An allergen "free" pet is actually a myth. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog.
I see a lot of people thinking they can buy a dog that won’t trigger their allergies… Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Puggle, etc.
The first thing you should do is consult your allergist before you get a specific breed. I’m sure there are tests that could be performed, using the hair and dander of the breed that interests you, which would identify if you are allergic and to what degree.
The second way to find out whether you are going to be allergic to a specific breed is to visit a breeder of the dog you are interested in… and spend about a day there. A good breeder will allow you to do that. Touch the dogs, be around the dogs, rub your eyes, scratch your skin, scratch your head… immerse yourself around that breed of dog. In addition, you should bring a large bath towel and lay it on the floor, and let the adult dogs and puppies lay on it. When you get home, keep the towel next to you. You will then be breathing that dander all day, and then you can evaluate how you feel the next morning. DON’T DO THIS IF YOU ARE SEVERELY ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING… since an asthma attack can kill you! An allergy is nothing to mess with. I would NOT recommend doing this until you have talked with your allergist and FIRST obtained their recommendation to do this. I would especially not do this with children without medical supervision! On the other hand, imagine all the kids out there who have asthma attacks, because the parents didn't consult with an allergist, spend considerable time around the breed before they brought it home, or perform any other type of allergy test. At least my way is more logical and safer for your family !
It is always a tragedy when a well meaning family adopts a dog, only to find out that one or more of them are so allergic to the dog that they have to get rid of it.
I see a lot of people thinking they can buy a dog that won’t trigger their allergies… Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Puggle, etc.
The first thing you should do is consult your allergist before you get a specific breed. I’m sure there are tests that could be performed, using the hair and dander of the breed that interests you, which would identify if you are allergic and to what degree.
The second way to find out whether you are going to be allergic to a specific breed is to visit a breeder of the dog you are interested in… and spend about a day there. A good breeder will allow you to do that. Touch the dogs, be around the dogs, rub your eyes, scratch your skin, scratch your head… immerse yourself around that breed of dog. In addition, you should bring a large bath towel and lay it on the floor, and let the adult dogs and puppies lay on it. When you get home, keep the towel next to you. You will then be breathing that dander all day, and then you can evaluate how you feel the next morning. DON’T DO THIS IF YOU ARE SEVERELY ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING… since an asthma attack can kill you! An allergy is nothing to mess with. I would NOT recommend doing this until you have talked with your allergist and FIRST obtained their recommendation to do this. I would especially not do this with children without medical supervision! On the other hand, imagine all the kids out there who have asthma attacks, because the parents didn't consult with an allergist, spend considerable time around the breed before they brought it home, or perform any other type of allergy test. At least my way is more logical and safer for your family !
It is always a tragedy when a well meaning family adopts a dog, only to find out that one or more of them are so allergic to the dog that they have to get rid of it.
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