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 http://www.avidpets.com.
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Selecting a Kitten It is best to choose your... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview .."Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter.... Read More
As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Are you irritated by your dog's drooping ears or your... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Pet |