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ALLERGY, ASTHMA & DOGS

Choosing the right breed can minimize or prevent childhood allergies, asthma, and COPD.

NON-ALLERGENIC BREED?

No. But these dog breeds are best for allergy sufferers.

Asthma and allergy rates are soaring but not due to pets, in fact, having a dog strengthens a child’s immune system.

No breed is actually hypoallergenic but the European Respiratory Journal shows that having a dog can actually boost the immune system in young children and Dr. June McNicholas stated that “pet ownership was significantly associated with better school attendance rates.” A 2002 study at Warwick University determined that children with dogs were more exposed and therefore the immune system, being challenged, became stronger.

In July 2012 Science Times reported “Babies who live with dogs throughout their first year of life may be less prone to developing respiratory illnesses as they get older.” WebMD characterizes dogs as “allergy fighters” and researcher James E. Gern, MD discovered “If a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies -- 19% vs. 33%. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals -- a sign of stronger immune system activation.”

The good news is that there are dog breeds that reduce the allergy factor while boosting the immune system! First on the list is the American Hairless Terrier which is mostly hairless and dander-free.

The American Hairless Terrier comes in a variety of skin colors and yes, they often have freckles! The AHT averages under 15 pounds, loves children and can play all day. Talk about bragging rights, your child won't stop talking about his hairless dog! More info on the American Hairless.

Most experts agree that dander (skin flaking) is part of the allergy problem. The best control for dog dander is regular bathing and obviously, hairless or tight-coated breeds are easier to pop in the sink or tub. While this doesn't make the dog hypoallergenic, it does reduce dander. (Dander, by the way is why people with asthma or COPD should never live with birds.) Always use dog shampoo because dogs have a different ph than people. Note: dry skin is more prone to flaking, whether it’s the dog or a family member… A gel with aloe and vitamin e is advised to keep the dog’s skin from becoming too dry. Avoid multiple ingredient lotions which are expensive and can actually cause allergic reactions.

"Designer dogs" are not hypoallergenic, in actual fact, due to cross-breeding, it is impossible to know coat type in the adult. Only a purebred dog will have the predictable coat type and texture which may determine how well someone with asthma or allergies responds to canine company.

Some Terrier breeds shed very little and the hair is coarse, not fly-away. Poodles and other curly coated breeds “hold” the coat so there’s less loose (airborne) hair to irritate human airways. Unfortunately, all double coated breeds have soft undercoat that “floats” (like cat hair) and that is indeed problematic for people with allergies or breathing problems.

“Bull breeds” such as Bull Terriers (Standard and Miniature size) have a very close, tight coat which doesn’t “float” and unlike short-nosed bull breeds such as Bostons, Boxers and Bulldogs, the Mini-Bull has a very dry mouth so saliva should not be a problem for asthmatics. All doctors agree, nothing is better for human health than laughter and, well... you should probably Learn more about Mini-Bulls.

One of the most stylish and popular of the hairless breeds is the Chinese Crested, which comes in two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless has hair on its head (crest), feet (socks) and tail (plume) and the Powderpuff is fully coated.

The Crestie comes in any color or combination of colors, requires minimal grooming and typically weigh less than 15 lbs. Their activity level is medium to high but they enjoy quiet times with their family. Find out more about the Chinese Crested.

The Xoloitzcuintli isn't completly hypoallergenic or hairless; some have "fuzz", but the Xolo is great for people with allergies! The Mexican Hairless, now called Xoloitzcuintli, is also nearly hair and dander-free. From a practical point, the American Hairless Terrier, the Chinese Crested, and the "Xolo", pronounced Sho-lo, are as easy to keep free of shedding hair and skin cells as bathing a baby, daily if necessary.

So don’t despair if you or your child suffers from allergies or asthma. Choosing wisely, you can probably still have a dog. You should also look into Homeopathic Remedies For Pet Allergies ^[1] and/or COPD and also bear in mind that Environmental Allergies ^[2] are often confused with pet allergies or asthma. In fact, a family dog can be your canary because dogs are often allergic to things like dust mites, new carpet and furniture treatments, pest control sprays, etc. and that’s a warning to the people who live there, particularly those who have a weakened immune system.

So don’t deprive your asthmatic or allergic child of a pet. Growing up with a carefully chosen dog breed could actually improve his immune system. Everyone needs a non-critical friend that really listens and loves unconditionally. Dogs do that.