3.6m Omlet Chicken Run for sale, Brand New in Boxes, Milton Keynes (MK19)

[Chooks Aloud]

I would love to have a dog but unfortunately am allergic (asthma). My brother had a golden retriever and I had a bad attack when I went in his house. People say to get a 'non shedding' dog, but is there really such a thing? Poodles are meant to be good for people with allergies but I do not want to go and get a puppy and then have to find I have to give them up because I can't have them in the house.

 

Any advice?

[The Dogmother]

Poodles and Schnauzers shed less.

[Chucky Mama]

There are several 'non shedding' breeds but I wouldn't consider getting a dog unless you can spend a significant amount of time with one of these breeds to ensure that you don't have a problems. You can google a list on non shedding breeds.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

A friend of ours has a Miniature Schnauzer which doesn't shed at all. I believe Tibetan Terriers are the same (and are very cute!)

[UKMARCH]

Hi, as well as the fur I've read that its the dander that also causes allergies as well as the length of fur which traps pollen and moulds if you are sensitive to those. Also saliva so you may have to have some fun and go round to lots of people's houses test driving their dogs!

[The Dogmother]

As CM has said, I;d do a lot of research into it and also look at your reasons for wanting a dog and which breed/type you think would fit in best with your lifestyle.

 

I only add this caution (not because I think you will do this) because i do homechecks for a couple of dog rehoming charities and some folk I meet clearly haven't thought it through.

[Chooks Aloud]

Yes, I have thought long and hard about this and certainly wouldn't take on a dog unless I was absolutely sure. I am not allergic to the saliva but do find it hard to breath when in a room with an alsation or retriever. My friend had a Westie and I had no problems visiting her. I don't have a problem with guinea pigs (who shed) in doors, or my chickens (who obviously are outside) but budgies are a big problem and I cannot be in the same room for long.

 

Does anybody know if there is anyway I could find out how I would be living with a dog before taking on the resposibility of owning one. None of my friends now have dogs that I could borrow. I have thought of dog walking, but that really wouldn't be the answer as that would be outside, which is not a problem.

 

Any ideas?

[ClaireG]

What about fostering a dog for awhile? Lots of the rescue charities are always looking for foster homes.

[Seagazer]

My friend is asthmatic and borrowed a bichon friese (sp? ) and she was fine with it. She's got one now and has been fine. I would try and spend some time with your chosen breed - visiting a breeder perhaps. It would be awful to buy a puppy and then find out you're allergic to it.

[kazmac]

We have a westie who we're fine with. Me and my younger daughter have asthma and my husband and older daughter have hay fever. They're allergic to all cats and most dogs.

But we did our research before we got our doggie and had 'borrowed' a westie from a friend to be sure.

Westies and standard poodles (but not all poodles) and scotties are the ones I can remember for allergies, but I know there are more breeds than that.

But anyone can be allergic to anything at any time, so it would stil be worth trying contact with your chosen breed before you get one for good, just to be sure.

[Bramble]

Lots of people with asthma have no reaction at all to greyhounds as they are very short haired (the dogs, not the people, obviously!). In fact the lady who runs the retired greyhound kennel that my dog came from has terrible asthma and reacts badly to many dogs but has no problem at all with greyhounds!

[The Dogmother]

I'll echo that; Cyrus is part greyhound and he hardly sheds at all.

[UKMARCH]

I agree it said about that on a video we got from the RGT when we got our first retired racer it may also be because they have no undercoat so therefore less hair and dander. It was a bit chilly today so the dogs had their coats on for the first time this morning!