October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month – The Best Breeds for People With Allergies
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a yearly event meant to promote adoption of dogs from your local shelters. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals sponsors this event, and it’s a call for prospective dog owners to choose to adopt instead of shop.
Can you guess how many animals are waiting in shelters for their forever home? You might be surprised to learn that there are an estimated 3 to 4 million every year. There’s a prevailing notion that shelter dogs are difficult or less capable of being good pets—a notion that is simply untrue. Many of these animals are victims of circumstance or simply too much of a burden for owners who might have lost their jobs or homes.
That being said, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month doesn’t just mean you have to be an adopter—you can even visit your local shelter and volunteer. Shelter dogs are sorely in need of love and attention, and the more socialization they get, the better their odds of finding a forever home.
If you’ve chosen to get a dog this month, the choice of breed is one of the biggest decisions you’re going to make. It can affect the level of exercise, diet, and space required for your new furry family member. For some of us, it can even affect our health—especially if we’re allergic to dog fur and dander. Today we’ll list some of the best hypoallergenic breeds for future dog owners.
Poodle
Poodles aren’t just show dogs—they’re almost universally intelligent and loyal. Their tight curls will trap dander until it’s time for brushing. Since there are three different sizes of poodles, you can find one that will suit your living conditions and level of energy. The only caveat is that you’ll likely have to spend for a professional groomer to deal with this breed’s curly coat, aside from the regular brushing you’ll have to do at home.
Bichon Frise
This curly-coated breed is exemplified by its calmness and friendly attitude. They’re great for apartment dwellers, since they’re highly trainable lapdogs with very manageable energy levels—they probably won’t go nuts if they have to sit at home for a couple of days. Like the Poodle, their curly hair traps most dander and constantly grows, eliminating shedding. Like the Poodle, they’ll require some grooming attention to prevent matted hairs.
Shih Tzu
These little silken-haired dogs have the same type of hair as humans! This makes it much less likely that a Shih Tzu will cause a severe reaction for allergy sufferers. Adult Shih Tzus have a double coat, and when the coat is kept long, any shed hairs will stay in the coat itself, to be brushed out during their regular grooming. Since shed hairs stay within the coat, the dander stuck to it is less likely to be released into the environment.
Have you chosen your favorite of the three? Or have you already chosen a shelter pet to bring home? We at Pet Nanny Inc are ready and waiting to help you for any pet-related concerns. Follow us on our social media accounts or give us a call at 734-981-6108. Alternatively, you can use our on-line contact form and we’ll get in touch with you!
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