Mr. Asthma

Question:

>I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for >someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to >make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies?

If you are allergic to dogs (and not everyone is) you shouldn’t consider getting one.  Both the humans and the dogs can be very upset if it becomes necessary to rehome the dog.  Ditto cats, and any other furry pet. The best way to make dogs (or cats or horses etc.) less of a problem to people who are allergic to them is avoidance. And finally, if you think you have allergies get proper testing so you don’t spend time, money and effort barking up the wrong tree. — Surfer!    Send email to: surfer at                nevis-view dot                    demon dot co dot uk "I can resist anything but temptation" – Oscar Wilde

Response:

I suffer very severely from allergies. I have looked into this subject very much. I have been told by several people including breeders that the best breed for allergy suffers is the Italian Grayhound. I plan to get one in the future. Vanetta > I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > Thank you > – Sneezy

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We have a bulldog and we make sure to wash her once a week.  She stays out of my asthmatic son’s room (we keep his door closed at all times) and I wash her blankets once a week and try to vacuum every day.  We discourage our son from rolling around on the floor with her or playing with her blankets or in her kennel. My son has not had any reactions to her, but he does around other dogs (longer haired breeds or dogs that aren’t bathed very much).  When we visit people with dogs, his pediatrician suggested we double his dose of Flovent. (2 puffs/2x day instead of his usual 2 puffs/1x day). This is what works for our family.

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Poodles, and a kind of curly haired retriever are currently touted as being ‘best’ because their coat is considered hair not fur; they do not shed. Instead, they require frequent grooming (every 2-4 weeks instead of 5-6). Current conventional wisdom is to bathe the dog about every 2 weeks, and to use a moisturizing or gentle shampoo. Bathing very frequently or using strong shampoos causes dry skin which is then shed. It is this shed skin (which contains dander) which causes the most problems to allergy sufferers. Though allergic (and more importantly, not asthmatic), I find I can tolerate my own dog, as long as we are not separated for weeks. More than 3 weeks and my reaction level rises for a few awhile. (Same for our cats, btw.). To minimize having places for fur and dander to settle, we try to remember to vacuum daily, have no rugs, and just replaced our worn out couch w/a leather sofa. We should keep the pets out of the bedroom, but fail miserably. Ultimately, be guided by the asthmatic’s reactions. This person may not be able to tolerate a dog, even with every precaution and care. And since asthma can be fatal, the risk of reaction is far greater than the benefits of having a dog.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > Thank you > – Sneezy

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[snip] >me, i live with a pit bull terrier, which my wife is in fact allergic to. >nowhere near as badly as she is to cats, however, and the dog is worth >what trouble she is to keep. most of that trouble is because the poor >animal is allergic herself; to what, we haven’t really narrowed down yet, >but pollens and grasses certainly. possibly also some food allergies in >there. i hear this breed is quite susceptible to allergies, unfortunately.

You don’t need to narrow it down.  Take your dog to the vet and get a prescription for antihistamines.  If they don’t bring adequate relief of symptoms then go for more detailed diagnostics.  Grass itch is common in dogs and any vet with experience knows what to do about it. Best to take the dog when symptoms are present, owner descriptions of the problem usually don’t include the details they’d really like to have for diagnosis.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > [snip] >me, i live with a pit bull terrier, which my wife is in fact allergic to. >nowhere near as badly as she is to cats, however, and the dog is worth >what trouble she is to keep. most of that trouble is because the poor >animal is allergic herself; to what, we haven’t really narrowed down yet, >but pollens and grasses certainly. possibly also some food allergies in >there. i hear this breed is quite susceptible to allergies, unfortunately. > You don’t need to narrow it down.  Take your dog to the vet and get a > prescription for antihistamines.  If they don’t bring adequate relief > of symptoms then go for more detailed diagnostics.  Grass itch is > common in dogs and any vet with experience knows what to do about it. > Best to take the dog when symptoms are present, owner descriptions of > the problem usually don’t include the details they’d really like to > have for diagnosis.

Ragweed hay fever is not a rarity in dogs, and because of their close contact with the pollen they tend to have dematitis from it as well.    Larry

Response:

a Hot Dog!

Response:

http://www.aircleaners.com here. Put in a search for non-allergic dogs. Thats what we did and alot of info came up.Our two huge Tibetan Mastiffs are allergen free as they do not have the allergy protein in their sweat or salvia. They only shed once a year for aprox three weeks in the springtime when they blow their winter coat. It is easy to brush out when the yearly shedding comes in.The Tibetan is a handsome 100-140 pound powerful dog that will instinctively protect your family and property with their very lives.They can easily take down the largest of men. On the other hand they are very very gentle with babies, family members and with people that have been invited into the home by a family member.There are many small to medium size dogs that are also non-allergic for most people. A couple of good choices are the Bichon Frise and the Wheaton Terrier. Both of these breeds are very nice. Great family pets that do not shed at all, so they must be groomed by a pro if you want them to keep their proper look. We hope that this has been helpful for you and to others. Signature To Chat With A LIVE Sales Person { NOW ! } Click On The Box To The Right Add the HumanClick "Click to Chat" button to your own e-mails for free at www.humanclick.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for >someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to >make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > If you are allergic to dogs (and not everyone is) you shouldn’t consider > getting one.  Both the humans and the dogs can be very upset if it > becomes necessary to rehome the dog.  Ditto cats, and any other furry > pet. > The best way to make dogs (or cats or horses etc.) less of a problem to > people who are allergic to them is avoidance. > And finally, if you think you have allergies get proper testing so you > don’t spend time, money and effort barking up the wrong tree. > — > Surfer!    Send email to: surfer at >                nevis-view dot >                    demon dot co dot uk > "I can resist anything but temptation" – Oscar Wilde

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > http://www.aircleaners.com here. Put in a search for non-allergic dogs. > Thats what we did and alot of info came up.Our two huge Tibetan Mastiffs are > allergen free as they do not have the allergy protein in their sweat or > salvia. They only shed once a year for aprox three weeks in the springtime > when they blow their winter coat. It is easy to brush out when the yearly > shedding comes in.The Tibetan is a handsome 100-140 pound powerful dog that > will instinctively protect your family and property with their very > lives.They can easily take down the largest of men. On the other hand they > are very very gentle with babies, family members and with people that have > been invited into the home by a family member.There are many small to medium > size dogs that are also non-allergic for most people. A couple of good > choices are the Bichon Frise and the Wheaton Terrier. Both of these breeds > are very nice. Great family pets that do not shed at all, so they must be > groomed by a pro if you want them to keep their proper look. We hope that > this has been helpful for you and to others.

You know, I really doubt this. All dogs have dander; that is, all shed dead epidermal skin flakes. Before I can accept your claim that Tibetan Mastiffs are non-allergic I will have to hear real-life experience, rather than conjecture or dog-breeder myth. If you know of people who are clearly and unquestionably allergic to dogs who tolerate contact with the Mastiffs (or Bichons or Wheatons) without symptoms I would very much like to hear more. BTW, all dogs are non-allergic for most people, even for most allergic people.     Larry

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>http://www.aircleaners.com here. Put in a search for non-allergic dogs. >Thats what we did and alot of info came up.Our two huge Tibetan Mastiffs are >allergen free as they do not have the allergy protein in their sweat or >salvia.

Odd, how the only people making these claims are the ones selling them.  This is the sort of claim that I would want to see independently verified by a reputable organization. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

>I suffer very severely from allergies. I have looked into this subject >very much. I have been told by several people including breeders that >the best breed for allergy suffers is the Italian Grayhound. I plan to >get one in the future.

Please, please DON’T GET A DOG unless you *know* you are not allergic to them.  Dogs are living beings and it’s quite unfair to treat them as chattels which can be disposed of if they don’t suit. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Vanetta > I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > Thank you > – Sneezy

– Surfer!    Send email to: surfer at                nevis-view dot                    demon dot co dot uk "I can resist anything but temptation" – Oscar Wilde

Response:

> I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies?

You may want to consider a robotic pet! http://www.aibo.com/ — Steven D. Litvintchouk                   Disclaimer:  As far as I am aware, the opinions expressed herein             are not those of my employer.

Response:

<~I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies?~> I have a black lab mix and a shorthaired pointer. They both shed, but as long as I keep things vaccumed and the sheets washed it is ok. Chihuauas are good for Asthma sufferers. I like hairless cats

Response:

>I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for >someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to >make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? >Thank you

I think what people are allergic to varies.  What you might try is to spend some time in the company of a certain breed (like a poodle maybe) or in someone’s home that has a dog and see how you do.  That might be a better idea than purchasing an animal and then having to part with it. I can tell you, that in my experience, you might be able to  build up a resistance to the dog over time.  In my own case, the dog was there before I was born, and while she was alive, I was allergic to no animals. She died and we didnt replace her, and I am now allergic to people with animals, LOL (well, the hair/dander) on their clothes). I had apparently built up a natural immunity to the dog, but lost it as time passed. Life is uncertain – eat dessert first. Nancy 8=: )

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Just the other night they ran a "special interest" story on the news about pet allergies and said something about folks allergic to dogs might try a breed of dog that has more human-type hair (the dog on the show was some sort of poodle…).  Sorry I cannot remember the specifics. Pam

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> Just the other night they ran a "special interest" story on the news about pet > allergies and said something about folks allergic to dogs might try a breed of > dog that has more human-type hair (the dog on the show was some sort of > poodle…).  Sorry I cannot remember the specifics. > Pam

Unfortunately, hair doesn’t matter, as that is not what people are allergic to.    Larry

Response:

>I have a black lab mix and a shorthaired pointer. They both shed, but as long >as I keep things vaccumed and the sheets washed it is ok. Chihuauas are good >for Asthma sufferers. I like hairless cats

Note: the idea that chihuahuas help asthma is a myth. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

>Just the other night they ran a "special interest" story on the news about pet >allergies and said something about folks allergic to dogs might try a breed of >dog that has more human-type hair (the dog on the show was some sort of >poodle…).  Sorry I cannot remember the specifics.

People do not become allergic to the fur.  The allergen is an enzyme found in the skin oil and saliva. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

>I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for >someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to >make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies?

First of all, have that person tested for allergies.  Note: people do not become allergic to animal hair, they become allergic to an enzyme in the skin oils and saliva. "Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."    General Colin Powell

Response:

(PENMART01) writes: > Non-allergenic breeds of dogs or cats do not exist

   This is absolutely true. However… I’m allergic to most animals with fur but not to my 2 Cairn Terriers. Poodles are also sometimes "non allergenic". This actually depends more on the individual person though. Be very careful before assuming that just because this works for someone it will also be true for you. Debi Debi   "Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most!"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > Thank you > – Sneezy > Hi Sneezy, > If you (or a family member) have tested positive for an allergy to dogs, > then you are probably going to have problems no matter what breed you > choose.  However, my niece is highly allergic to dogs, has asthma that > requires daily treatment and does quite well with poodles as long as they > are bathed weekly (without fail). > My son and I both have allergies and asthma, but did NOT test positive on > allergy tests for dogs or cats and aren’t adversely affected by either our > two cats or collie.  We were lucky as they are all well loved and > established family members. > Best of luck > Patrice

The stories you often hear about the relative allergenicity of different breeds of dog are anecdotal at best. As their dander is the main allergen, and as it is produced by the skin, smaller dogs (those with less skin surface) are a better choice than large ones. Dogs with a short coat more easily cast the dander off into their surroundings than those with a heavy undercoat. For this reason there is a smaller load of allergen in the immediate vicinity of a short-coat dog, though the amount of dander present in the home may be the same for each type, given equal size. Frequent washing is, as Patrice says, extraordinarily important, and it is easier to wash a short-coated dog than a heavy coated animal. So – a small dog with a short coat, well cared for, is your best bet.    Larry

Response:

> The stories you often hear about the relative allergenicity of different > breeds of dog are anecdotal at best. As their dander is the main > allergen, and as it is produced by the skin, smaller dogs (those with > less skin surface) are a better choice than large ones. Dogs with a > short coat more easily cast the dander off into their surroundings than > those with a heavy undercoat. For this reason there is a smaller load of > allergen in the immediate vicinity of a short-coat dog, though the > amount of dander present in the home may be the same for each type, > given equal size. Frequent washing is, as Patrice says, extraordinarily > important, and it is easier to wash a short-coated dog than a heavy > coated animal. So – a small dog with a short coat, well cared for, is > your best bet.

me, i live with a pit bull terrier, which my wife is in fact allergic to. nowhere near as badly as she is to cats, however, and the dog is worth what trouble she is to keep. most of that trouble is because the poor animal is allergic herself; to what, we haven’t really narrowed down yet, but pollens and grasses certainly. possibly also some food allergies in there. i hear this breed is quite susceptible to allergies, unfortunately. pitbulls might actually be a good idea, if you do decide on getting a dog despite any possible allergies and asthmatic reactions; they’re short-haired enough, and though they’re not small, size has its benefits too – you don’t have to worry much about manhandling a pitbull, or accidentally hurting them by (say) tripping over them, really. in case you’re worried about their reputation, that’s usually the fight-trained dogs that have been abused until they react with aggression to almost any stimulus; a pitbull raised properly is no more aggressive than any other breed of dog. —    PGP/GnuPG key (ID 1024D/BFE0D6D0) available from keyservers everywhere        "Everything I am today, I owe to people whom it is now too late                                    to punish."

Response:

> I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for > someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to > make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? > Thank you > – Sneezy

Hi Sneezy, If you (or a family member) have tested positive for an allergy to dogs, then you are probably going to have problems no matter what breed you choose.  However, my niece is highly allergic to dogs, has asthma that requires daily treatment and does quite well with poodles as long as they are bathed weekly (without fail). My son and I both have allergies and asthma, but did NOT test positive on allergy tests for dogs or cats and aren’t adversely affected by either our two cats or collie.  We were lucky as they are all well loved and established family members. Best of luck Patrice

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I am looking for suggestions for dog breeds that might be best for someone who has asthma. Also, what kinds of things should be done to make the dog less of a problem to people with allergies? Thank you – Sneezy

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