Fortunately, there are some dog breeds that are suitable for allergy sufferers. It would be a shame to have to give up dogs because of an allergy.
The best-known breeds include the Poodle, Labrador, Havanese and Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, it is possible to do something about the allergy with your otolaryngologist doctor.
Only with a healthy immune system without any defensive reactions will you be able to enjoy your dog.
Can allergy sufferers live with a dog?
In allergy sufferers, the immune system reacts hypersensitively to certain proteins in the dog. These proteins are released through glandular secretions on the skin, through urine or saliva.
There are no allergens in the dog’s hair itself. Dogs that do not shed and do not change their coat lose less dander.
They are therefore more suitable for people with allergies. Allergy sufferers should choose a dog breed that has these characteristics, then living with a dog can also work without complications.
Are there ways to get rid of the allergy so that I can keep any breed of dog?
As an allergy sufferer, you do not necessarily have to give up keeping a dog. There are alternatives to living with a dog and staying symptom-free.
Once the allergy has been diagnosed, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy.
Your problems can be treated if you know which allergen triggers your body’s defence reaction. You should never ignore the symptoms, as this can cause health problems.
Medication can provide a short-term solution in the form of sprays, tablets or drops. In some cases, preparations containing cortisone have also been able to help.
However, this is really only a solution in case you cannot avoid meeting a dog. If you want long-term relief from your symptoms, you should think about hyposensitisation.
As an allergy sufferer, you should consider the following before getting a new dog
Have your chosen dog tested for allergens before you get it. You can then use the dog’s hair to have the allergens on your skin tested with a scratch test.
The result will also show you in advance whether you are allergic to the dog. You should definitely have this test done to protect your health.
Your ear, nose and throat specialist will give you competent advice on this. Since appointments are always difficult to get, you must make an appointment in good time.
In your flat, you should avoid carpets if possible and switch to tiles or laminate. Upholstered furniture that is difficult to clean can also be replaced with leather seating, for example.
Regular cleaning of the flat is absolutely necessary.
It is best to keep the bedroom strictly pet-free, because you should not come into contact with dog hair in the place where you sleep.
Which dog breeds are suitable for allergy sufferers?
Dogs that are suitable for allergy sufferers include:
- Poodle
- Labrador
- Goldendoodle
- Havanese
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Perro sin Pelo del Perú
- Xoloitzquintle
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular dog breeds.
The Poodle
The Poodle is probably the best-known breed of dog for allergy sufferers, as it is not affected by regular shedding.
It is on every list for allergy sufferers and is suitable for most people with a dog hair allergy. Besides being family friendly, smart and docile, the Poodle can be kept well as a flat dog.
Its coat is constantly growing back, so the Poodle needs to be clipped regularly. Daily combing prevents his coat from matting.
This breed comes in different sizes from 22 to 60 centimetres shoulder height and many colours. The life expectancy of a Poodle is particularly long at 12 to 17 years.
The Labrador
This dog breed is almost an insider tip. Of all the dog breeds, the Labrador has the lowest allergen release, as studies have confirmed.
Therefore, this dog breed is a perfect allergy dog. The Labrador is intelligent, well-balanced, gentle and trusting and is therefore ideally suited as a family dog.
The shoulder height of this medium-sized dog breed is 55 to 62 centimetres and they come in different colours. The Labrador is often used as a guide dog because he likes to help his human with great motivation.
Its coat is dense and short and should be brushed regularly. The life expectancy of this breed is 12 to 14 years.
The Goldendoodle
This hybrid dog breed was created from two different pedigree dogs. The Goldendoodle involves the Poodle and the Golden Retriever.
The appearance of hybrid dogs can be quite different, the coat can be smooth or curly, long or semi-long. The Golden Retriever and also the Poodle like to live with the family and are outgoing and intelligent dogs.
The Goldendoodle is an active dog that wants to be exercised to be happy. The shoulder height is between 30 and 70 centimetres and they come in different colours, mostly with intermediate tones.
The life expectancy of a Goldendoodle is 11 to 15 years.
The Havanese
The Havanese is a smaller dog breed with a shoulder height of 23 to 27 centimetres.
Its friendly nature, cute look and fluffy coat make it an excellent family dog. Havanese are cheerful, good-natured, affectionate, fond of children, but also lively. They do not like to be left alone by their family and like to be the centre of attention.
The coat of the Havanese is soft, smooth or wavy, with a long outer coat of varying colours and shades.
The lack of shedding and the odourless coat make it an ideal allergy dog. The weight of a Havanese is between 3.5 and 6 kilograms and one can expect a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.
The Portuguese Water Dog
This lively dog breed with its idiosyncratic character has become increasingly well known in Europe in recent years.
The Portuguese Water Dog has a strong temperament and requires consistent training. Active people will find in this dog breed a loyal and clever companion who likes to experience new adventures again and again.
His stubbornness requires training with foresight, so that living together is harmonious. Portuguese Water Dogs have floppy ears and the coat should be kept in shape by a groomer.
The shoulder height of this dog breed reaches 57 centimetres and its life expectancy is up to 14 years.
Conclusion – Dogs for allergy sufferers
Fortunately, as an allergy sufferer, you do not have to do without a dog. There are some breeds of dog that either do not shed at all or shed so little that it is an advantage for allergy sufferers.
If possible, the household should not be unnecessarily burdened by animal hair; upholstered furniture, for example, can be an additional burden.
To ensure that living with a dog does not cause sneezing attacks and more, it is helpful to have the chosen dog tested for allergens.
An otolaryngologist doctor can also help you understand the allergy and do something about it if necessary.
