There are no 'hypoallergenic' dogs

Being smart about breed choices, as well as using medication or shots, can help you cope if you want a pooch but are allergic.

By WILLIAM HAGEMAN, Chicago Tribune

Last update: March 23, 2009 - 5:22 PM

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Those hypoallergenic dogs? Like the one the First Family will be adopting? They might not be exactly what people think.

"We don't always like the 'hypoallergenic' term, because there is no true hypoallergenic dog," says Dr. Jay Whittle, a veterinarian at Mill Creek Animal Clinic in Palos Park, Ill. "Allergies are dictated by the person with the allergies and what their immune system is going to do."

Dr. Zaid Jabbar, an allergist with Edward Medical Group in Bolingbrook, Ill., explains that flaking of microscopic bits off the animal's skin is what causes the problem.

"It's that skin component that people are allergic to," he says. "There are some thoughts that dogs have certain bacteria in their saliva that also could potentially do that. But the theory behind that isn't as certain."

For those unlucky people with allergies, the tiny particles cause the immune system to produce antibodies, sparking allergic reactions -- sneezing, stuffy nose, runny and itchy eyes. That's where the allergist comes in.

"We can manage allergies with medications," Jabbar says, citing antihistamine tablets and sprays or steroid nasal sprays.

And if that's not enough, they can try allergy shots, which are based on skin scrapings of the person's pet. By reintroducing those scrapings in tiny amounts, a person's immune system can be trained to accept it.

"People can continue to have dogs and live an OK life," Jabbar says.

Dog lovers also need to be smart about the breed they choose.

"There are certain breeds that are less allergy inducing," Whittle says. "There's a number of them -- the bichons, the soft-coated wheaten terriers. ... Most of the dogs that are groomed rather than those that shed will be less of a problem."

He also mentions poodles and Yorkshire terriers as being less likely to cause problems.

When looking for a dog, it's not necessary to pay premium prices to a breeder.

A Portuguese water dog, reportedly the breed the Obamas have settled on, can go for $2,000 or more. But Paula Fasseas, founder of PAWS Chicago, says she sees allergy-friendly breeds at her shelter all the time.

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