Could anyone help me find a helpful website to go onto, to look for a small dog that i might be able to have in my home, because i am allergic to alot of dogs and my asthma flares up really bad.
We have a Welsh Corgi right now, but having to get rid of her, cause she sheds so much that my asthma is really bad.
Thanks!!
2006-12-04 12:47:11 · 14 answers · asked by pigs71 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
There aren't any "hypoallergenic" dogs, contrary to myth. I have asthma and allergies myself, and have to get allergy shots in order to keep my dogs.
It's not the hair you're allergic to, it's the dander and saliva, which all dogs have (I had to have this all explained to me by my allergenist, who presented much printed info for me to read). Also the pollen that gets tracked in by the dog.
There are ways to reduce your symptoms, though -- besides the shots, which helped me a lot --
When your dog comes in, wipe her off with a damp paper towel (removes much of the pollen) and/or teach her to tolerate being vacuumed (there are vacuum attachments just for the purpose with rubber brushes on one end). We've taught our dogs to put up with it and it helps with shedding and allergies both.
Don't let your dog in the bedroom so you have a "free zone" and can sleep better (admittedly, this was our doc's advice, but our dogs sleep with us).
Rinse your dog in plain water once a week, and bathe monthly with a "no scent added" dog shampoo. Either have someone who isn't allergic do that, or wear an allergy mask while you do it.
If you can't make the adjustment, sad to say, you're better off without getting another dog, which you'd only have to get rid of. Please don't spend a fortune on a dog you're told won't trigger allergies -- I've been assured by multiple specialists that there is no such dog (or cat).
2006-12-04 13:01:58 · answer #1 · answered by peculiarpup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that dogs that have hair that grows like ours, (continues to grow long, must be kept trimmed) like poodles and bichon can be a good dog for allergy prone people. I don't know that for a fact because no one in my family has allergies to dogs or cats. I just know that a woman that I used to work with got a Bichon for her daughter because the daughter had horrible allergies and she didn't seem to react to this dogs dander. But, the dog was taken to the groomer at least once a month for shampoos and trimming and this may have been what was preventing it. If you bathed your Welsh Corgi more often, would it help keep the dander down? I do know that it is the dander that people are allergic to, not the fur itself. Maybe give your Corgi a bath once a week with a mild shampoo made for dogs and a good brushing and see if that helps with the dander. You may not have to get rid of your baby then. Give it a try.
2006-12-04 13:33:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I ahd the same problem. A week with a welsh Corgi and I was gasping for breath.Choose a dog that doesn't shed hair like a Jack Russel, Yorkshire Terrier or poodle.
2006-12-04 12:54:30 · answer #3 · answered by Boris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don’t know of a website but the Maltese breed is good for people with allergies. Because they produce very little dander and when groomed properly they hardly shed either. Dander is usually what sets off people with Asthma so you might want to look into this breed.
2006-12-04 13:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Chihiro00 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoallergenic_dog_breeds
I have a family of asthmatic people. We are doing fine with a poodle and a Lhasa Apso. They are the sweetest guys. The poodle has an attitude - he's a character. The Lhasa Apso is delicious and most loyal no matter what and does not have any airs. We often visit where there is a Yorkshire Terrier and a Wheaton Terrier and we have no problems there either.
2006-12-04 12:55:42 · answer #5 · answered by dgm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is call a Vet. There are dogs that have next to no dander. It is the Dander that sets off your Asthma. Believe me I know. Vets can give you the information that you are seeking. Good Luck
2006-12-04 12:50:20 · answer #6 · answered by Terry R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A really nice dog would be a soft coated wheaten terrier they don't shed and mine is 4 and weighs about 38 pounds great dogs!!
2006-12-04 12:49:50 · answer #7 · answered by erin5464 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try looking for dogs with hair instead of fur. Also there is this allerpet that you can put on your dog after giving it a bath to help with allegies too.
2006-12-04 13:03:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've heard that chihuahuas are good dogs for people with asthma. In fact, a lot of my family has asthma and they got chihuahuas and it seems to have helped a lot.
2006-12-04 12:55:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can try and find a website for a Bichon Frise they dont cast. My brother has asthma and he's been fine with my one. They're small too and they're great dogs.
Good Luck!!
2006-12-05 02:06:48 · answer #10 · answered by Paris 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋