Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/23/2011

Question
Hello, I am allergic to dogs, but don't react to the "hypo-allergenic" breeds, like Poodles, Malteses, etc. We recently adopted a "Maltipoo". This was supposed to be the dog that I don't react to and that I can sleep with. He turned out not to be a Maltipoo. I'm not sure what he is, but he sheds just a little and looks like a Chinese Crested when wet. Anyways, I'm finding I do react when we sleep together, but putting a clean shirt on him before bed really helps, and I notice it's much better after he's bathed or even just gotten wet. Would it be unhealthy for him if I were to take him in the shower with me a few times a week?  I wouldn't shampoo him every time, but just by letting him get all wet while I shower seems to help. I just want to make sure this won't hurt his skin. I'm really just trying to do everything I can so we're both able to be comfortable at night and still be able to be with each other. Oh, and I fogot to mention - sleeping without him isn't an option (yet). He wouldn't dare let me go to bed without him cuddled right by my side. :)

Answer
There are many conditioning sprays that you can use on your dog's skin to prevent the aerosolization of skin debris, which is probably what you are allergic to (dander).  A tee shirt is Ok and rinsing the dog off with water will not remove the oils from the skin.