Children and dogs can be great companions, but what if your child itches and sneezes whenever he comes in contact with a dog? You can still own a dog in spite of your child's allergy, but you just need to be more selective on what breed to choose.
The cause of your children's allergy is usually the dog's saliva, hair or dander. Dander is the skin flakes and scurf that's constantly shed from a dog's skin. Symptoms of an allergy to dogs include red and itchy eyes, a runny congested nose, sneezing and wheezing.
Fortunately, there are number of "hypoallergenic" dog breeds (also called low-allergy dogs or allergy-friendly dogs) available so your child can enjoy the companionship of a dog without any added health problems.
Allergy friendly breed choices include:
The Hairless Breeds
The Mexican Hairless Dog and the Chinese Crested Dog are unusual looking and because they have very little hair, if any, they can be good companions for children with allergies. However, they are not 100% allergy free, as they still shed dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in your child.
Maltese
Maltese are adorable, fluffy little dogs that love babies, children and even cats. That out-going attitude is part of their natural fearlessness. They shed very little, but their soft, silky coat does require regular grooming to preventing matting. Keep in mind that toy varieties can be too fragile for children, so choose a Maltese larger than seven pounds.
Poodle
Surprisingly, the dog breed famous for its abundant hair is actually low-allergy. The toy size may be the best known, but poodles come in several sizes, ranging from toy (less than 11 inches) to standard (over 15 inches). These curious, acrobatic dogs are very intelligent and make great playmates. They require lots of interactive play and obedience training or they'll invariably get into mischief. They don't like to roughhouse, though, so children should be taught to play gently with them, and they need regular clipping and grooming.
Puli
If you're looking for a larger dog with an unusual look, the Hungarian Puli might just be for you. Highly intelligent, agile, and protective, these dogs are ideal both as watchdogs and companions for active children. Just remember that they were bred as working dogs, so they need obedience training and plenty of daily exercise to prevent boredom and behavior problems. Also, although their coat is low-allergy, it does require considerable care.
If an allergy specialist has diagnosed you or your child with a dog allergy, it doesn't mean you have to give up your pet. You can discuss the possibility of allergy shots or medication with your doctor, but there are also ways to reduce the allergens in your dog and your home so that you can continue to live happily with your dog. There are medications such as antihistamines that can treat your children's allergy to dogs. If the allergy is particularly severe, you can have desensitising injections made which can stop your child reacting to the allergen.
A little extra work can also cut down on dog allergy symptoms. Vacuum the floor and furniture daily to pick up hair and dander using a machine with a HEPA (High-Efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Regularly clean walls with water to further reduce exposure to allergens and dust. Use washable blinds or shades, cotton-covered furniture, and limit the number of rugs, upholstered furniture, and drapes in the home. Opt for hardwood floors or tile rather than wall-to-wall carpeting.
Regularly wash your dog's bedding to make sure no hair builds up. Groom your dog as required for the breed. Be aware, though, that over-bathing can cause dry skin, which leads to more dander and more allergic reactions, so only wash as needed.
Look for symptoms of dermatitis in your dog, which often leads to accelerated skin sloughing and fur shedding. Always wash your hands after touching your dog and do not touch your eyes or other areas of your face before your hands are washed.
For most children, allergy problems don't have to mean a childhood without pets. Choose a low-allergy dog like a Maltese, Poodle or one of the many other allergy-friendly dog breeds and your kids can have a puppy playmate to love without any sniffles or watery eyes.
