Believe it or not, allergies to pets is quite a common problem. Although dogs are so cute and cuddly, not everyone has a great allergy-free experience when they are around their pets. Having a low-shedding dog may not completely solve the issue, however, it can make a big difference. Choosing the best low-shedding dog for a pet, will benefit both you and your furry friend in the long run.
Just like with any major decisions you’re making in your life, choosing the right dog for a pet, needs thorough research. Randomly choosing the first dog you see as a pet, may ruin your first-time pet experience. Dogs are smart animals and can sense if their owners are miserable or not happy around them.
Although pet fur is not the only thing that may trigger an allergic reaction, getting a low-shedding dog, otherwise called hypoallergenic, may help reduce allergy symptoms. According to reputable sources, pet allergies runs deeper than just getting a low-shedding dog. Allergens from pet dander, saliva, or the protein from pet urine, may also be the culprit.
The top-10 dog hypoallergenic dog breeds are:
- Bearded Collie
- Bedlington Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Giant Schnauzer
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Border Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Brussels Griffon
- Cesky Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
What Are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
You many not realize that you are experiencing pet allergies, especially if this is your first dog. The most common signs of pet allergy are: watery eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, rash, or coughing. Other symptoms may occur depending on how sensitive your immune system is.
Some people may quickly realize that something is not right, as pet allergy symptoms may appear as early as 30 minutes from when they were exposed to the allergens. Others may not realize it until a few more hours.
Ways to Get Rid of Pet Allergies
If you bring home a low-shedding dog and still notice pet allergy symptoms, there are some things that you can do to relieve your pet allergies. To prevent triggers, there are some things that you can do to reduce the severity of your allergy symptoms.
If you think you are allergic to your pet, try some of these steps to help manage your symptoms:
- Vacuum often, making sure to use a HEPA filter.
- Bathe your dog on a weekly basis. This will help to get rid of the pet dander or saliva that is attached to their fur.
- Keep your pet off furniture or out of your room. If there is a specific furniture that your pet loves to cuddle in, use a throw and wash it often.
- Choose a HEPA air filter in your air conditioner.