Dachshunds are adorable little dogs with unique body shapes. Also known as the “Weiner Dog” or “Hot Dog,” these little guys have a friendly yet spunky attitude and are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are eager to please their humans, easy to train, and love to play.
With all of these fantastic characteristics and traits, have you ever wondered if Dachshunds are hypoallergenic? Are you an allergy sufferer and have considered adding a Dachshund to your family but wasn’t sure if the breed is suitable for you? While there are no true hypoallergenic dogs, the Dachshund is truly not a hypoallergenic dog.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean in Regards to Dogs?
Some people suffer from allergies, and that could mean having a pet is out of the question unless you can find a hypoallergenic breed. To be clear, there are no 100% true hypoallergenic dog breeds, but that doesn’t mean you should give up hope!
When a dog is considered “hypoallergenic,” that means the breed does not shed much, and their coats do not release much dander, which is an allergy trigger. Dander comes from dead skin cells, and it can stick to furniture, fabric, bedding, and other items in the household. The Dachshund often sheds, making them a non-contender for being a hypoallergenic dog.
If you’re an allergy sufferer and are around a dog you’re allergic to, some common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, chest tightness, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Some people may even develop skin rashes.
How Can I Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
If you’re dead-set on getting a Dachshund, or perhaps you’ve already added one to your family and you are already attached to it, practicing specific measures can reduce your allergy symptoms so that you can still live with your Dachshund. Let’s take a look.
1. Limit Access for Your Dog
While Dachshunds are small dogs and will probably want to sleep with you, it’s best to avoid letting your dog be in your bedroom or any other room where you spend a good amount of time. Remember that dander clings to bedding and fabric, which can wreak havoc on your allergies.
2. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum as often as you can, and if you have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, even better. If you have hard floors, try to mop at least once a week, if not more.
3. Use Air Purifiers
Placing air purifiers with HEPA filters throughout your home can be beneficial. The HEPA filters trap dander, getting it out of the air and your nose and off your skin.
4. Bathe Your Dog
Giving your Dachshund a bath once a week will keep shedding down to a minimum, which means keeping the dander down to a minimum as well.
5. Wash Your Dachshund’s Bedding
Try to wash the bedding at least once a week to keep the dander down. When looking for dog beds, ensure it is one that you can wash easily to make the job simpler. Many dog beds have removable covers, which makes the task super duper easy.
6. Immunotherapy
Getting allergy shots can greatly reduce allergy symptoms because it helps your immune system adapt to allergens. Allergy shots are not a cure, but they do help some allergy sufferers with their symptoms so that they can still live with their beloved doggie, even though their beloved doggie triggers allergies.
What Dog Breeds Are Considered Hypoallergenic?
Now that we’ve learned that Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic, certain dog breeds are classified as such due to their minimal shedding. Afghan Hounds, Bichon Frise, Schnauzers, Maltese, and Poodles are among the breeds that may be suitable for allergy sufferers. We recommend researching the breed you’re considering before adding to your family to ensure your allergy symptoms will be kept to a minimum and, better yet, avoid any heartbreak of having to rehome the dog.
In Conclusion
Having pet allergies can be a real downer, but the measures mentioned above should help keep them somewhat tolerable so that you can have a dog. Sadly, Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic, but if you’re willing to take the measures we’ve suggested, you still may be able to live with a Dachshund without too much suffering. However, if you want a dog, it may be best to find one that doesn’t shed as much.
Featured Image Credit: James Player, Shutterstock
