Children

My child is allergic to dogs. Does that mean we can’t get a family pet?

It’s a tough call for parents in this position, especially when your child wants an animal to love. Dr Annemarie Gouws, an allergy specialist at Mediclinic Hermanus, answers the question.

The first thing to consider is how severe your child’s allergy is and how it manifests. If they suffer from severe or hard-to-control asthma, exposure to pets is unwise.

But if the allergic condition is mild and easily managed, it is possible to keep a dog. If you’re a parent in this position, keep in mind that an allergy to dog dander is not caused by the fur or dog hair, but to the proteins present in the skin, saliva, or urine of the animal. These proteins stick to the dry, dead skin flakes that collect on the dog’s fur.

Some dogs shed very small amounts of fur and therefore release smaller amounts of the allergens into the air. You can find extensive lists of breeds that shed smaller amounts of fur and are therefore presumed to cause fewer allergic reactions. The list includes Schnauzers, some terrier breeds, Bichon Frisé (“powder puff dogs”), Maltese, and some other poodle breeds. But remember these are not proven to be hypoallergenic – in fact, no breed is truly hypoallergenic.

If you decide to give in to your child’s pleading, keep these tips in mind:

  • Go for smaller dog breeds as they tend to shed smaller amounts of dander.
  • Keep all animals out of bedrooms and areas where the child spends a lot of time. Dogs should not be allowed to sleep on beds, for instance.
  • Ensure there’s sufficient ventilation in your home.
  • Bathe the dog once to twice weekly to remove dander from its coat.
  • Vacuum and shampoo carpets regularly. Better still, use carpet-free flooring.