HEALTH. – Parents whose children are allergic to dogs do not necessarily have to abandon the idea of a family dog. The decision depends on how severe the child's allergy is and how it manifests. Children with severe or difficult-to-manage asthma should preferably not be exposed to pets, whereas in certain cases it may be possible to have a dog if the allergic condition is mild and easily managed.
Dr Annemarie Gouws, an allergy specialist at Mediclinic Hermanus, explains that an allergy to dogs is not caused by the fur itself, but by proteins in the animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. These proteins stick to the dry, dead skin cells that collect on the dog's coat. Some dog breeds shed less fur and can therefore release smaller amounts of allergens into the air. Schnauzers, certain terriers, Bichon Frisé, Maltese and some poodle breeds are often mentioned in this regard. No dog breed has been proven to be completely hypoallergenic.
Parents considering getting a dog should first seek medical advice and take the child's allergy into account. If a dog does become part of the family, exposure to allergens can potentially be limited by keeping the animal out of bedrooms and other spaces where the child spends a lot of time. Good ventilation is important and the house should be vacuumed and cleaned regularly. Carpets should preferably be avoided. The dog should be bathed one to two times per week to remove allergens from its coat.
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This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
