The Top Hypoallergenic Pets For People With Allergies | Allergies slideshows | Body & Health Conditions center

What Causes Pet Allergies?

Generally, an allergic reaction results from the over-reaction of our immune system to something. The trigger of the reaction could be a household material (gloves), a food product (peanuts), a smell (pungent perfume), a type of creams (cocoa butter creams), or even the fur of a pet! This is because the allergen (source of the allergy) contains some chemicals that are recognized as dangerous for the immune system, which then tries to fight them as hard as it can. And when it comes to pets (dogs and cats), it doesn’t matter how short or long their fur is, the truth remains: they are capable of triggering allergies.,

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Scott Hamlin by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/scotthamlin/6215365707/
www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307349,00.html
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/ss/slideshow-pets-and-allergies
http://www.pawnation.com/2012/07/30/cats-are-worse-than-dogs-for-those-with-animal-allergies/
http://www.catster.com/cat-breeds/hypoallergenic-cat-breeds

Allergy: Cats vs. Dogs

Both cats and dogs are capable of triggering allergies. As mentioned before, the length of the fur does not really matter here, as the allergen is carried all throughout anyway. And even if the fur isn’t the source of the allergen, cats and dogs’ saliva could also be the source of the allergens. However, it is said that cats are worse than dogs, when it comes to pet allergies. This is due to the fact cats hair tends to shed off more often than dog’s fur, which releases the allergens more frequently. Also, male cats produce more allergens than their female counterparts.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Sephiroty Magno Fiesta by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/sephiroty/317320551/

Pet Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of pet allergy generally present on the second exposure to the gui;lty pet. This is due to the fact that just like in other types of allergic reactions, the first exposure always serves as the sensitzation phase, and the second exposure would yield the full-blown allergic response. Physically, we observe the following symptoms:itchy and red eyes, itchy skin, running and stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing, and other topical symptoms highly indicative of a contact allergic reaction. Depending on the individual, you may also observe an eczematous reaction or a hives-like reaction at the allergy site, indicating a topical immune process.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Will Keightley by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/feverblue/2830859536/

Bichon Frise

These types of dogs are so cute, so convenient, of such great company and less likely to make you sneeze all throughout the day! Bichon Frise, also known as “powder puff” dogs, are considered hypoallergenic compared to the other breeds of dogs. They do not shed hair so often, and even when they do, the curl in the coat helps prevent dead hair and dander from escaping into the environment. To keep them clean, it is recommended to groom them every 4-8 weeks. Even though this breed of dogs is hypoallergenic, the risk for allergies still exist, but is lower compared to the other races of dogs.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Llima Orosa by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/llimaorosa/6857904664/

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels (American breed and English breed) are small hunting dogs which, from their name, find their origins in Spain. Cocker spaniels are trained to use their sense of smell to cover low areas near the handler in order to flush birds into the air to be shot, and to use their eyes and nose to locate the bird once downed, and then to retrieve the bird with a soft mouth. Compared to other dog breeds, cocker spaniels are much less allergenic, as they shed their fur less frequently. They are also known to spread less allergens in the air.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Mike Baird by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/3333383553/

Some Terrier Breeds

Terrier breed are also among the least allergenic pets. The kerry blue terrier for instance, have a soft and dense coat, which does not shed off easily. At birth, their coat is black. But as the puppy grows older (and possibly wiser), the color of the coat slowly shifts to blue grey.Kerry blyue terriers (just like other terriers) were originally design as “hunter dogs”, simply because of their high alertness and ability to catch small animals. They are fun and full of energy, and easily fit into families (unless of course a cat has already marked its land; in which case it would not be advisable to add this “particular breed of dog” in the household).

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Olga Martschitsch by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/styles_at/6108780159/
www.mnn.com/health/allergies/photos/10-of-the-best-pets-for-allergy-sufferers/kerry-blue-terrier

Balinese Cat

Balinese cats are domestic cats that can be recognized with their long hair and siamese-like coloration. Compared to other longhaired cats that have a double coat, Balinese cats have a single coat. As a result of that their hair tends to lie closer to their body, giving the impression of a natural flow toward the rear. Also known as "long-haired Siamese", Balinese cats are very popular, and unlike the popular belief, they might not originate from Bali (Indonesia). Regarding their behavior, they tend to love attention and are very fond of human company, as a result of that. Compared to other cats, they rarely scratch (even when they are irritated), but moan and growl a lot.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of vanhookc by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/librariesrock/3347367777/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balinese_(cat)#Appearance
http://www.cfainc.org/Breeds/BreedsAB/Balinese.aspx

Devon Rex Cat

Devon rex cats are a fsmily of short haired cats that originated from England. They are recognizable at their skinny body and wide and elongated ears. They may look like "cat aliens", but quite frankly, they are only a result of a natural mutation. The origin of Devon rex cats is quite interesting, and dates back from the late 1950s, in Devonshire (ENgland), when a Mis Cox surprisingly found outt hat her cat hhad given birth to a strange and unexpected curly-haired kitten. Because of the curly hair and lovely appearance of that kitten, the owner decided to name it "Kirlee".

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of PG Palmer by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/pgpalmer_au/5896314216/
www.cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsCJ/DevonRex.aspx

Sphynx

Sphynx is a breed of cat that is easily recognizable by the fact that they lack a layer of coat. And because of that, they need a lot of physical contact to keep them warm. However, regarding allergies, this is a great advantage, as there is no coat to shed dander, there will be no antigen (at least externally) to trigger a reaction. Because of that, you don't have to go through a series of hair/coat brushing for this breed. However though, given that the skin of the sphynx would be directly in contact with your furniture (and other household stuff), daily sponging could be the way to go! Additionally, you will need to clean your Sphynx more regularly (twice a week, for instance) to prevent oil buildup in its ears.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of carophoto by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/80248954@N00/74118963/
www.catster.com/cat-breeds/Sphynx

How To Cut Pet Allergy

Neutralizing a pet allergy might not be as complicated as we might think, but this could cause emotional turmoil to those who are allergic to pets, yet love them so very much. But this is not a desperate situation, there are actually small and simple ways to decrease your risk of allergic reaction to your pet. For instance, you could wash your pet every week to lower the risk of dander shedding. As part of your cleaning protocol, dust regularly, wash your blankets and clean your rugs in hot water every week, to decrease the spread of dander all around the house.