The term "hypoallergenic" was first used in reference to cosmetics in the 1950s. It refers to something being less likely to provoke an allergic reaction, not something totally non-allergenic. There are no known dog breeds that are guaranteed not to cause allergic reactions in humans; but there are breeds and methods available that make it possible for an allergic person to live with a dog.
It's Not the Hair
People often think they are allergic to dog hair, and thus, breeds touted as "hypoallergenic" shed less. Allergic responses to animals are actually caused by dander, microscopic skin flakes, and proteins found in the animals' saliva and urine. (This is why some people get hives when a dog licks them.)
It is true, however, that dog hair carries these allergens around the house and aids in the distribution and dissemination of the allergens. This is why breeds that shed less or have a single coat (versus a thick-haired dog with an undercoat) are often called "hypoallergenic." It has little to do with the actual length of the dog's hair.
Which Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic?
Examples of breeds that tend to be considered hypoallergenic are:
- Maltese
- Poodle and poodle hybrid
- Terrier
- Bichon-Frise
- Greyhound
- Chinese Crested and other hairless breeds (although their skin is entirely exposed, hairless breeds shed fewer skin cells than fur-covered dogs)
- Portuguese Water Dog and other curly-haired breeds
But what if you already have a dog, and it is causing you allergic misery? There are some things you can do to make living with a dog more comfortable if you have allergies.
* Bathe the dog once a week. This removes proteins, dust, and skin flakes from the dog and prevents them from flaking off into the air you breathe.
* Brush the dog often, and do so outdoors, where it is less likely to bring on an allergic reaction. You can also wear a dust mask when you groom your dog.
* Do not allow your dog into your bedroom. You spend a third of your life in the bedroom sleeping, and that is a time for your body to recover and rest from allergens. You can also run an air purifier in your bedroom.
* Consider letting your dog spend more time outside - but not all the time. Build a run or fence in an area where the dog can be comfortable and happy, and let him spend a few hours out there each day, weather permitting.
* Feed the dog a healthy diet high in essential fatty acids. Omega-3s and Omega-6s are necessary for a healthy skin and coat, and help prevent abnormal shedding.
There is no such thing as an allergy-proof dog, but there are certainly enough choices out there that allergic individuals can consider the joys and rewards of dog ownership.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Emotional Advantages of Owning a Pet
If you own a pet, you probably think of that pet as a family member. You care for it, nurture it, and love it - but did you know that your pet is giving you emotional health? Research shows that pets bring emotional well-being to their owners, and the benefits of pet ownership extend to children. Following are some of the characteristics exhibited by children who have a pet in the home, and other advantages to owning a pet.
- High Self-Esteem
Having a pet can help children with self-esteem - an animal is non-judgmental and loves its owner no matter what. Your dog will greet you at the door and your cat will love your warm lap no matter what other people may think of you. Children especially benefit from this unconditional love.
- Language Proficiency
Children with pets are more proficient in spoken and written language than children in non-pet owning families. Adults who have a hard time getting a child to open up and communicate in writing or speech have found that asking such a child about his or her pet results in expansive communication.
In other words, if a child will not talk about anything else, he or she will talk about his or her pet. Children love to write poems and stories and draw pictures of their pets, too, opening the door for creative expression which is therapeutic in itself.
- Social Skills
Children with pets tend to have better social skills, which could be due in part to the enhanced communication noted above. Also, as children come to a point developmentally where more social skills are needed, having a pet in the home tends to bring out those skills in a no-pressure environment. Pets make children surer of themselves, which makes socializing easier and more natural.
- Physical and Emotional Health
Let's not forget that physical health enhances emotional health. Having a dog means walking it, playing with it, taking it on hikes, and so forth. That kind of physical activity gets you and your children away from the TV and the video games and outside exercising. A dog's enjoyment of the outdoors gives its child owner an appreciation of the natural world and bridges the gap between people and nature.
Cats, too, can provide incentive to move - energetic play with your cat is every bit as entertaining as TV, but with the added benefits of interaction and exercise. Children love to run through the house dragging a piece of string with the cat in hot pursuit. Exercise and loving interaction benefit body, mind, and spirit.
- Depression
There is nothing like fur therapy when it comes to depression. Studies show that pet ownership or interaction with a visiting animal can greatly reduce depression and induce feelings of well-being. This is why there are therapy animals that visit nursing homes and the children's wing of the hospital, and why there are successful programs for troubled children that involve caring for animals as part of their therapy.
Owning a pet forces a depressed person to think about someone other than him or herself, and breaks destructive thinking patterns. Children who struggle with emotional troubles often find solace in the company of animals.
Certainly owning a pet is a big responsibility, and should not be undertaken without careful consideration. But among those considerations should be the emotional advantages.
- High Self-Esteem
Having a pet can help children with self-esteem - an animal is non-judgmental and loves its owner no matter what. Your dog will greet you at the door and your cat will love your warm lap no matter what other people may think of you. Children especially benefit from this unconditional love.
- Language Proficiency
Children with pets are more proficient in spoken and written language than children in non-pet owning families. Adults who have a hard time getting a child to open up and communicate in writing or speech have found that asking such a child about his or her pet results in expansive communication.
In other words, if a child will not talk about anything else, he or she will talk about his or her pet. Children love to write poems and stories and draw pictures of their pets, too, opening the door for creative expression which is therapeutic in itself.
- Social Skills
Children with pets tend to have better social skills, which could be due in part to the enhanced communication noted above. Also, as children come to a point developmentally where more social skills are needed, having a pet in the home tends to bring out those skills in a no-pressure environment. Pets make children surer of themselves, which makes socializing easier and more natural.
- Physical and Emotional Health
Let's not forget that physical health enhances emotional health. Having a dog means walking it, playing with it, taking it on hikes, and so forth. That kind of physical activity gets you and your children away from the TV and the video games and outside exercising. A dog's enjoyment of the outdoors gives its child owner an appreciation of the natural world and bridges the gap between people and nature.
Cats, too, can provide incentive to move - energetic play with your cat is every bit as entertaining as TV, but with the added benefits of interaction and exercise. Children love to run through the house dragging a piece of string with the cat in hot pursuit. Exercise and loving interaction benefit body, mind, and spirit.
- Depression
There is nothing like fur therapy when it comes to depression. Studies show that pet ownership or interaction with a visiting animal can greatly reduce depression and induce feelings of well-being. This is why there are therapy animals that visit nursing homes and the children's wing of the hospital, and why there are successful programs for troubled children that involve caring for animals as part of their therapy.
Owning a pet forces a depressed person to think about someone other than him or herself, and breaks destructive thinking patterns. Children who struggle with emotional troubles often find solace in the company of animals.
Certainly owning a pet is a big responsibility, and should not be undertaken without careful consideration. But among those considerations should be the emotional advantages.
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