Question by ?Pretty? ?Kitty?: Is the hypoallergenic dog issue going to cause problems?
According to my research on the subject, there are no dogs or cats which can be classified as “guaranteed hypoallergenic”. The chemicals which produce allergens are present in saliva, skin cells, and urine. In order for a pet to be hypoallergenic, it would have to be skinless, spitless, and not produce urine which is obviously not possible. Some animals produce more of the chemical which makes them more likely to cause an allergic reaction in certain people but this is not breed specific. Animals of all breeds can or cannot be a producer of chemicals which provoke allergies. That said, do you think the issue of finding a hypoallergenic dog for our President-elect and his his family is passing misinformation to the general public? Will there be a devastating rise in shelters acquiring these animals after their owner experiences allergic reactions to the pet he was assured was “safe” for him? Correct me if my information is wrong but if it’s not, then the general public and the animals involved are being dealt a great disservice by the experts who are pushing certain breeds (or mixes) of pets whom they deem allergen-free. Input?
I’m referring to breeds being labeled as hypoallergenic. Individual animals of any breed or mix can or cannot produce allergen inducing chemicals. Some breeds can be less prone to provoke but it’s dog-specific, not breed-specific.
Who are these experts who are guiding the dog search? I would think they have the top experts working on it.
They should be stressing that while one dog of any breed may provoke allergies, another may not. I’m just worried if they pick a certain dog, everyone will assume every dog of that breed will be “allergen free” resulting in lots of dissatisfied owners and homeless dogs. They should be much clearer on that.

Best answer:

Answer by Kiy N
Idk but my friend is asthmatic an shes allergic to dogs but her daughter has been crying she wanted a dog since forever. So she got her a dog that doesnt shed hair. She got a full bred poodle. Its ugly as hell but hes good and he doesnt cause her to break otu or her trhoat to swell up. She has NO allrgic reactions to him and he even sleeps in her bed. I think it will be fine but ask an expert

What do you think? Answer below!

Question by sciencechick: Why has the term “hypoallergenic” become so very common in the dog world?
I asked this question last night but no one could really come up with a reason.

When did it start, and why? Were there always some dogs considered good for allergies, and the “hypoallergenic” term just fit it, or did some savvy BYB realize that it would sell more dogs and it has just taken over.

I definitely understand how the term has stuck around and why people buy “hypoallergenic” dogs. As an allergy sufferer myself I can understand the appeal, and we already know that people tend to not research or only listen to what they want. But how did it all start? If you think about it, this really is an odd term to tack on a living, breathing, salivating, skin-shedding animal!
You don’t call it anything, since it is such a vauge term that doesn’t really help if that breed doesn’t work for you. Allergies are very individual, so why has it become so acceptable to market dogs like a pillow?

Best answer:

Answer by Shon Bon
I don’t know, what else would you suggest to call it….seems to fit for me

Give your answer to this question below!

Question by Samantha: What Ingredients should be in a Hypoallergenic dog food ?
i have a two and a half year old golden retriever and i been noticing even when she is on flea medication like the advantage she still itches i know its not hot spots because she has no red patches but looking at her skin i noticed tiny red bumps and very dry skin when i took her to the vet she suggested omega 3 fatty acids which i brought salmon oil and salmon puffs but she was still itching and her coat is very thinning not full like a golden should be . I changed her food from science diet for the large breed to royal canine for golden retrievers but i think she has a food allergy from corn and wheat which are two ingredients in her royal canine .I know at one to three food allergies commonly affect goldens so my question is does anyone know the ingredients that are supposed to be in a hypoallergenic food and any good food for dogs that have allergies . i work at petsmart so any food you might name expensive or not i can find it and i get a discount so price doesn’t matter thanks .

Best answer:

Answer by Holly
It all depends on what your dog is allergic to. You may need to try a couple different foods before you find one that works for her.
Grain free food is your best bet. I would say try Orijen, Wellness, Taste of the Wild, Acana Grain Free foods.
If none of those work, Acana Lamb and Apple is a great food. One source of protein(lamb) and only one source of carbohydrate (oats). This is what I feed my Golden Retriever who has food sensitivities.
http://www.championpetfoods.com/acana/show-product.php?formulation=la

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Veterinarian's Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo

• Especially for dogs with seasonal allergies.
• Soap-free, tearless mix of aloe extracts and vitamin e soothingly cleans and moisturizes sensitive skin.
• Relieves itching and smoothes dry brittle coats.
• Will not affect topical flea control.

Hypoallergenic Shampoo is a tearless formula that gently cleans without soap while adding moisture and body. Great for pets with dry or sensitive skin. Prefect for puppies and kittens. Helps stop itching and soothes rough, scaly, irritated, sore or dry skin. Keeps normal hair coat soft, healthy and shiny.Especially for dogs with seasonal allergies.Soap-free, tearless mix of aloe extracts and vitamin e soothingly cleans and moisturizes sensitive skin.Relieves itching and smoothes dry brittle coats.Will not affect topical flea control.Size: 16-OunceSize: 16-Ounce

List Price: $ 7.09 Price: $ 3.92

Allerpet?/D for dogs

• Get Rid of Pet Allergies
• Conditions Dogs Hair
• Easy to Use
• Non- Toxic
• Puppy Friendly

Allerpet/D Solution for Dog Allergies Specifically formulated for dogs... and the people who are allergic to their dogs. Allerpet/D cleanses the hair of saliva (Fel d1) and dander, the prime causes of allergic reactions to dogs. It is absolutely non-toxic and safe to use on puppies. One 12 ounce bottle usually lasts 2-3 months

List Price: $ 12.83 Price: $ 12.99

Related Dog Shampoo Allergy Products

Question by sciencechick: When/why did people start using the term “hypoallergenic” with dogs?
Beyond the debate to if it is even appropriate or enough of a difference ot be seen, when did people decide to start labeling dogs as “hypoallergenic”? If there a particular person that realized that people would pay more for a “hypoallergenic” dog, or were some breeds always said to be better for people with allergies?

I think it is silly how people throw that word around, since everyone’s allergies are different and all dogs shed skin cells and have saliva so short of keeping the dog in a bubble it is a trial and error thing for just about everyone. How has this become such a common demand?

Best answer:

Answer by •Poppy•
Some breeds can be better for those with allergies…and those same breeds may be horrible for another allergy sufferer. There’s no way to tell.

I have a theory that they use it because it sounds nice…and is a good selling point. People view hypoallergenic things, like pillows and blankets for example, as clean, fresh, and positive. They view hybrid things (thinking of hybrid cars) the same way. Hence the “hybrid” mixes.

Give your answer to this question below!