Dogs are mans best friends and owning one can be a most rewarding experience. Dogs though are not for everyone and not everyone can get a dog. It is a sad fact that some dog lovers are prevented from enjoying the companionship these four legged friends can offer simply because they are allergic to dogs. Anyone in the family that has an allergic reaction to the dog would usually end up with the need to find a new home for the pet. It is therefore very necessary for a potential dog owner to know if he himself or the other members of the family has an allergic reaction to dogs. The allergic reaction, contrary to popular belief is not caused by the hair shed by the dog. It is actually dog dander that causes humans to sneeze, to itch, to have watery eyes and runny nose and to have rashes.
If you have hypersensitivity to dog dander and you love dogs, you better turn your back away from high dander producing dogs. Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setter, German Shepherd Dog, Basset Hound, Doberman Pinscher, Dachshund are breeds that shed large amounts of dander. Large breeds are expected to shed more dander because of the large expanse of skin. Dog lovers that are hypersensitive to dander should not lose hope. These people can still own dogs as there are dog breeds known to be low dander producers. Basenji, Airdale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Poodle, Havanese and Bichon Frise are only some of the dog breeds known to be low shedders and to produce less dander.
Dogs form a strong bond with their owners and even if one family member shows allergic reaction to dander the dog would still be allowed to stay with the family. Dog experts have a practical advice and that is to give the dog supplements that will prevent the excessive production of dander. Although not a cure, supplements can make a significant input on the reduction of targeted symptoms of some health concerns and one of these is the production of dander. Dog owners know that supplements would give the dog an additional level of support but choosing the right supplement can be a difficult task for a dog owner. Not many dog owners have an idea what to look for in a supplement.
Supplements are supposed to support the maintenance of optimum health of the pet. Dogs are given commercially manufactured dog food hyped to contain all the necessary nutrients needed by the dog. However, these foods may not contain the necessary level of nutrients that will maintain healthy skin and coat. Dietary deficiency is one of the reasons why the dog produces too much dander. The dietary deficiency results in itchy, dry flaky skin. This condition will naturally exacerbate the production of dander. So what kind of supplements must be given to the dog to prevent excessive dander production? It would be beneficial to give the dog fatty acids that will promote the health of the coat and the skin. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are skin and coat supplements. The fish oil found in salmon, mackerel and herring and in other fresh water fish is a good source of omega 3. Pork fat, chicken fat are good sources of Omega 6. This fatty acid is also found in vegetable oils. Expected results on the condition of the coat, on the shedding and on the production of dander can be noticed after a month of supplementation.
These supplements that contain fish oil, flax seed oil, soybean oil and other essential fats promotes the coats shiny, smooth and soft condition. Excessive dander production is prevented as the supplement helps relieve the itch associated with dry skin. The scaly condition of the skin is prevented as well.
