Many people love dogs and keep them as indoor family pets. However, dog lovers who are allergic to pet dander or who are somewhat allergic to dogs and animals cannot enjoy a family pet like others. There are solutions to this type of problem, as there are several breeds of dogs that shed little or no hair. Dogs, like cats, shed dead skin cells and hair, called “dander.” People who are prone to dust and pollen often have similar problems to cats and dogs that shed a lot of dander.

The ideal dogs for this type of individual or family are usually smaller in size and are classified as hypoallergenic dogs or dogs that do not shed.

Some examples are:

• Portuguese water dog

• Poodles-all types

• Shih Tse

• Bichon Frize

There are a few things that can be done to ensure the best environment for your family pet.

• Talk to breeders and spend time with the type of dog you plan to adopt. This will allow you to see if a reaction is going to occur before you make the decision to bring the dog home.

• Visit your doctor: Make an appointment with your allergist to make sure you are doing everything possible to successfully treat your allergy.

• Vacuum regularly inside your home, especially if you have carpet or if your dog is inside. Also be sure to regularly dust and clean any furniture that has a tendency to collect dust, pollen, or dander.

• Brush and comb the dog daily – this traps dead hair in the brush before it can escape into the air.

• Bathe the dog frequently: This will reduce the amount of flaking skin that can spread through the house and into the air.

• Ventilate the house periodically by opening the windows for 30 minutes to an hour to circulate.

Doing these things can lead to encouraging results for dog owners who have experienced allergies in the past and suffered from symptoms when they had a pet. These tips can also help a family be able to keep a loved dog in case someone in the family develops an allergy. Adopting or purchasing a hypoallergenic puppy is the first step in creating a friendly environment for allergy sufferers alike.