Sneeze-free puppy home

Published 5:19 pm Monday, December 8, 2008

Avoid allergies: There’s been a lot of talk about hypoallergenic dogs recently. President-elect Barack Obama’s 10-year-old daughter, Malia, has been promised a new puppy to take to the White House but she has allergies.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says allergies to pets are not caused not by pet hair, but by a protein in the animal’s dander, saliva or urine. This protein can set off an allergic reaction in certain people.

Because all dogs possess these proteins and they are found in the air, there is no way to totally avoid exposure to them with a dog in your home.

People can reduce allergy symptoms, however, when dogs are present. Here are a few ideas from the organization:

Bathe the animal weekly.

Wash sheets and towels in hot water.

Replace wall-to-wall carpeting or area rugs with hardwood or other solid surfaces.

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Keep your pet out of the bedroom of the allergic person and close the door so dander won’t build up on pillows and bedspreads.

For more information, visit www.aaaai.org.

The Washington Post