Tips for Dealing with Pet Allergies

Many people believe they cannot own a dog or cat if they have asthma or allergies, but not all people with these problems necessarily have a reaction to dogs or cats, and some people may be allergic to one pet or the other.

 

Some believe that there are dog and cat breeds that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in their owners, but this is not always the case. Most people who react to dogs and cats are allergic to the dander rather than the hair. Dander consists of dead skin cells shed by the animal. All breeds of dogs and cats shed dander.

 

Other people are allergic to a protein in the animal's saliva. This is more likely to cause problems to cat owners, as cats self-groom by licking their fur. A suggested remedy for this is to bathe the cat once a month. No soap is needed, merely soak the cat thoroughly. Done on a monthly basis, it may help to keep the saliva levels down to a tolerable level.

 

For those people who react to dog or cat hair, there are breeds which are non-shedding. Poodles, Bichon frise and Bedlington terriers have a wool-like coat which does not shed. However, some of these non-shedding dogs have other requirements, like hair clippings on a regular basis and close human companionship. They are not suitable for owners who want a dog who will spend the majority of its time alone or outside.

 

The Cornish rex and Devon rex cat breeds also have a non-shedding coat but, but it's important that they be kept indoors.