What causes dog allergies and how do they manifest?

Dog allergies are the body's reaction to proteins found in the animal's skin secretions and saliva. These proteins can become airborne, mix with dust, and settle on objects. Dog hair itself does not cause allergies.

Allergies can be recognized by one or more of the following symptoms:

• skin redness, hives;
• itchy skin;
• nasal congestion (allergic rhinitis);
• wet cough;
• allergic conjunctivitis: watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes;
• gastrointestinal upset, vomiting;
• asthma attacks, angioedema;
• in newborns, rashes and redness.

Sometimes a runny nose or itchy skin can be a reaction to several irritants. For example, if your eyes water from pollen and dogs, then removing plants from your reach may stop your allergies to animals.

Do hypoallergenic dogs really exist?

Let's be honest: completely hypoallergenic breeds don't exist. Conditionally hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions. You'd be surprised, but there are a good four dozen such breeds.

How to choose a dog breed if you have allergies?

Simple steps can help you prepare for the arrival of your new pet:

1. Consult a doctor

Before getting a dog, have a clinical examination to determine what exactly triggers your allergies. Allergens can include hair with protein particles, saliva, dander, or secretions from sweat and sebum glands. A blood test will identify specific allergens. For example, symptoms can only be caused by a protein produced by male dogs. In this case, choose a female puppy or a neutered male.

2. Consider the coat type

The main factor that triggers allergies is shedding. During this period, dogs' coats change, their skin becomes flaky, and dandruff appears. Choose breeds that shed infrequently or not at all.

3. Research breeds based on salivation

Dog saliva also contains allergens, so avoid breeds with excessive salivation, such as Great Danes and mastiffs, as well as breeds with flat faces, such as pugs, bulldogs, and Pekingese.

4. Based on size

The larger the pet, the more allergens it produces. This is especially important to consider if you live in a small apartment.

5. Get to know different breeds

Allergies can develop after contact with a certain breed. Therefore, before buying a dog, spend some time in close contact with it: pet it, play with it, let it lick your hand. Then, listen to your body and its reactions.

How can an allergy sufferer live with a dog?

A number of simple habits can help avoid allergic reactions and unpleasant consequences:

• Wash your hands after physical contact with your dog;
• Avoid touching your face and eyes, especially after close contact with your pet;
• Remove carpets and rugs, as they accumulate dust and allergens;
• Wet-clean your home regularly;
• Use vacuum cleaners and air purifiers;
• Wash your pet's clothes and bedding regularly;
• Restrict your dog's access to your bedroom and bed;
• Train your pet to sleep on its own bed, not on upholstered furniture, as dander accumulates in upholstery;
• Wash and brush its fur regularly to remove dead hair;
• Consult your vet to know what medications to stock up on in case of allergies.

With a responsible approach, an allergy sufferer and a dog can coexist in the same home. Careful selection of a breed, taking into account your individual characteristics and adherence to simple care rules will make life with your pet full of joy and love.

If you want to choose a hypoallergenic dog, you can use the online selector hypoallergenicdog.pro, in which you can choose the desired coat parameters (curly, rough, hairless...), size (toy, small, medium, large...), temperament type (active, family, guard, ...), and the selector will show you all the breeds of hypoallergenic dogs that meet your requirements. Then you can read more about each breed and choose the one that suits you best. But remember, before making a final decision to adopt a dog, spend some time with this breed in person to make sure that this particular dog does not provoke your allergies.