I just got a bichon and I read on the internet that they have hair not fur so people won't be allergic to them. But ever since we brought her home my allergies have been bad. Has anyone else have had problems with their bichons?
Answers:
This following is available in the INTERNET:
The Bichon Frise is often recommended as a breed for families with allergies. It is important to discuss this with your allergist before making a decision to buy any pet. Experience shows that those with mild allergies MAY be able to share a home with a Bichon. The person with severe allergies may be at risk for a severe attack when exposed to these dogs. Others will fall between those parameters. It is important that you find out before making a purchase that your allergies will not be affected or how severely.
The best way to find out how you will react is to spend time in the presence of a Bichon. This should be done in a place where no other animals are present to avoid exposure to other allergens. The minimum amount of time would be 1-2 hours and repeated exposure is recommended. How can you arrange this? Find a friend with a Bichon or contact a breeder who will allow your family to visit for an extended time. Have each allergic person hold the animal and be in the room throughout the exposure time. Any allergic adults should be a part of this exposure even if you are buying the puppy as a child鈥檚 pet.
If you do decide to buy the Bichon, realize that adult coats are different from puppy coats so allergic individual should be exposed to both. Also make sure that the puppy can be returned if this does not work out. Responsible breeders ask you to sign a contract that offers certain guarantees and you can expect to include your own agreed upon conditions before signing.
Another consideration before buying is that pets will spend some time outdoors and may bring outside allergens in on the feet and coat. He and you will be better off if he spends most of his time inside. You would be advised to find an area where he can relieve himself on concrete and then you should be a responsible dog owner by cleaning up after him. Realize that he may also bring in dander from other animals every time he goes to the groomer or to the vet鈥檚 office so his coat care may be up to you. Grooming products may contain perfumes.
Now that you have looked at the allergy factor, be sure to read BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR PUPPY to find out about other considerations before you make up your mind that the Bichon (or any pet) is a part of your future.
Not all people react the same way, even to "hypo-allergenic dogs" (bichon, wheaten terrier, Portuguese water dog...), which is why it is a good idea to spend time with the breed before you bring it into the house (I grew up showing %26 breeding wheatens, and we would always do this with potential buyers, especially if they had allergies).
Since you already have the dog, make sure that you are keeping her clean and well-groomed, and that you clean the house regularly as well (these non-shedding breeds lose a startling amount of hair).
Also, make an appointment with your doctor or allergist. There are medications you can take (and there might be newer %26 better treatments), or it could be that you're responding to something completely unrelated. Different trees and plants pollinate at different times of the season; maybe it coincided with your bringing home the dog. It's worth checking out.
Remember, a dog is a commitment, not a piece of furniture. Don't buy one on a whim, don't get rid of one on a whim. However, if it gets to the point where you absolutely cannot live with her, contact bichon rescue (friends of mine recently adopted a bichon through rescue, and you could not find a more loving home).
I doubt it will come to that, but it pays to be aware of all your options. Good luck to you!
Well, my friend has gotton a bichon and she has major allegies. She was'nt allergic to him, but she had a little cold every day. I think you should check with your doctor about this becausedoctors know the truth. They will tell you if you should give her away or not. I hope I helped!
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