Control Dog Allergies
Its NOT over for Rover

Over 15 percent of people suffer from dog allergies and other allergies. Many of these are dog lovers are faced with having to make a decision to loose their beloved pet.Your choice of dog breed needs to be made very carefully if you or anyone in your family is sensitive to dog allergens.

Besides choosing a dog that is known to be a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed, there are recommendations you can follow to control allergens from hair and saliva, major causes of dog allergies:

• Reduce soft furnishings
• High quality vacuum cleaner
• Grooming your dog regularly
• Limiting your beloved little dog to certain areas of the house.

Follow some simple guidelines and you may be amazed by the difference. You can kiss and cuddle your little dog love without banishing your innocent pet outside.

Your specific allergy with one breed may not manifest in another of the small dog breeds. We suggest you spend time with a breeder and the dog breed of your choice and see if you have a bad reaction.  Every one is different, one Hypoallergenic dog breed may cause no reaction whilst another may.  It is essential that you take your time investigating any allergic reaction, before making a decision on a dog breed.

Try to eliminate feather pillows or down comforters.  Preferably use synthetic fills.  Wash your bedding at least once a week in an anti-allergy detergent. Where possible exchange dust collecting curtains for easy to maintain blinds.  Carpets are the biggest trap of dander (other that pet himself) so if redecorating, install wooden floors or tiling.  Existing carpets must be steam cleaned frequently and the vacuum bags changed often.  Leather couches are a better option than upholstered fabric.

Dog Grooming by washing, brushing or combing your dog on a regular basis is one of the most important aspects to keeping your home allergen free. Having one of our recommended Hypoallergenic dog breeds is recommended but not a guarantee to dog allergies. Your wonderful pet can be kept out of certain areas (even non-shedding dog breeds) and not be left out of your family life.  Maybe he should be only in the kitchen and the den, but not allowed in your sleeping area.  You can have a loving relationship with your small dog breeds, and still get a good night's sleep.

Most people with dog allergies suffer from a reduced immune system so the reality is that it is probably not only your darling little animal causing stress, but many other factors, such as pollen, grass cuttings and often air borne allergens from various plants at different times of the year. Even hypoallergenic dog breeds can still cause minor allergic reactions. Your doctor can help you become less sensitive by having immunotherapy. This therapy can be effective over many years.  On a day to day basis over the counter antihistamine tablets are available to help with the sniffs and itches.

Some areas of your home should be off limits to the small dog breeds, or hypoallergenic dog breeds that you have chosen. Try when selecting one of the non shedding dog breeds, not to get one that is designed to be a lap dog, as you may need to make your sofa and your bed off limits to the little angel.  Train your pet to not enter the bedroom areas of your home, thereby helping to keep dander to a minimum in your sleeping areas.

Use an air-purifier to keep your bedroom and living area air free of dander.  Keep the filters cleaned regularly.   Invest in a high-efficiency particular air filter (HEPA) to remove air-borne allergens.  Lower the humidity to below 45%.  Let fresh air in when possible.  Your vacuum cleaner should have a high efficiency HEPA filter.  Use anti-allergen dust sprays.