What Are The Best Dogs For People With Allergies

Certain Breeds May Offer Relief

Many pet lovers are allergic to dog dander, dog saliva, and/or dog urine, and can therefore find it challenging to live with a four-legged companion. The protein in the saliva and urine sticks to the dried dander of a petâs skin which is then released into the air, triggering allergy symptoms in people.

While thereâs no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, according to Dr. James Li at the Mayo Clinic, certain breeds that donât shed fur or shed very little offer hope to those who want to bring home a pet. Less shedding means less allergy-causing dander inside a home and, hopefully, fewer allergy symptoms for pet owners.

This list of 20 dog breeds for allergy sufferers highlights those known to have less dander and shed less. This doesnât mean that another breed isnât right for you, and itâs worth considering that there are hybrid dog breeds that may also work for those with allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dogs: The Best Dog Breeds For People With Allergies

Do you suffer from dog allergies? If so, you know that it can be difficult to find a pet that wont aggravate your condition.

Many people with allergies choose to avoid dogs altogether, but this doesnt have to be the case!

There are many hypoallergenic dog breeds that are perfect for people with allergies.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for people with allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dogs That Dont Shed

When it comes to allergies, dogs that dont shed or shed less tend to trigger fewer allergic reactions. And low-shedding dog breeds come in all sizes, colors and temperaments, from petite Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers to Afghan Hounds and Irish Water Spaniels.

Here are the 19 best dogs for allergies:

You May Like: Do You Have Any Allergies

Worst: A German Shepherds Dry Skin Causes Excessive Pet Dander

Bathe and groom your dog regularly to minimize its danders effect on your allergy. But dont overdo it. Not washing your dog enough can lead to excess pet dander, but so can washing him too much. If your dog develops dry skin from too many baths, its apt to begin scratching, leaving dead skin cells lingering in the air. Some breeds, such as German shepherds, are more likely to develop dry skin than others.

Top 8 Dog Breeds For Allergy Sufferers

• 30 Aug 2019

A dog is a man and woman’s best friend, so just because you are allergic to some breeds, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on having a furry companion.

Those with pet allergies are sensitive to a protein called Can F1, which many people believe is caused by fur, but the real source is in the saliva and urine of dogs and cats. This protein sticks to the dead, dried flakes, which are known as dander, from your pet’s skin and they cause an allergic reaction to some people when they fall off.

Pet allergies can raise their ugly heads in many ways, including swollen nose and eyes itchy eyes, nose, skin and throat a rash on the face, neck or chest and coughing and shortness of breath.

While there is no such thing a completely hypoallergenic dog, some are marketed as such because they shed little to no fur, so allergy-causing dander doesn’t get released into the air or the home.

Before committing to any pet, a responsible breeder or shelter should allow you to return the dog if they set off allergies. Many shelters will let you spend one-on-one time before going through with the adoption of a four-legged friend.

Here are some of the most popular hypoallergenic dogs that you may want to consider if you have pet allergies but still can’t resist a pet pooch:

West Highland Terrier

1. West Highland Terrier

They don’t grow taller than 30 cm, making them also the perfect indoor dog.

Bichon Frise

2. Bichon Frise

Standard poodle and a toy poodle

3. Poodle

Shih Tzu

Cavoodle

Read Also: Are Allergies And Autoimmune Disorder

Are There Really Hypoallergenic Dogs

There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. All dog breeds produce saliva and dander which can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

However, there are some breeds of dogs that are classified as hypoallergenic because they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

This is because they shed less dog hair and therefore less dander. Typically only people with very severe allergies will react to these breeds.

If you are considering getting a dog and you suffer from allergies, it is important to do your research first.

Talk to other allergy sufferers who have owned dogs that dont shed and see if they have had any success.

It is also important to visit with the dog before you make your final decision.

Spending time around the dog will help you to see if you experience an allergic reaction.

How To Minimize Allergic Reactions To Your Dog

If your dog triggers your allergies, don’t panic. There are several things you can do that don’t involve rehoming your pet.

• Don’t let your dog sleep in your bed. Ideally, make your entire bedroom off-limits to your pooch.

• If possible, limit the number of rugs and carpet that you have in your house. These items are allergen traps, and while vacuuming them is necessary, it can stir up allergens into the air. Therefore, wear a mask when you vacuum.

• To help limit airborne allergens, run an air cleaner for at least four hours each day.

• Use filters specially designed for allergy sufferers in your A/C, vacuums, air purifiers, and similar items.

• Brush your dog outside, or better yet, have someone else do the brushing.

• Before your dog comes in from outside, give him a quick wipe down with a pet wipe or even a baby wipe.

• After spending a lot of time with your pup, change your clothes as soon as possible. Plus, wash your hair often since allergens can hang out in your hair just like it does in your dog’s

• Likewise, make sure to frequently wash your dogs belongings, including his bed, dog bowls, toys, etc.

If despite all of these efforts, you still have a lot of trouble with dog allergies, then you might need to talk to your doctor about special medications or allergy treatments.

For more helpful tips and resources about taking care of your pets, check out the rest of our blog! We have the information you need to be a well-informed, happy pet parent!

Recommended Reading: Will Allergy Medicine Help A Sore Throat

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: Is There Such A Thing

Ahh choo!! Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noseit must be allergy season. Or is it? Did you know that your inhalant allergies can last all year if you are allergic to your dog? According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, approximately 10% of people are allergic to mans best friend.

Pesky allergies can interfere with the fun of owning a dog. How can you enjoy walking your dog if you cant see the path through teary eyes? How can you play a game of fetch if you are fetching a tissue every 60 seconds? Although there is no magic wand to make your allergies disappear, there are a few tricks that may minimize your problems.

A Dog Is More Than Just A Pet

For most dog owners, a pup is more than just an animal who requires time and energy. A dog is a member of the family who brings happiness and unconditional love. Though finding and keeping the best breeds of dogs for your allergy will take extra effort, the prep work is worth it. Taking extra steps to minimize exposure to dander and other allergens allows people with allergies the chance to enjoy the unparalleled companionship of mans best friend.

You May Like: How To Know If You Have The Flu Or Allergies

Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Completely Allergen

The short answer is no. Its important to remember that there are no completely allergen-free dogs. Mans best friend comes in all sizes and coats, but for people with allergies, the best bet for checking whether a pet will cause allergies is to spend some time with the dog.

If a dog is labeled hypoallergenic, it simply means that that breed is relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, which makes dogs that dont shed as much the best bet for living nearly symptom-free.

While some of these non-allergy dogs have heavy coats, like the Puli, their coats are only single-layered, which means that there is no undercoat to shed, leaving less dander attaching to furniture and floating around in your home.

Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Even A Real Thing

Many people seem to think so. But the American Kennel Club says that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. But dont get bummed out if youre a dog lover with pet allergies. There are actually dog breeds that are less allergenic. These breeds are considered as such because they have more predictable, non-shedding coats that produce less dander. And less dander could mean that you wont be a sniffling, sneezing, runny eyed mess on a regular basis.

However, hypoallergenic dogs can still cause problems for allergy sufferers because, according to Dr. Hong, theres still a chance that your allergies could be triggered.

Many people believe that exposure to other dogs will trigger their allergy symptoms, while exposure to a hypoallergenic dog will not. However, objective scientific studies dont support the idea that any dogs are hypoallergenic, says Dr. Hong.

Dr. Hong adds that a 2012 study measured dog allergens concentrations in samples taken from the hair and coats of so-called hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs, and from their respective owners homes.

The study found that the allergen levels were actually higher in hair and coat samples from the dogs that were supposedly hypoallergenic. And the home allergen concentrations for both sets of dog owners were about the same for each group.

So, in a nutshell, there is no clear scientific evidence to support a hypoallergenic species of dog.

Read Also: Does Claritin Help With Mold Allergies

How To Minimize An Allergic Response To Your Dog

If you have a dog you are allergic to, or want to get a dog and worry about allergies, there are ways to alleviate the contact you have with pet hair and dander!

First, make sure your bedroom stays a pet-free zone. Keep the door closed, clean your bedding regularly, and vacuum thoroughly to eliminate floating dog hair in your sleeping space.

Keep the animals off the furniture. Dog hair and dander can be hard to get off upholstery. It embeds itself in tiny spaces inside the fabric. Any time you sit down on your sofa, for instance, allergens will be hovering in your face, getting into your eyes and nose.

Vacuuming the furniture very well and using upholstery cleaners specifically for allergy sufferers can help make sure dander and dog hair do not linger.

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. It is a super fine mesh filter that captures tiny particles of allergens before they are released into the air around you.

Make sure to install HEPA filters on your furnace. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. There are even room-sized machines that can eliminate floating allergens around you.

Wash your dogs toys and bedding in hot water weekly. Try using an enzyme-based cleaner that removes allergens. Also try setting your machine to run an extra rinse cycle.

Limit your contact with your dog. This is easier said than done, of course, but cuddles and hugs and rough housing can all cause a flare up in your allergies.

Medications that may help eliminate the reaction include:

Worst: Saint Bernards And Bulldogs Are Known For Excessive Saliva

If youre allergic to dog saliva, steer clear of slobbery breeds of dogs like bulldogs and Saint Bernards. Both are known for excessive drooling. Regardless of the type of dog, it is best to refrain from letting the dog lick you if youre allergic. Also, soak slobbered-on chew toys in hot, soapy water at least once a week.

Read Also: How To Bring Down Eye Swelling From Allergy

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean Can Dogs Be Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergic.

Science has not confirmed the theory that some dogs are hypoallergenic, only that some animals appear to present less of a problem to some allergy sufferers.

Any given person can be allergic to one breed of dog but not another for no apparent reason.

You may think it is just the dog hair making your eyes swell up and your nose run. In fact, humans react negatively to the proteins in the dogs hair, dander, saliva, and urine. When your dog grooms himself, these proteins are scattered around your living space, causing your immune system to go into overdrive.

You may also be allergic to pollen and dust held in your dogs shaggy coat! Many people have suspected they are allergic to their fuzzy dog when in fact they are allergic to the dust mites clinging to their fur!

A dog can be hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means less likely to cause an allergic response.

There are some dog breeds specifically labeled hypoallergenic. It comes down to how compatible you and your dog are and how severe your allergies are.

How To Alleviate Dog Allergies At Home

There are some steps that you can take to make life with a dog much easier. Here are some suggestions from Dr. Hong.

• Keep your dog out of your bedroom. This will help you breathe easier while youre resting or getting dressed. You can even use a HEPA air cleaner in your bedroom as an extra precaution.

• If you have carpet and arent in a position to remove it, steam clean it frequently. If you have hardwood floors and use throw rugs, wash them in hot water regularly. Use a damp cloth on hard floors to pick up pet allergens.

• If youve been around your dog or other dogs for an extended period of time, change your clothes right after to reduce the occurrence of an allergic reaction.

• Cover bedroom vents with a dense filtering material like cheesecloth since air conditioning and heating can spread dander and other allergens throughout your home.

• Use a HEPA filter for central heating and air conditioning units to contain pet allergens that might be floating around.

• If you havent discussed your allergies in-depth with your healthcare provider, talk to them about treatment options like medicine or immunotherapy.

• Bathe your dog regularly. Its possible to be allergic to the pollen on your dogs coat when they go outdoors.

Recommended Reading: Is It A Summer Cold Or Allergies

What Makes A Dog Less Allergenic

Hypoallergenic dogs usually have a low- or non-shedding coat, which produces less dander. Because these dogs dont shed, or shed very little, the allergy-causing dander that sticks to their fur doesnt get released into the air or onto the floor as much as with a shedding dog, says Dr. Klein. Some individual dogs may even cause fewer allergy symptoms than others. In fact, two dogs of the same breed can each give off very different levels of allergens.These are the best pets to get if youre allergic to cats and dogs.

Hypoallergenic Dogs Breeds Good For People With Allergies

MetLife Pet Insurance1 helps take the worry out of covering the cost of unexpected visits to the vet with your furry family members.

Our friendly representatives are here to help you get on the right track. Reach out via phone, email or chat and well get back to you ASAP!

Sorry, we couldn’t find any results matching

Please:

• Check the spelling and try again
• Search using fewer terms

Sorry, we couldn’t find any results matching

Please:

• Check the spelling and try again
• Search using fewer terms

BREED SPOTLIGHT

Some people dont think they can bring a dog into the home because they suffer from allergies. The good news is there are several breeds out there that are perfect for allergy sufferers. Take a look at our list of these hypoallergenic dogs , which are breeds that keep the sneezing at a minimum for those who are deemed allergic to dogs.

Hypoallergenic Dogs that Don’t Shed

You May Like: What Season Is Allergy Season

Keep Your Dog Outside Your House

People with allergies often have trouble finding the right kind of dog to suit their needs. The best option is usually a dog that can be kept outside, but this comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips for those who want to find the perfect companion for them and avoid any allergic reactions when they pet their new family member:

Make sure your landlord approves dogs on your property

Take note of how many allergens and parasites are present in the area you live in

Keep the dog on a leash and have it wear a muzzle

If your landlord doesn’t allow dogs, find another place to live

Finding The Right Dog For Your Family

While youre looking at dogs for people with allergies, you should also consider the breeds that will work best for your family. Do you want a miniature dog breed or one of the smartest breeds? Our experts can help you with our article on the secrets to picking the right dog breed. This article is packed with tips for things to consider so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Why are you considering a hypoallergenic dog?

Don’t Miss: Is Sunflower Butter Safe For Peanut Allergies

Can You Be Allergic To A Hypoallergenic Dog

Technically, if you have a dog allergy, even a “hypoallergenic” dog can cause a reaction, even if it is a non-shedding breed. In other cases, you might have no issues at all, or they could be barely noticeable. The reason for this is because people aren’t allergic to a dog’s fur or hair. Instead, people allergic to dogs have an immune response to proteins found in dog urine, saliva, and dander, which of course, all pups have