Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Allergy - Dog Breeds Shedding

When it comes to owning man's best friend, there are some dog breeds where shedding becomes a major problem. Not only is the ghastly sight of clumped dog hair on the couch or the collection of dusty fur underneath the refrigerator a complete household turnoff, but also for allergy sufferers, the consequences can pose a major health risk.

Shedding is a natural process that dogs undergo, as they lose the excess hair their body once needed to stay warm during the Winter. As warmer months prevail, the extra hair is no longer needed and begins to fall out as the climate and seasons change. For the most part, dogs with very short hair do not present as much of a problem as with other dog breeds; shedding is certainly expected with dogs, such as the Afghan Hound, which is notorious for leaving behind their hair.

Some pet owners try to catch the unwanted hair before it makes its way to the floor, carpet, or furniture by brushing their dog at the first signs of shredding. Proper and frequent grooming is a great way to reduce the amount of shedding that dog breeds may deliver. For the individuals who don't want to deal with the hassle, they simply plan ahead and select dog breeds where shedding is not a major possibility.

There is no denying the fact that when it comes to certain dog breeds, shedding is a definite characteristic. Below you will find a list of eleven dogs that pose the least amount of shedding and grooming concerns:

  • Airedale Terrier: Although this specific terrier breed is rather large, the Airedale possesses a rough coat that rarely sheds. This type of dog works well with children and displays a curious nature with loyal and trainable characteristics. An Airedale commonly reaches a height of 22 to 24 inches and a weight between 50 and 65 pounds.

  • Cockapoo: With a face resembling a Poodle, the Cockapoo is a mixture between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. The dog showcases a short, curly coat that doesn't shed much. To combat the threat of shedding, aggressive grooming is suggested. With a friendly, loyal, and playful disposition, this dog breed is good with children and other dogs.

  • Italian Greyhound: As a miniature version of the Greyhound, this dog highlights a compact size with a gentle and obedient disposition. While this dog breed is easy to train, they also tend to get into trouble. With a short and sleek coat, shedding is not a problem with the dog breed.

  • Poodle: There are three different sizes that a Poodle is categorized. With all Poodle dog breeds, shedding is not a problem because their coats are short and curly. A high amount of grooming is needed for this type of dog, which also gets along well with children.

  • Standard Schnauzer: The coarse, wiry outer coat of this dog breed does not produce a heavy amount of shedding. With a handsome, powerful appearance, this dog may come as a salt-and-pepper or pure black companion. Common characteristics of the Schnauzer include a blunt muzzle, bushy eyebrows, and thick moustache.

  • Shih Tzu: The exotic appearance of this dog breed not only offers less of a shedding problem, but also delivers one of the sturdiest of toy dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is rather small, as the average size for the breed is about 8 to 10? inches in shoulder height and around 9 to 16 pounds in weight.

  • Basenji: Besides not shedding a great amount of hair, the Basenji (also known as the Congo Dog) possesses quite an unusual trait. With elegance and an athletic build, the dog trots like a horse and harbors hygiene habits similar to a cat. Instead of a bark, the dog lets out an odd sound resembling a yodel or howl.

  • Yorkshire Terrier: For a rugged dog delivering a portable package, Yorkies belong to the toy dog breed, where they reach heights of about 7 to 9 inches and weighs around 5 to 7 pounds. Some of the characteristics associated with the breed include small, v-shaped pointy ears.

  • Bichon Frise: As you consider an array of dog breeds, shedding is not a major problem with the Bichon Frise despite its white powder-puff appearance. With a cheerful disposition and high capacity for intelligence, this type of dog is a member of the non-sporting dog group with the American Kennel Club.

  • Chinese Crested: Out of all the toy dog breeds, the Chinese Crested is one of the liveliest and charming pets an owner could ask for (not to mention the lack of hair they possess). Chinese Cresteds only possess hair on their heads, about their feet, and on their plumed tails.

  • Miniature Dachshund: These little dogs are full of love and character and make a great family pet, although our little dog was very protective of our property and would tend to snap at people near the door if they put their hands out to love her; in all other times she was totally soft and adorable. Very little problem with shedding except that if my wife walked around with bare feet, it was not uncommon for one of the fine little hairs to actually work its way right into the skin (Lol). Some useful dog grooming tips can be found if you look at dogs questions. Our little dog in the picture decided she was better at doing jigsaws than we were!

Scott Whiskeye loves all dogs, particularly small dogs and even more particularly Miniature Dachshunds, one of which he and his wife used to own for nearly 17 wonderful years. Never was so much love given from such a small little dog, and back from them both; her memory will stay with them forever. They have many amusing and treasured photographs of her. Some very useful information about Dogs Questions can be seen at dogs questions.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Whiskeye

Allergy - Peanut Allergy - Prevention is the Cure?

It seems only a careful inspection of every meal and every purchased food item (and some non-food items) is the cure for a food allergy.

Careful avoidance of any trace of nut in your foods is paramount. With 50-100 American deaths caused by a peanut allergic reaction every year, an allergy to peanuts is not something anyone can afford to take lightly.

However, there may still be hope for those who suffer severe reactions to peanuts.

U.S. researchers may have created a drug that could help prevent severe allergic reactions to peanuts. A study, presented at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology conference in 2003, claims to have created a drug that stops severe reactions to peanuts by trapping the molecule that causes the bodies allergic reaction to nuts.

However, such research, even now, is still very much in its developmental stage.

So if you are new to peanut allergies, or you have a family member or a close friend suffering from an allergy to peanuts, here is a general list of items that are likely to have peanuts or traces of peanut in them:

Strict Avoidance Items include -

Peanuts, peanut by-products (such as peanut butter, peanut brittle and so on), chocolate bars (possible cross contamination), health/energy bars, cakes and cookies

Double Check The Label Items include -

Pastries (if you can't confirm what they have been made with), sauces (praline sauce, pesto sauce, worcestershire sauce), marzipan, gravy and cereals

Keep An Eye Out Items include -

Shampoos, soaps and hand creams

Its been said before, but it always pays to be reminded again, that you must always read the label but don't rely on it. Even be prepared to go as far as calling the food manufacturer of the product, simply to make sure.

Having a peanut allergy can at times prove to be frustrating. But it need not stop you from doing what you want to do. It simply requires you to be a bit more careful about your food choices. So remember, until the cure arrives, prevention IS the cure...

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