A dog is man’s greatest friend, but sadly, some people can’t enjoy their company as much as others due to their allergies. A Golden Retriever is one of America’s top 10 most popular dogs, so it’s no wonder people frequently ask whether this breed is hypoallergenic. Although gentle, friendly, and intelligent, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs.
You may have guessed the answer because of the Golden Retriever’s long coat, but the reasoning behind why these dogs aren’t considered hypoallergenic goes deeper than the popular belief that people would be allergic to these dogs because of their long hair.
Why Are Golden Retrievers Not Considered Hypoallergenic?
It’s not actually the Golden Retriever’s hair that sufferers are allergic to; it’s the protein found in their skin, urine, and saliva, and they’re not the only breed with this protein—it’s found in all dogs. Due to this protein, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, some dogs have shorter coats and shed less, meaning that they release a lower amount of allergens which some sufferers may not be as affected by.
Sufferers tend not to do well with Golden Retrievers because they shed a lot of hair. Dander, which are skin flakes containing the protein sufferers are allergic to, are found on the strands of a dog’s hair. When a dog sheds, these proteins are spread around the house, which will result in an allergic reaction.
Sufferers have allergic reactions to dander because their bodies mistake the protein found on it as a threat, even though it’s harmless. The immune system then attacks the “invader,” and the sufferer experiences an allergic attack.
Unfortunately, regardless of the type of dog you get, allergy sufferers will likely experience symptoms. Before getting a dog, chat to your doctor about the severity of your allergies and discuss any treatment you may need to manage the effects of it.
Thankfully, there are ways to manage the number of allergens around your home, even if you already own a Golden Retriever or desperately want to.
Owning a Golden Retriever as an Allergy Sufferer
There are several ways to reduce the level of allergens in your home and make your environment liveable while owning a Golden Retriever.
Frequent Brushing
Brushing your dog’s coat often will reduce shedding around your house and on your furniture. However, this simple act can be a sufferer’s nightmare, so reach out and ask a family member or friend for help. Otherwise, take your dog to a groomer who can brush and wash your dog for you.
Frequent Baths
Washing your dog twice a week with shampoo for sensitive skin is one of the best ways to reduce your dog’s allergen level. Avoid washing them more than this, as frequent bathing can dry out their skin.
Establish Boundaries
Training your dog not to enter your bedroom, lay on your bed, or sit on your favorite chair are ways to avoid allergens from spreading to the spots you spend the most time in.
When potty training your pup, make sure to keep the training pads in a room you use the least, as urine contains the protein your body tries to attack.
Vacuum Often
Allergy sufferers should always try to find homes that have tiled or wooded floors because they’re easy to clean and don’t trap dirt, dust, and dog hair like carpeted floors do. Of course, finding a home without carpets isn’t always possible. You’ll need to vacuum the carpets frequently to reduce the allergens hidden within them.
Try to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter as they’re designed to suck the allergens in. However, a regular vacuum cleaner will do a good job too. Avoid sweeping as this will cause the allergens to fly up into the air and get into your nose and mouth.
Use Air Purifiers
Adding several air purifiers with HEPA filters around your home will reduce airborne allergens. Placing one where you sleep and in the rooms you spend most of your time will help bring you or your loved one allergy relief.
Avoid Their Saliva
Honestly, this is a hard one. Dogs lick their owners for several different reasons, including to show affection. It can be hard to bring yourself to move their faces away from your legs or hands to avoid their kisses. If it does happen, be sure to wash with soap and water.
Final Thoughts
Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic, but this doesn’t mean that allergy sufferers cannot keep them as pets. However, steps will need to be taken to reduce the number of allergens in their house. Frequently grooming and bathing your dog are a few of the ways of reducing allergens in your home.
Featured Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock
