With as many as three out of 10 Americans suffering from cat and dog allergies, it can be tricky to find the right dog breed. You need a hypoallergenic breed, which means a breed that sheds much less than other dogs. For example, American Eskimos are not hypoallergenic. In fact, their double coat and heavy shedding make them among the worst breeds for allergy sufferers.
It’s important to note that no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, but some are far less likely to trigger allergies than others. What determines if a dog will trigger allergies is how much dander clings to the dog’s fur.
Poodles are commonly thought to be hypoallergenic, yet they shed just as much as an American Eskimo dog. The difference is that a poodle’s shed hair will get tangled up in the rest of their coat, making it seem as though they don’t shed.
What Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?
Hypoallergenic dog breeds come in a few types: dogs that don’t shed and produce less dander, dogs that don’t have fur at all, and dogs with short, single-layered coats. The thing they each have in common is less dander, which is what triggers allergic reactions in humans. Let’s check out what dog breeds are hypoallergenic, or as close as you can get. These include:
- American Hairless Terriers
- Afghan Hounds
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Giant Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Maltese
- Spanish Water Dog
- Xoloitzcuintli
Some hypoallergenic dogs require special grooming or skincare, particularly those with short or no fur. For instance, hairless breeds like the Xolo require sunscreen when they’re out in the Sun. Other breeds, like the Bichon Frise and Maltese, require more regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles in their coats.
How to Reduce Dog Allergies
Even so-called hypoallergenic dogs can trigger allergies, particularly if the allergies are sensitive enough. In cases of severe allergies, it may not always be feasible to house a pet. For mild pet allergies, though, there are some ways you can reduce symptoms. Let’s check out a few.
- Don’t allow your dog in the bedroom. You spend at least a third of your life in your bedroom, so it’s best to make it an allergen-free zone.
- Regularly bathe your dog and wash your hands, especially after petting or handling your dog.
- Use an allergen-capturing air filter, which captures most of the dander that may be floating around.
- Consider other allergens present. For instance, mold, cigarette smoke, and pollen are some of the top allergens. Adding a dog to the mix may not be the best idea.
- See a doctor for treatment options. In a lot of cases, mild antihistamines can be enough to control mild pet allergies.
- Regularly clean your house. Pet dander clings to just about everything, whether you see it or not. Regular vacuuming and wiping down surfaces can help reduce allergies.
Final Thoughts
American Eskimo dogs aren’t hypoallergenic, although there are plenty of dog breeds that are considered hypoallergenic. Choosing the right dog for your environment and taking other measures to reduce allergies are crucial to sharing a home with pets.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
