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Don't be fooled, anything with hair will shed a little, but shed-less breeds are a reality. Unfortunately, allergy-free pups are still a myth.

If you're looking for shed-less breeds and low allergen pups, the dish on new designer dogs, old standbys and dealing with dander starts here:

WHAT CAUSES A DOG ALLERGY?

People who are allergic to dogs have a high sensitivity to an allergen that is secreted through a dog's skin. This allergen sticks to the dog's shedding skin cells (dander) and the dog's hair which all becomes airbound and eventually floats its way to the allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, all dogs have this allergen. If a person is sensitive to the allergen, it can cause a variety of symptoms from a runny nose to a fatal asthma attack, so allergies are not to be taken lightly.

But this doesn't mean that dogs have to completely out of the picture.

WHAT IF AN ALLERGY IS SUSPECTED?

Begin by consulting an allergist.

Many people assume they are allergic to dander because they had a response around someone's pet or their own doggie companion. However, they may not have considered other environmental factors that might have also triggered the response, like dust, smoke, or Aunt Margaret's clove perfume.

Only a board certified allergist will be able to specifically test you for a sensitivity to dander, then ask him where you can go from there.

If you find that you only have a mild reaction and you absolutely must have a dog, you can take some precautions to prevent flare ups. Still be aware that by exposing yourself to dander you may be increasing your sensitivity to it.

HOW CAN I ALLERGY PROOF AND LIMIT HAIR IN MY HOME AND ON MY POOCH?

1) Pick A Poo

Poodles still have the allergen, but they shed very little meaning less hair will accumulate in your home.

2) Make Doo With A Designer Dog

Dogs with poodle mixes, like Poochon (Bichon Frise/poodle), Wapoo (Chihuahua /Poodle) shed a little more than a purebred poodle, but they are also considered shed less, low allergy dogs.

3) When It Comes to Low Fur and Dander, Size Matters

Of course the smaller the dog the less dander and hair they will produce. While Labradoodles (Lab/ Poodle mix) will have less dander carrying hair than a full bred Lab Retriever their size would make them more of a sneeze factory than a teacup poodle.

4) Dust the Dog Dillegently

Over bathing will give your dog dry skin, so will stress. To keep dander and hair to a minimum vacuum then brush your dog daily, preferably out doors for your comfort. Feed them a good balanced diet to keep their skin healthy and oiled, and keep them well exercised to reduce stress.

5) Keep it Clean Around The Homestead

Invest in a good vacuum with a filter and clean and dust furniture frequently, if not daily. Don't allow your dog on furniture or in your sleeping area. If you have carpet, it's better to replace it with a floor that can be damp moped often to get rid of accumulating allergens in the dust.

I REALLY WANT TO GET A PUPPY AND GIVE IT A TRY. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Remember nothing is fool proof, if your allergy or aversion to hair worsens over time you and your family may be heartbroken when you have to give up your dog.

So, do your dog a favor from the get go, take your dog to puppy school and raise him with impeccable manors to make him a good candidate for adoption.

Works:

http://www.njc. org/disease-info/diseases/alle rgy/living/healthy/pets.aspx

ht tp://www.care2.com/greenliving /control-allergies-to-pets-how -to.html

Nursing care of Children and Families/ Second Edition 1990/ Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.

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