Labradoodle Dogs - Shedding and Allergies?

Contrary to popular opinion, people do not have allergies to dog's hair. People are actually allergic to a protein that is shed from the surface of the dog's skin. When a dog begin shedding, it spreads the protein into the air witch in turn causes an allergic reaction to dogs for some people. So if you are looking for a dog that has low or non-shedding, you should really consider the Labradoodle for your perfect home pet. (If you have Saliva Allergies you will react to any dog.) Labradoodles are becoming increasingly popular because they are the best dog for someone that has allergies but has always wanted the opportunity to own a dog. Labradoodles are very dependable, lovable, playful, intelligent, and allergy-friendly pets.

The breeding of Labradoodles began in Australia sometime in 1988 or 1989. It all started with a woman in Hawaii that was visually impaired. She needed a guide dog, but her husband had severe allergies to dogs. Upon her request, she began her search for an allergy free, non shedding dog. Over a two year period she was sent roughly thirty Poodle hairs and saliva samples to test for allergy friendliness on her husband. Unfortunately, none of these samples proved successful. Upon these unfortunate failures, a man named Wally Conren suggested the Australian Guide Dog Association to cross breed a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Finally, approval was granted to cross breed these two quality dog breeds. In the first litter there were only three puppies, and Wally gave them the name we all use today as Labradoodle. The hair and saliva samples were sent to Hawaii to also be tested. These test proved remarkably successful. Afterward, Mr. Conren, bred a Labradoodle to another Labradoodle, and called them Double Doodles. But Mr. Conren did not stop there. He crossed the Double Doodles and then called those puppies Tri Doodles. The Tri Doodles finally because what we call today a Multi-Generational or Multi-Gen Labradoodle.

Labradoodles have a very unique coat which in turn typically havcauses them to have little not body odor. They are not your typical dog. They rarely require bathing. I give my Labradoodles a bath about once a week and that is not because they stink. That is normally because that have went out and rolled in the mud. That is the only way that my 3 babies have ever really needed a bath. You also rarely have an attraction for fleas. I have but once seen a flea on any of my Labradoodles. Not having an odor or attracting fleas is a great type of dog for any potential dog owner. Labradoodles are an ideal pet for asthma or allergy sufferers. My husband, Justin, has asthma and he has never once had a problem with the dogs being in the house 24/7. Because Labradoodles have a more wool or mostly fleece coat, they rarely shed. Even though they rarely shed its still good to get them groomed at least twice a year

World Asthma Day- May 5, 2009; remodeling can reduce allergens and improve the air quality in the home.

Over 22 million Americans suffer from asthma and 1 out of 5 Americans are suffering from allergies each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). World Asthma Day, observed May 5, 2009, promotes awareness and highlights a significant health issue facing many American families.

Most common cause or triggers of allergens are in the home, which includes dust mites, pet danger, mold, pests, and rodents. Outdoor allergens, such as pollen, enter the home through cracks in walls or window screens. Because most people spend over 90% of their time inside, maintaining a healthy home by reducing allergens is the best way to control asthma and reduce the allergen triggers

According to Debra Nolan, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral, as homes become more energy efficient and airtight, "humidity levels tend to increase, causing mold and mildew." In conjunction with World Asthma Day, Westmoreland Contractor Referral is offering consumers a free Healthy Home Guide, found at www.westmorelandcrs.com, which provides tips on reducing allergens in the home. These simple inexpensive tips can make a big difference in the home environment.

Homeowners can do a simple home diagnostic evaluation to identify and formulate a home improvement / remodeling plan to reduce the impact of allergens in the home. The home evaluation can be divided into three categories: Air Filtration, Dust Control, and Moisture Prevention.

The best way to improve the Indoor Air Quality in the home is to clean your home's air with a central air filter. The two primary options for effective air filtration is a portable room filter system or a central air filter that works in conjunction with your furnace. If you're planning to build a home or upgrading you're heating and cooling system, that is the perfect time to improve the indoor air quality. A good ventilation system will minimize the outdoor pollens from entering the home, while an upgrade will also improve your heating and cooling energy efficiency. Choose a good central HVAC system with a replaceable HEPA filter and make sure the air ducts throughout the house are unobstructed and large enough to circulate air throughout the house. Keep the HVAC system well maintained and replace the filters frequently will increase the overall efficiency.

A common household allergen associated with allergies and asthma is dust mites. These tiny house invaders are attracted to moisture and warmth and they thrive in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. A few simple solutions to reduce exposure to these allergens are to use special mite-proof bedding, including pillows and mattresses. Another solution is to remove all carpeting and install hard surface flooring, such as wood, tile, vinyl or linoleum. In addition keep fresh caulk around windows, doors, chimneys, roofing, and tubs and showers.

Moisture in the home is the major factor in mold growth; other factors are heat and time. Mold is a problem that many people experience and if not taken care of, it can become a real problem, especially for allergy sufferers. Mold loves any place where there is moisture such as the bathroom, basement, around the refrigerator, and so on. To eliminate the problem, the mold has to be removed and then treated so it does not grow back. The key however is finding the cause of the mold and then eliminating the root cause. Prevention is the real key, which can be done by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. Make sure your home also has good ventilation. As an example, your bathroom fans and range hoods should vent to the outside of the home. Other things homeowners can do to eliminate the cause of mold is increase the amount of insulation in the attic and walls.

Natural Cure for Eczema- Treating Eczema with Home Remedies

czema is a condition that is not only unattractive it also makes its victims very itchy and uncomfortable. It is basically a very sever rash that occurs when something triggers it such as an allergy or being too hot. Mostly eczema is found in children and dissipates as the child grows up but some adults do still have the condition. For those people that don't want to continue paying for lotions and ointments, there are homemade natural cures for eczema right for them. Our grandmothers have had kitchen recipes over the centuries that worked at healing the redness, inflammation, peeling and scaling of dermatitis rashes.

Ointments and lotions can actually be very soothing which is important for people suffering from eczema; however most lotions and ointments sold on the market have chemicals that a person might not want to use on their child or themselves. A person who wants a more natural approach can actually make their own lotions. A simple base cream, which can be found in stores, can be mixed with citrus oils to provide relief to the skin. Olive oil can also be used with citrus oils as a way of getting it into the skin. Moisturizing is critical for eczema skin and it is an important element in any approach to clear eczema rashes.

Another way to moisturize the skin is by using coconut oil. Vitamin E can also applied to the skin during the day and it is available in cream forms in natural food stores.Be sure when you read the ingredients for moisturizers that they don't contain lanolin or alcohol in case you may be allergic to those ingredients. The eczema skin benefits best when moisturizing is done right after a shower or bath. Remember to not bathe or shower in very hot water due to it's drying factor. Also treat the skin gently and do not use anything abrasive on it such as harsh loofah sponges or wash cloths.

Since eczema is triggered by external factors, one of the best ways to treat it is to avoid what those external factors are. An allergist can usually administer tests that will determine what allergies might cause the inflammation. When the problem isn't allergies a person usually has a good idea about what it is that agitates their skin. Changing one's diet can also help since having more fruits and vegetables in the body keep it more alkalinic and healthy. A great natural cure for eczema after the rash has started is to take an oatmeal bath to soothe and heal the rash. There are many other natural remedies that can be found in local health food stores as well as vitamin centers. Keep a list of what you eat to see what triggers may cause the eczema redness.