Allergy Free Dogs Do They Really Exist?
Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies.
The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will.
So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog.
When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals.
Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen.
Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji.
The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type I can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come.
Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, and Quercitin.
Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Visit Allergy Treatment
Does Dog Health Insurance Really Exist
Insurance for dogs has been in existence for close to twenty year. Its surprising then that many dog owners have never heard of dog insurance before. We normally associate insurance with people and not animals.
If you’ve used your money to pay for dog surgery or if you’ve ever put your dog to rest because your couldn’t afford the medical fees, then you need to appreciate the importance of dog health insurance.
The costs associated with taking care of dogs are going up by the day. To make matters worse, if you have more than one dog then your finances are more constrained. To find out if you need dog insurance, ask yourself these questions:-
- Do you consider your dog to be a member of the family?
- Will you be able to comfortably clear the bills should your dog develop cancer or needs long-term care.
- Will it break you if you are to euthanize your dog cause you did not plan ahead for a crisis?
If you say yes to these questions, then please consider taking insurance for your dog before its too late.
Dog Health Insurance Types
There are many dog insurance products out there in the market. The higher the premiums you pay, the more benefits your dog receives. The average dog insurance plan starts at about $20 to $40 per month and comes with no annual benefit limit or if a limit exists then its approximately $15,000 – $20,000.
Most plans give you discounts for coverage of multiple dogs. Your deductible will be primarily be determined by the plan you choose, but the average is about $100 per year.
Since most of the expenses generated by dogs will be related to routine procedures, its a wise idea to get a dog health insurance plan that covers neutering, vaccinations, annual check-ups & dental. These seemingly lower budget procedures can put a huge dent in your wallet in the long run.
What barriers might come up when looking for dog insurance? For starters, if your dog is over a certain age limit, he might be denied cover. Even if you are to get the insurance for older dog, you will find restrictions in the plan. Also, most insurance policies will not cover for existing medical conditions or birth defects. If your dog has cancer it might not be covered.
In the process of comparing different dog insurance products, find out if there are any waiting periods on your dog policy. The waiting period determines when the dog’s coverage will begin – Its not impossible to have waiting periods of up to 6 months. Once your plan goes through, you will have to choose a vet from their list of approved providers.
Are there any alternatives to dog insurance?
What happens if your dog does not qualify for dog insurance or if you decide not to buy a policy? Are there other options to go with?
There is a dog health care discount program called Pet Assure. When you enroll in this program, you are eligible to receive a discount on your animal’s medical care so long as you patronize participating veterinarians. Other benefits you will get include getting discounts to prescriptions & also getting access to product coupons.
If you have a dog that is not insured and it needs urgent medical care and you don’t have the funds available, ask the vet if their clinic offers any sort of emergency funding. Some vets do set aside funding for dog owners who cannot afford the medical expenses associated with dog care especially if the treatment does not involve long-term care and multiple visits.
Another option for dog owners without dog insurance is to go to the humane society (long shot) or a non-profit dog support group that offers financial aid. You will need to apply to access their money and in reality very few of those who apply actually receive enough cash to offset the medical bills.
Visit http://www.dogperfection.com, a site for dog lovers. Learn how to raise up healthy dogs and what type of dog vet questions to ask when looking for a suitable dog vet.