Many people believe they cannot own a dog or cat if they have asthma or allergies, but not all people with these problems necessarily have a reaction to dogs or cats, and some people may be allergic to dogs and not cats, or vice versa.

Some people believe that there are breeds of dog or cat which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in their owners but this is not always the case.

Most people who react to dogs and cats are allergic to the dander — the dead skin cells shed by the animal — rather than the hair. All breeds of dogs and cats shed dander.

Other people react to a protein in the animal’s saliva and this is more likely to cause problems to cat owners, as cats self-groom by licking their fur. A suggested remedy for this is to bathe the cat once a month. No soap is needed, merely soak the cat thoroughly. Done on a monthly basis, it may help to keep the saliva levels down to a tolerable level.

For those people who do have a reaction to dog and/or cat hair there are breeds which are non-shedding. Poodles, Bichon Frise and Bedlington Terriers have a wool-like coat which does not shed. Those considering purchasing one of these breeds because of its coat type should carefully consider the other requirements of the dog — such as the added expense created by the dog’s need to be clipped on a regular basis. These breeds also require close human companionship and are not suitable for owners who want a dog which will spend the majority of its time alone or outside.

Crossing the Poodle, Bichon Frise and Bedlington Terrier with other breeds does not guarantee that all or any puppies in the litter will have the non- shedding coat. If you wish to be sure that the pup you purchase will have the coat type you require then it is best to buy a purebred.

The Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cat breeds also have a non-shedding coat but they require owners prepared to keep the cat mainly indoors.

There are some steps which you can take to minimise the allergies to dog and cat hair and/or dander.

- Keep the pets out of the bedroom.
- Keep pets off the furniture.
- Clean and vacuum often Groom and brush the pet (outside if possible) often so its hair-shedding around the house is minimized
- Bathe the pet regularly.

Some people are simply allergic to new dogs or cats. This kind of allergy means that it may diminish with repeated exposure. In other words, you may not be allergic to dogs and/or cats that you are exposed to regularly.

An allergy specialist can test you for the things you're allergic to, and then give you periodic injections to help you develop an appropriate immunity to them. Be sure to find a specialist familiar with dog and cat allergies as some doctors may simply recommend you get rid of pets.

The companionship of a dog or cat has many benefits for both children and adults and it is sad to deny ourselves these benefits without considering all the options. However, if you suspect a family member may have an allergy to a pet then seek a medical opinion before purchase. It can be heartbreaking to have to part with a loved pet because of a family member’s allergies.

Author: Petcare Information & Advisory Service Australia Pty Ltd