There are instances wherein the pets that you love cause allergies. Perhaps you have a Westie that sheds from time to time and this triggers an asthma attack. These scenarios can be very unfortunate, but you have the option to verify whether it is indeed your dog that is causing your allergies. Nevertheless, there are several things you can do in this ill-fated circumstance.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
There are dog breeds that are referred to as hypoallergenic, or dogs that are less likely to reduce allergic reactions. Some of these hypoallergenic dog breeds are Maltese, Shih-Tzu, and most Terriers, including the West Highland White Terrier, which is also often referred to as Westies. Sami, a dog featured in westievibes.com, is one of the most popular Westies who loves to give his humans endless kisses. Thereby, it is relieving to know that Westies are considered as hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, it is a fact that no dog breed is a hundred percent hypoallergenic. Different people react in various ways to different dog breeds and those with severe allergies may still be affected even with hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Main Causes of Allergic Reactions
- Dander
Dander is the microscopic scales of dead skin that pets constantly shed. This is very much similar to the dandruff that humans produce as a result of dry skin. Dander is so tiny that you will not be able to tell whether it is already circulating in the air or already stuck on your carpets. When these flakes are inhaled, it can irritate the nose and the eyes and may cause extreme sneezing.
- Dog Shed
Hypoallergenic dogs are usually hairless or have a single coat. While they may tend to produce a lesser amount of allergens through dog shedding, they still have the capability to produce dander. Nevertheless, dog shedding and excessive pet hair can collect dander, dust, and pollen that may cause itchy and watery eyes, as well as skin rashes.
The coats of a Westie can greatly vary, with some having a hard coat and others having a fleecy and soft feel. As puppies, they don’t shed tremendously and this can inhibit allergic reactions. However, as they grow into adult dogs, their coat may change and cause allergic reactions.
- Saliva
If your body reacts negatively towards a dog’s saliva or urine, it can be likely that you may never find a suitable dog to love because dogs love giving kisses. Statistics show that one out of ten people are actually allergic to dog saliva. Some may even encounter extreme reactions such as fatigue, headaches, and seizures.
The pets you welcome into your home and treat as members of the family can sometimes cause you to have allergies. While this may be an unfortunate situation, it doesn’t mean that you have to love them any less. There are several ways on how you will be able to deal with these circumstances while still giving your pets the love and care they long for. If you can’t tell for sure what is causing your allergies, it is best to bring your dog to the vet.
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