Allergy Free Dogs Do They Really Exist
Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.
The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will.
So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog's dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog.
When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals.
Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen.
Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji.
The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type 1 can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Visit Allergy Treatment.
Allergy Free Dogs Do They Really Exist
All About Contact Allergy
All About Contact Allergy
An allergic reaction caused by the skin's contact with a
substance that is usually harmless to others is called contact allergy. You may suddenly become allergic to a substance that you have used all your life. Allergy occurs within 48 hours of contact with the allergen substance. The part of the skin that contacts the allergen becomes itchy and red and develops vesicles. Sometimes swelling, weeping, and blistering may also occur.
The rash can spread to other parts of the body. However, this happens rarely. Sometimes it takes months or weeks for the allergy to heal, because the allergic substance stays in contact constantly. Allergic contact dermatitis is the term given to rashes occurring due to contact allergy. Usually adults face the problem of allergic contact dermatitis. It mostly occurs from contact with poison ivy and poison oak.
Substances Causing Contact Allergy
Generally, harmless substances cause contact allergy. Metals like nickel and chrome, skin care products comprising fragrances and lanoline, and certain medications cause contact allergy. A patch test carried under the surveillance of a physician confirms the occurrence of contact allergy. Patch test is carried out on the upper back of the person's body. A simultaneous testing of several allergens is done and the results are obtained within 48 to 96 hours. Once a person develops allergy to a particular substance it stays for life.
Treatment Available
The available treatment varies by the type of rash or allergy. It is recommended in all cases, however, to stop using all products on the exposed area. Use only the treatment prescribed by the dermatologist. Usually the dermatologist prescribes a cortisone ointment preparation. Because it is a strong medication, use it initially for a week then visit your dermatologist and have the allergy checked. Follow what your doctor says.
Usually it takes two weeks for the allergy to subside. After the healing period is over search for the chemical/substance you are allergic to. Do this by repeating the use of all products you used priory. Use them one at a time with a gap of one week between uses of each product. This way you will easily detect the allergic product. Avoid using this particular chemical/substance in the future. However, when unable to determine the cause, certain patch tests may help to obtain precise and detailed results.
If you are thinking that allergy is only a simple disease, you may be quite wrong. You may be afflicted by only one or two types of allergies. This may lead you to feel that allergies are limited to only those types. However, if you take a look around and see other people suffering from various other allergies you will soon realize that allergies are definitely not as simple as they sound. You will be flabbergasted to know the variety of the types of allergies that occur.
Allergies can be roughly classified under three different categories. Almost all the varied kinds of allergies may be place under them. Let us take a look at the three different categories and the types that come under them.
About the Author
Jason Uvios writes on the topic of "All About Contact Allergy" visit it: http://www.allergyhunter.info/, http://www.allergy-reliefnow.info/ and http://www.allergystop.info
