Puppies for Allergic Humans

Allergic reactions are a response of the immune system to various triggers including dust mites, pollen or pet allergens. Allergies to dogs are not as common as cat allergies, according to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. People may be allergic to all dog breeds or only particular ones. If you suffer from allergies, but would like a puppy, there are a few breeds that are likely to cause milder allergic reactions.

  1. Allergies and Puppies

    • The allergen that causes sneezing, a runny nose and skin irritation is a protein that is produced by the dog's body and is found in dander, urine and saliva. Consequently, hair is not the allergen, as certain people might think. Dander tends to gather in the dog's hair and on furniture, walls, carpets and drapes. You can develop allergic reactions in a dog environment without the dog actually being present. When you inhale the allergens or these land on your skin, you start displaying allergy symptoms. A radioallergosorbent test (RAST) can detect dander allergies.

    Hypo-Allergenic Dogs

    • Certain dog breeds shed less hair and less dander, so they may be better suited for allergy sufferers. The list contains long and short-coated dogs and even hairless breeds. Bedlington terrier, bichon frise, Chinese crested, Irish water spaniel, kerry blue terrier, Maltese, poodles (all sizes), Portuguese water dog, schnauzer (all sizes), soft coated wheaten terrier and xoloitzcuintli are the breeds you should look into. The size, temperament and appearance of these breeds differ so you can choose a puppy you like and is suitable for your lifestyle.

    Hairless Breeds

    • Even if the allergen is dander not hair, hairless breeds are likely to produce fewer allergic reactions due to the fact that the hair may gather dander, dust, pollen and other allergens. Dogs with no or less hair are recommended to allergy sufferers. Consider getting a Chinese crested or the rare Mexican hairless, better known as the xoloitzcuintli or xolo. Hairless breeds are also recommended for asthma patients.

    Choosing a Puppy

    • Even if a puppy is included in the list of hypo-allergenic breeds, this is not a guarantee that you won't be allergic to it. You should know that each pet is different and certain puppies may shed more hair and dander due to various skin conditions. If you are considering getting a puppy, you should spend a few hours or days with the puppy and decide if the puppy is right for your lifestyle and causes milder allergic reactions. It is equally important to manage your allergic reactions and get allergy shots, which train your immune system and reduce your allergic reactions over time.