Allergy Hero! » Pet Allergies

What Hypoallergenic Dogs Are Out There?

admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:45:20 +0000

A little over a week ago, we wrote about newly elected President Barack Obama’s desire for a hypoallergenic dog for his children. While it is debatable whether any such dog truly exists, here is a list of dogs that are thought to be somewhat easier on those with canine allergies, if not hypoallergenic.

Hypoallergenic because they don’t shed:
Affenpinscher
Airedale Terrier
Basenji
Belington Terrier
bolognese
Coton de Tulear
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Maltese
Poodles
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Scottish Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Silky Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Welsh Terrier

Hypoallergenic because their hair has the same pH as human hair:
Bearded Collie
Yorkshire Terrier

Hypoallergenic because they are hairless or largely hairless:
American Hairless Terrier
Chinese Crested
Peruvian Inca Orchid
Xoloitzcuintli

President-Elect Obama Concerned About Pet Allergies

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:20:17 +0000

One of the more humorous things that happened politically in the last couple of days was President-Elect Barack Obama commenting on getting a new puppy for his girls now that the election is over. He proved he was worried about pet allergies though when he stated that he was looking for a dog that was hypoallergenic in nature. There is a great deal of skepticism when it comes to dogs that are labeled as hypoallergenic, many allergists state that it is really hit or miss and not a sure thing at all. Some dogs may be less irritating to those that are allergic, but that isn’t what most people are seeking when they are looking for a hypoallergenic dog.

Allergies Can Attack Dogs As Well

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:41:55 +0000

Allergies negatively affect the lives of millions of people every day. They get in the way of what we want or have to do and in some cases can present serious health risks. Humans aren’t the only ones affected by allergies though, many other animals including man’s best friend the dog are also negatively affected by allergies.

Dogs can develop a wide variety of allergies, everything from a flea saliva allergy to dog food allergies are not uncommon in these much loved pets. The allergic reactions to these allergies can show themselves in a number of ways. Some dogs develop physically noticeable symptoms like sores, rashes, or growths. Other dogs develop kidney or liver problems and possibly weakened immune systems. Finally, some dogs experience sneezing fits as well as runny noses similar to humans. There are a number of different dog allergy medications that may help pets that suffer from these symptoms.

A great place to learn about dog allergies and other health problems like kennel cough, is online. There is a wealth of information available at Dog-Allergies.blogspot.com pertaining to dog allergies and what you can do to make life easier for your pooch.

Doctor Reports Pet Allergies On The Rise

admin — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:12:28 +0000

A doctor from the Calgary Health District reports that pet allergies have been increasing noticeably over the last two decades. With this being the case, and with pets remaining a popular item for families, the doctor is recommending that families consider running basic allergy tests on their members before purchasing a pet. That way they don’t bring home a parakeet, puppy, or python without knowing they’ve brought trouble into their home.

Dogs Suffer From Allergies Too

admin — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:33:53 +0000

Taking care of our pets is about more than feeding, watering, and even walking them. Other health concerns, even non-life-threatening ones, should not be forgotten. Dogs suffer from allergies, just like their owners often do, and just because they cannot speak to us regarding the effects of these allergies is no reason they shouldn’t experience the relief of such bothersome allergies.

Taking care of our pets is also about insuring they have a good quality of life.

Do You Have Cat Allergies? Here’s Six Tips To Ease Them

admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:40:29 +0000

Do You Have Cat Allergies? Here’s Six Tips To Ease Your Cat Allergies
By Davis Newberry

Is Mr. Whiskers making you sick? Exposure to allergens such as cat dander can cause health concerns in many loving cat owners. Are you afraid you or a member of your family may have cat allergies? If the thought of saying goodbye to Mr. Whiskers is beyond unacceptable, then please read on for the 6 tips you can implement today to combat those nasty cat allergies in order for you and your companion to live happily ever after.

When a cat washes itself the dried saliva sticks to loose hair as well as the cats’ dander. It is then released into the air, and when you or the family member with the cat allergy breaths in or comes into direct contact with any of these particles the results…an allergic reaction. Exposure to cat dander, hair and dried saliva will cause family members with cat allergies to exhibit some of the most common symptoms which are sneezing, wheezing, watery itchy eyes, coughing and perhaps even breaking out in a rash. These particles can become airborne or embed themselves in your carpeting, clothing and upholstery.

In order to live with your fury friend you may want to try a few of the following tips.

1. If possible restrict the rooms to which your cat has access to. It is imperative that a cat not be allowed in the bedroom of any family member who has the cat allergies. Bedding, carpeting and the air will house these particles and most certainly cause a reaction.

2. Wash bedding in 140-degree water at least twice a month.

3. Wash your hands after petting and playing with your feline friend.

4. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth.

5. Place the cat litter in an area restricted to the air supply to the rest of the house

6. The last and most important step is to purchase a high quality air purifier for your home. The air purifier will not only control the pet dander but any other problems with your air such as dust, pollen or mold.

Following these tips should allow you or the family member suffering from those irritating cat allergies to happily co-existence with your feline friend for many happy years to come. Great news Mr. Whiskers looks like you’re staying.

Want to know what’s in the air you’re breathing? How would you like 3 FREE air test kits you can use to determine exactly what pollutants you and your family are breathing? For more information on how to safely remove those airborne pollutants like pet dander, dust and mold please visit NANOO2-airpurifier.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davis_Newberry
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Cat Allergies? Some Things Which Might Help

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:12:53 +0000

Cat Allergies? Some Things Which Might Help
By Judith Allison

Having a cat allergy can be extremely heartbreaking to a cat lover. Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sinus pain, hives, and other symptoms can be very mild and annoying or severe and life threatening. In actuality, if the symptoms are very severe and the cause is researched and it is found to be cats, locating the cat a new place to live just might turn out to be the best solution. However if the symptoms are mild, there is cause for hope. There are methods to at least minimize the pain of cat allergies and live with a cat, and immunotherapy offers desensitization from an allergen.

Symptoms of allergies can take on various forms. There are many common nose symptoms including itching, sneezing and congestion. Eye symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling and watering. Throat symptoms include post-nasal drip, itching or hoarseness and the need to clear the throat often. Skin symptoms can involve an itchy rash or hives. Ear symptoms can include itching, plugging or popping in the ear. More serious symptoms involve the lungs. Symptoms with the lungs can include hacking, wheezing, tightness in the chest, bouts with bronchitis and shortness of breath.

Cat allergen, the allergy causing stuff from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the cat dander and saliva. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when breathed into the nose or lungs can produce allergic reactions.

The main reason why folks can acquire a new pet and not develop any of these symptoms until much later is because of the time required to produce these antibodies. It can take anywhere from three weeks to three years for a person’s body to build up enough of the exact antibody so that an allergen can cross-link two identical antigens. This cross-linkage is the signal to mast cells to spill their contents, resulting in the typical allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy is the usual and very effective way to get around a cat allergy. Immunotherapy gradually makes a person more resistant to the allergens. The goal of immunotherapy is to increase a person’s tolerance ten times. This is one of the most effective remedies as it treats the root cause and doesn’t just hide the symptoms.

It is unsafe and heartless for any indoor cat to be turned out. As well as the diseases and illnesses that can be caught out of doors, the indoor cat has no experience fending for itself outdoors and so is often unable to protect against cars, animals, and other hazards or to effectively search for food. Hence rescue groups have been formed to take care of cats if someone suffering from allergy has to turn it out of his house.

Judith Allison writes a number of articles and blog posts for different websites including Just Cute Cats

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judith_Allison
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cat-Allergies?-Some-Things-Which-Might-Help&id=755378