Are Irish Wolfhounds bad for people with allergies/asthma?
I have allergies, asthma, and am allergic to some dogs (poodles don't bother me, -the only dogs I know for a fact to bother me are labradors-). I know Irish Wolfhounds aren't "hypoallergenic", but how bad is the shedding/dander and does anyone know if they are particularly bad for allergenic people, or if they are particularly good?
Answer by Sunshine - Santa Paws
They are not good for allergies. The Irish Wolfhound is an average shedder and only needs to be brushed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. You'll need to strip the longer portions of his coat if you want to keep him looking like the Irish Wolfhounds that compete in the conformation ring.
The best way to find out is meet the dog yourself. All allergies vary. Like the Samoyed sheds like crazy but some people have no problem with the breed. My dad is allergic to dogs and for some reason he doesn't have an allergic reaction to those high/average shedding dogs.
Answer by CanineTruth
In order to know if YOU will have a reaction to a Wolfhound, you need to find a reputable breeder (who breeds responsibly to the standard) and talk to them about your allergies and medical issues. Typically you would need to spend time with a dog of any breed to know for sure if you'll be affected.
We could not begin to tell you if this breed would be a good choice for you because we don't know you or how bad your allergies/asthma is. Talk to a breeder. Spend time with their well bred dogs.
http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/welcome.htm
Answer by Because I Said So
ask your allergist exactly what your allergy is. ask about dog dander vs hair vs fur.
Answer by mauveme49
No. They have wicked undercoat.
30 yrs grooming and have done several and all had lots of undercoat.
Answer by huntingpoodle
Shadow W:
You're wise to ask about allergies, because it would be heart breaking for you and the dog to have to be given back to the breeder because of allergies.
Sunshine reported for Trolling and Canine Truth gave you some good information, but there were just a few points I wanted to add.
Since the material causing the reaction is the dander and saliva of the dog, you need to be exposed at least twice. The first exposure is referred to as the sensitizing dose. Typically, that first exposure causes no reaction in an allergic person. That doesn't mean allergies won't occur. It is the second or third exposure that causes the reaction. That was why being around a breeder with many dogs will give you a healthy exposure to potential allergens. The second or third exposure will cause the reactive dose for an allergic reaction.
You could speak to an Allergist, but the only true way to know how you will respond is to be around the dogs. That includes petting them and letting them lick your hands and face.
One one frustration all people with dogs have is that our immune systems are not static. They are always changing. A person with out allergies can develop allergies. A person with allergies, can grow out of them. And to make this frustratingly complex, a person can have an allergic reaction, grow out of it, and have it return later in life.
For that reason, I suggest getting multiple extensive exposures to the breed you're interested in. Good luck, and I hope you have no allergic reactions.
Orignal From: Are Irish Wolfhounds bad for people with allergies/asthma?
Not true, labradors cause me to almost get sick. Beautiful dogs but the minute I'm around them...sneezing, coughing runny nose, itchy skim, watery eyes.ahhhh..its get out time. I want an irish wolfhound too. They're so pretty
ReplyDelete