If you suffer from dog allergies, it can be frustrating if you and your family are a real dog lovers. Who wants to continually suffer from watery eyes, runny nose or even worse, wheezing and sneezing? Well, there may be relief other than taking your Benadryl and keeping your distance from your pooch. If you really want a dog that doesn't make you sneeze, consider one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.

It is the allergens in a dog's saliva and urine that cause the allergic response. And there are some breeds that have fewer allergens and which also shed less hair and dander than other dogs. Every dog produces some amount of allergens, but hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to make fewer allergens. Combine a dog with fewer allergens with some steps you can take to minimize them, and you could enjoy your dog without having Kleenex in your pocket all the time.

This is why people have allergic reactions to their pets. In order to have pets, these allergens must be removed through frequent house cleaning, designating certain spots in the house for your pets to sleep, and by finding pets that have shorter hair and do not shed their skin cells as often.

Typically, hypoallergenic dogs have short hair and they tend to shed their skin cells less frequently. They also do not produce as much saliva, unlike the big slobber dogs like the Saint Bernard! It is a good idea, if possible to spend some time with the type of dog you are considering. You could either make a visit to a breeder and get up close and personal with the dogs, or you might dog sit your friend's dog to get a better idea if you can tolerate the breed's allergens.

You should also consider your current living conditions. If you live in a small house or apartment, you may experience more allergy attacks because the dander and hair is confined to a small space. Adopting a small hypoallergenic dog is the best way to remedy this problem. Taking your dog outside at least a few times per day can also go a long way toward diminishing the accumulation of dander in your living areas.

Sometimes allergies can worsen initially upon bringing your new pet home. But you should see things stabilize in about a month. If not then you may need to consider a different breed or try more frequent cleaning and more time outside with your dog. If possible, you should replace your carpeting with hardwood flooring. This will keep allergens from piling up and causing an allergy attack. Wipe down the walls once a week and try to keep your new pet off your bed. These precautions will help reduce allergy attacks and help you have a fun, loving relationship with your dog for many years to come.

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