HOW TO DEAL WITH ALLERGY TO PETS AND OTHER ANIMALS: OTHER PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Mar 30, 2009

If you want to keep a dog, some breeds are reported to be less troublesome than others. Allergy is very idiosyncratic, however, and these may not work for you, so take care. Many people with allergies say that dogs that require a lot of grooming are more likely to cause reactions than dogs that do not, because more hair is shed and more contact is necessary. Dogs that have shorter, wiry hair generally shed more dander than long-haired dogs, but dogs with soft, curly hair, such as small poodles’ are sometimes found to be less provocative.

If you are blind and have to keep a guide dog, it may be best to choose a type of dog that sheds less hair, or needs less grooming, such as curly-coated retrievers, or cross labradors.

Be careful with children and animals at school. Small mammals are often kept in schoolrooms and these may be responsible for your child’s reactions. School cats are also often allowed to roam out of school hours and can leave allergens to upset the exceptionally sensitive. Watch out for the ’school run’ if your child travels regularly in a car in which dogs travel.

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