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Many people suffer from some sort of allergy. While food allergies are the most difficult to deal with, pet allergies can be frustrating, especially when you and the rest of your family would like to have a pet. But for those with allergies to dogs, there may be a way to have a pooch at home without suffering with watery eyes and sneezing. The way to do that is to look for hypoallergenic dog breeds.

What are hypoallergenic dogs? These are breeds that shed less hair and also have fewer allergens in their saliva and urine. Be realistic by remembering that every dog has some amount of allergens, but the hypoallergenic dog breeds have fewer allergens.

This is why people have allergic reactions to their pets. In order to have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, designating certain spots in the house for your pets to sleep, and by finding pets that have shorter hair and do not shed their skin cells as often.

Hypoallergenic breeds tend to be short haired and will shed their skin cells less frequently than other breeds. They also may make less saliva, which means fewer allergens to deal with. Cleaning frequently is still required to prevent a concentration of dander from building up. If you can, try to spend an extended time with the dog or breed that interests you to see if you can tolerate its allergens. You might visit a breeder or offer to watch your friend’s dog. This will give you a better idea whether the dog you like also “likes” you, in terms of your allergies.

You should also consider your current living conditions. If you live in a small house or apartment, you may experience more allergy attacks because the dander and hair is confined to a small space. Adopting a small hypoallergenic dog is the best way to remedy this problem. Taking your dog outside at least a few times per day can also go a long way toward diminishing the accumulation of dander in your living areas.

Sometimes allergies can worsen initially upon bringing your new pet home. But you should see things stabilize in about a month. If not then you may need to consider a different breed or try more frequent cleaning and more time outside with your dog. If possible, you should replace your carpeting with hardwood flooring. This will keep allergens from piling up and causing an allergy attack. Wipe down the walls once a week and try to keep your new pet off your bed. These precautions will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for many years to come.

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