Table of Contents
Dogs have many allergens on them and each of them can trigger allergic response, causing several symptoms in hypersensitive people such as:
1. nasal congestion,
2. runny nose,
3. itchy nose,
4. sneezing,
5. itchy and watery eyes,
6. coughing,
7. a scratchy sore throat,
8. itchy skin rashes or hives,
9. headaches,
10. fatigue,
11. difficulties in breathing, and
12. Asthma.
All allergy symptoms are caused by one substance, called histamine, either within 5-30 minutes or much later as a delayed reaction. Histamine is being released from the basophiles and mast cells through a process called degranulation, because it is localized in special granules inside the cells. The whole process is triggered by immunoglobulin E. The severity of reaction varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling to severe asthma.
Are there any “safe” dogs?
Unfortunately, no dog is considered non-allergenic because all dogs produce dander, saliva, and urine, which could be allergens. There are dogs that produce less dander, however, and many people who are mildly allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these "low dander" dog breeds - all with proper environmental control, of course.
List of dogs known to be okay with asthma sufferers because they shed very little dander, including a short description:
1. Poodles, Standard and Miniature: Excellent with kids, bonds to whole family, excellent watchdog, highly trainable and sheds very little hair.
2. Toy poodle: Small fragile bones, therefore caution around rambunctious children – perhaps better suited for mature people; tends to bond to one person, excellent watchdog, highly trainable and sheds very little hair.
3. Chihuahuas: Perhaps better suited for adults, tends to bond to one person, excellent watchdog, average trainability. They do shed a bit.
4. Portuguese Water Dogs: Good with kids, tends to bond to one person, average watchdog, average trainability. It does shed a little.
5. Irish Terrier: Excellent with kids, bonds to whole family, excellent watchdog, highly trainable, and sheds very little.
6. Bichon Frise: Average trainability and sheds very little.
Dogs and asthmatics
Although people with asthma tend to suffer from allergies, among all possible allergens, dogs are on top as disturbance promoters in the pulmonary function of asthmatics. Several studies have shown that indoor airborne allergens (dogs, cats, cockroaches, molds, mites) are associated with more markers of asthma instability than outdoor allergens (tree, weed, grass). So, the bottom line is – dogs are pretty poor company for asthmatics.