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The Bichon Frise and
Human Allergies
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’s 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’s 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.
That article can be found at: http://bichonhealth.org/HealthInfo/BeforeBuyPuppy.asp.
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