Dog allergies can be a major pain for those who loves canines. Unfortunately, for some people, dog allergies are so severe that it’s impossible to have a dog as a family member.
Symptoms can be mild — such as watery eyes or occasional sneezes — to full-blown dangerous allergy attacks. In recent years, ‘hypoallergenic’ breeds such as Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs have risen in popularity. But to some, there is no true ‘hypoallergenic’ breed, only individual canines that don’t trigger allergic responses.
Is Any Breed Truly Hypoallergenic?
“There’s really, truly no completely, 100 percent hypoallergenic dog. Even hairless dogs can make the allergen,” says John James, a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Despite popular misconception, ‘hypoallergenic’ in itself only means that there is a lesser chance of triggering an allergic reaction, not a complete lack of allergens. Additionally, some dogs of the same breed produce more or less allergens than a sibling.
Because of this, it becomes extremely difficult to adopt a dog from puppyhood with the assurance that they will not trigger allergies. As it turns out, it’s more helpful to visit a potential canine family member and spend time with them instead of blind-adopting a breed known to be hypoallergenic.
Managing Allergies to Canines
Even if you are allergic to man’s best friend, that doesn’t mean that your relationship needs to come to an end.
For the most part, canine allergies are now highly manageable at home. Over-the-counter allergy medications, regular grooming, and in some cases immunotherapy can all make a world of difference. Additionally, seeking out further steps like air purifiers may further improve your comfort level with your dog. In some cases, allergy sufferers may actually be responding to an allergen carried in on the dog’s coat. Thus, they may not be allergic to the pet at all.
