Doggy Drama:Hypoallergenic Pooches… Afraid Not

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By Rachel Derry
Staff Writer LIFamilies

So you picked your award show beauty because your wonder dog was supposed to be allergy free…? Well new studies show that these fantastic “hypoallergenic” pooches aren’t off the hook with sensitive owners.

Many would-be dog owners with allergies have turned to breeds proclaimed “hypoallergenic”, thinking that they had finally found the answer. Researchers have found, though, that these allergy-free dogs hold the same potential for causing allergic reactions as any other.

A list of supposedly-hypoallergenic dogs is as follows: Airedale Terriers, Bichon Frises, Yorkies, Hairless Chinese Cresteds, Cockapoos, Irish Water Spaniels, Labradoodles, Malteses, Malti-poos, Poodles, Schnauzers, Portugues Water Dogs, and Tibetan Terriers. (Just to name a few!)

Recently published was a study putting non-hypoallergenic dogs up against their counterparts. The study analyzed the allergens in 173 homes, which each contained one dog and one newborn baby. There were 62 dog breeds in the study, 11 of which were considered hypoallergenic. The analyses showed that there were no differences in the number of allergens from one dog breed to another. In fact, of the houses that “didn’t let the dog in the baby’s room,” the ones with hypoallergenic dogs had more allergens than vice versa.

In most cases, dog allergies stem from dog dander. A dog owner may have no trouble with the hair/fur of the dog, but the saliva is another story. Dander is the dog’s saliva stuck to its skin. Hypoallergenic dogs do tend to shed less and, in turn, give off less dander. It is believed that this is where their alleged “status” originally sprang from.

Experts say, instead of diving in and getting a “hypoallergenic” dog, you should spend time with multiple dog breeds. There are some that cause fewer reactions and your allergies may only be triggered by certain breeds.

Long Island Pets Articles > Doggy Drama:Hypoallergenic Pooches… Afraid Not