they go near a dog. So what if you’re an allergy sufferer and a pet lover at the same time?
Most allergy sufferers think that it is the dog’s hair that is affecting them, but they are actually affected by the allergens which are secreted by oil glands in the dog’s skin and the dead skin cells which constantly fall off the dog (dander).
So how can these allergy sufferers own a dog as a pet and enjoy it? All dogs have hair and dander and are therefore capable of triggering allergic reactions. However, there are some breeds that appear to have much less impact on these allergy sufferers including:
- Curly-coated breeds: Bichon Frises, Irish Water Spaniels, Poodles, and Portuguese Water Dogs.
- Hairless breeds: American Hairless Terriers, Chinese Crested, and Xoloitzcuintli.
- Low-shedding or single-coated breeds: Basenjis, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, and Maltese.
- Terrier-type breeds: Bedlington Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Schnauzers, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers.
No matter what kind of dog you own, taking good care of him can also help to alleviate allergy symptoms. Simple things like bathing your dog on a regular basis help to rid him of large amounts of dander. Housekeeping tasks like covering pieces of furniture in vinyl and changing all of your household bedding once a week also help with allergies. Some items in the house like carpets and rugs collect large amounts of dust, dander, and other allergens no matter how often you vacuum. Hardwood, vinyl, or linoleum floors are much better choices for allergy sufferers.
So, if you suffer from allergies to dogs, yet are absolutely in love with them, it is still possible to own one. Consider choosing a breed that may be less of an irritant to your allergies. Or, if you fall in love with a dog that makes you sneeze like crazy, bathe him regularly, keep your house clean and install hard surface flooring.
