Shiba Inus are a breed of hunting dog that hails from Japan. They’re small, agile, and independent by nature. With proper socialization and patience, however, dogs of this breed can make great family pets.
That said, Shiba Inus might not be right for everyone. If you have dog allergies, you might want to reconsider as this breed is not considered hypoallergenic. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know as a Shiba Inu enthusiast and allergy sufferer.
Can I Get a Shiba Inu If I Have Allergies?
You can certainly adopt a Shiba Inu if you have allergies, but they are not the best breed to opt for if you’re an allergy sufferer. Before signing any adoption papers, you need to ask yourself how serious your allergies are and how much work you’re willing to put in every day to reduce the allergens in your home.
Shiba Inus, like every other dog, produce dander. Dander is the microscopic flakes of dead skin that dogs and cats shed. When allergy sufferers breathe in this dander, their immune systems react, and an allergic reaction may begin.
This breed is notorious for shedding. They will shed throughout the entire year, but any potential Shiba Inu parents should know that they blow their coat twice a year. The keyword here is blow.
Dogs with a double coat, like Shina Inus, will blow their coat to prepare for the upcoming season. Instead of just shedding a couple of hairs, double-coated pooches will instead lose huge clumps of their undercoat. This means that your home is going to be covered in hair. And while it is most likely not the fur that causes your allergies to flare up, their hair will contain dander, and it will be everywhere.
How Can I Live Harmoniously with a Shiba Inu?
If you have your heart set on adopting a Shiba Inu despite your allergies, there are some things you should expect to do regularly to keep yourself sane.
Grooming
Your Shiba Inu will need to be groomed regularly to control shedding. This is especially true when they are blowing their coats. You can DIY this at home if you have the know-how and tools, but we recommend taking them to a professional. If you groom at home, you’ll be spreading dander into the air, which is something you’ll want to avoid. A groomer will also have much more powerful hair dryers that’ll take care of all the loose hair.
Cleaning
You will need to vacuum your house regularly, preferably every day. This is especially true when your dog is blowing his coat. You’ll not only need to vacuum your floors, but other furniture like sofas, chairs, and your bed.
You might also consider removing the rugs and carpets from your home entirely. It’s very easy for the allergy-causing dander to get stuck in the fibers of your carpet.
Buy an Air Purifier
A HEPA-grade air purifier can remove some of the pet dander that’s circulating in the air of your home. These can be costly, but they’re a great investment for allergy sufferers. Not only can a high-quality air purifier remove pet dander from the air, but it can also make quick work of other allergens like pollen and dust.
Provide a Proper Diet
A Shiba Inu needs a proper diet to not only stay healthy but to boost their coat health, too. An improper or unhealthy diet can cause its fur to become dull and shed more often. Their skin can also be affected by poor-quality food, which can result in dryness, irritation, scratching, and more dander being in the air.
What Dog Can I Get If I Have Allergies?
You already know that Shiba Inus are not considered hypoallergenic. It might be some consolation to also know that no dog breed is technically considered allergen-free. Every dog—regardless of coat texture or length—produces dander, and it is this dander that is most often the culprit for causing allergic reactions.
Some dog breeds produce less dander, however. If your allergies are quite severe, you might consider adopting one of the following breeds instead:
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Schnauzer
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Labradoodle
- Xoloitzcuintli
Conclusion
Shiba Inus are a beautiful breed that can make a great family dog with proper socialization. They’re not the best pick for people with severe dog allergies, however. If you have your heart set on adopting one of these pups, you must be willing to put in some extra effort to prevent your allergies from taking over your life.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
