July, 2000

Ah summertime, the grass is green, the trees and flowers are in bloom and dogs are brought into shelters due to allergies. At the first sneeze the pet is the first thing to leave the house and animals are being brought into humane societies and given-up to rescues at an alarming rate. Yes, this may help, but you cannot control green grass, budding trees, blooming flowers, dust, pollen and mold spores. We cannot live in a bubble.

The Humane Society of the United States lists health and personal issues among the most common reasons to give up a pet, allergies top the list. Amazingly, more than 11% of dog owners that relinquished pets due to allergies still had other pets at home. This suggests that some of these surrenders may have been unrelated to the pet allergies that the owners indicated.

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog (or cat), nor are there any dogs (or cats) that do not shed. All shed, some just more than others due to a denser coat. It is the dander, the saliva or the urine of an animal NOT the hair that is the problem. Some breeds seem to have less dander than others, unfortunately Rotties, even with their smooth coat, do not fall in this group.

Here are some ways to help keep your home more comfortable:

• 1. No matter how much we love to cuddle with our pets at night, you will significantly reduce the symptoms of pet allergies by keeping your animals out of the bedroom.
• 2. Install a good `HEPA' air cleaner.
• 3. Clean and vacuum regularly.
• 4. Bathe your pet weekly. Check with your vet or petstore to find a shampoo specifically for the purpose of helping to reduce dander. Shampoos with a lot of perfumes can only help to compound the situation.
• 5. Do not allow your pet on the furniture.
• 6. Use seat covers when your pet is in the car. Remove them when not transporting your pet.
• 7. Brush your pet daily and use an allergy reducing spray such as Allerpet.
• 8. Keep your pet's skin healthy by feeding a good multivitamin and a fatty acid supplement.
• 9. Wash your hands after handling your pet, its toys, bed, etc.
• 10. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of immunotherapy or medications.