By: Paul Richards
Hypoallergenic Pets?
There is no medical definition for hypoallergenic it just sounds like we should trust it?
The word is used prominently in sales pitches for everything from cosmetics to jewellery and watch straps. The term is even used for pets!
I’m a father of three daughters, unfortunately my eldest girl suffers from asthma and as such we are restricted in the type of “family friend” we can allow into the house. All my girls wanted a dog without really taking into account the effect this would possibly have on my eldest.
Whilst researching the subject I became very aware of the term hypoallergenic and its relationship to household pets. I have condensed my findings and have given a very brief outline with regard to certain breads that may suit your needs as well as the concerns that is prevalent in dog or in fact any other pet ownership.
Hypoallergenic pets still produce allergens, but because of their coat types or lack of fur or even the lack of gene that produces a certain protein allows many suffers to let a pet into their homes. People with severe allergies and asthma may still be affected.
The proteins that cause allergies are not only found in the animals’ fur or hair but also in saliva, urine, mucous and hair roots and in the dander sloughed from the animals’ skin.
There are a number of dog breeds being touted as hypoallergenic, the Afghan Hound and Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) does not shed its coat and has the same pH as human hair creating no dander. Other breeds that shed none or very little of their coats are; Bolognese Maltese, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Poodle and Schnauzer. However, no dog is known to be completely hypoallergenic so please think very carefully before considering taking the leap into dog ownership not only for your sake but also for the pets.
Taking the above into account I decided against the purchase of a dog but this shouldn’t stop mild allergy sufferers. The breads stated above are a good solution to an allergy household, although in my opinion they’re not the manliest of breads!
I hope this has been of some interest?
