Expert: Have4Paws - 10/23/2008

Question
Are people ellergic to Beagle?  I will be giving my sister in - law my Beagle, but she wants to know if the dog will be ellergy free to her.

Mary

Answer
Hi Mary and thanks for writing to me.

Unfortunately any one can be allergic to any kind of dog. There are no hypoallergenic dogs  Therefore, it is possible that your sister-in- law may react and also she may not. What humans react to is not the fur it is the dander,

Animal dander is not the hair or fur of the animal, but is old skin scales which are constantly shed. Older animals produce more dander than young ones because their skin is drier. Animal dander is extremely light weight and tiny in size, (approx. 2.5 microns) and can stay airborne for hours. (1 micron = 1/25,000 in.).

Here are some suggestions I found to help with avoiding allergic reactions to dander.

1. Wash pets with pet shampoo and then clean ALL surfaces thoroughly with a damp cloth or mop.

2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Air Filter to trap the tiny particles of animal allergen. The water vacuums are not effective on animal dander. Studies have show they actually increase dander levels when in use.

3. Bathe the animal weekly with Allerpet, a shampoo/ conditioner. Studies have shown this product can decrease the amount of dander in settled dust by nearly 50% It is available for cats, dogs, and birds.

4. If the pet can't be removed from the house, at least keep it out of your bedroom.

5. Use a room air purifier in your bedroom to remove airborne animal dander.

6. Wear a mask when grooming your pet.

7. Keep clothing worn when playing with the pet out of your bedroom


I hope this information is helpful and your beagle finds a great home!