If you notice that whenever you’re around dogs your nose starts to run, you start sneezing, or you maybe start to wheeze? It’s very possible you’re allergic to dogs. Dog allergies are very common, especially in people who have other allergies or asthma. For dog lovers, this can be an absolute nightmare.
Those who are allergic to dogs have an over-sensitive immune system that causes their body to react to allergens, which are the harmless proteins in the dog’s urine, saliva or dander (dead skin cells). Pet allergens that cling to your pet’s shedding fur, can cling to just about anything, including furniture, walls, clothing, other surfaces, and even in the air, which explains why a person with pet allergies can have an allergic reaction just by walking into a home where a pet resides.
Instead of suffering through the allergies or not getting a dog, a lot of people get a hypoallergenic dog breed. Even though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there’s a large variety of hypoallergenic breeds and crossbreeds that have non-shedding coats, which produce less dander (one of the allergy-causing agents). Because these dogs don’t shed as much, the dander that sticks to their fur doesn’t get released into the air and floor as much as a shedding dog.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
- Afghan Hound
- American Hairless Terrier
- Barbet
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Giant/Standard/Miniature Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Standard/Toy Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Russian Tsvetnaya
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Labradoodle/Goldendoodle
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland Terrier (Westie)
How can I reduce the amount of dander in my home?
There are many ways to keep the pet allergens and dander at bay to avoid allergic reactions. Keeping the house clean of pet hair is important, but taking care of the source of the problem is best. Use brushes to get any excess hair off your dog and shampoos and supplements to reduce shedding and promote a healthy and shiny coat.
