Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m allergic to my dog?” Some people do think it’s their dog they are allergic to, but it’s not the dog itself they are allergic to but the dogs dander and even their saliva.

Dogs dander is the dry skin that flakes off then floats through the air, thus giving us the allergy. The dander, (which are very “tiny particles”), become airborne and they get trapped in curtains, carpets, and on furniture, as does the saliva, once it becomes dried. This is also why you keep sneezing and wheezing, even when the dog is not in the same room as you.

I’ve always had some sort of allergies as a child and as years went by it turned into asthma. As a child we always had dogs and for the last 25 years I started raising German Shepherds with my husband.

At one time I had 3 German shepherds sleeping on my bed with me. Zeus, Star and their baby, we named Baby. (She was the only pup in the litter).

My asthma kept getting worse and my doctor told me to keep the dogs out of my bedroom, get an air purifiers, vacuum daily, etc. etc. So after I got released from the hospital for another asthma attack, I decided to get an air purifier – but I never kicked my dogs out.

To make a long story short, Zeus, Star and Baby have all passed over the Rainbow Bridge, all being 10 or older, and Zeus’s grandson, Jericho, is now (as we speak), lying on my bed. (He’s 12+ years old).

As for my asthma…I guess I out-grow it? I still have dogs – so I can’t explain why it suddenly cleared up. I haven’t had to reach for my inhaler for about 3-4 years now, (but of course I still keep one handy – just in case).

Dogs have always been part of my life. I wouldn’t know what to do without at least one or two. If a person has to get rid of their dog… is there life after dogs?

I couldn’t get rid of my dogs, but for a person who has allergies to the dog dander, you can get dogs that are referred to as, “hypoallergenic”. These are breeds that don’t shed much, although there are no dog breeds that are 100% allergy free. They all produce dander, even the hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested; but these “hypoallergenic breeds” are considered to be better for people who are allergic to the dogs dander.

To reduce your exposure to dog allergies

* Buy a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner and keep your floors vacuumed regularly.
* Wash the rugs and all dog bedding on a regular basis.
* Keep furniture vacuumed – if your dog gets on the couch, place a slipcover on it to help cut down the dander that collects on the couch.
* Bathe your dog a couple times a month to remove dander. Use the correct shampoo for his coat, as bathes tend to take out the natural oil that he need to keep his skin and coat healthy.
* Finally, although this is hard for some dog lovers, your dog should not be allow in your bedroom

1. Buddies Says:
   December 10th, 2008 at 9:03 am

   There’s no doubt that some breeds are worse than others, but as you say you can take steps to minimise the effect. Using a proper dog shampoo is one of the most effective. It’s amazing how many owners just use whatever comes to hand, rather than getting something properly formulated for canines.