Do Non-Allergenic Dogs Really Exist?

If you have allergies but have always longed to own a dog, you may wonder if non-allergenic dogs really exist. Yes, hypoallergenic dogs exist because the very definition means that they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This does not, however, mean that they will never cause an allergic response.

Dog hair is not the only factor in dog allergies. People who are allergic to dogs are affected by the allergens that dogs emit. These allergens are produced by a dog’s oil glands and may be shed with dander, which are dead skin cells. Allergens may also be present in dog saliva or even urine.

There is no such thing as a non-shedding, allergy free dog. All dogs shed hair eventually, and all dogs have some allergens. Non-shedders are considered as such because they rarely lose their hair. This means their dander will stay with their hair and help to avoid allergic reactions.

Hypoallergenic dogs tend to be smaller or medium sized breeds, which means they will not have as much hair and dander to lose as larger dogs. Their smaller size also makes them easier to bathe and groom. Regularly grooming helps to remove any allergen ridden dander that may be stuck in the dogs hair.

If you have a hypoallergenic dog, you must take care to ensure they are groomed. Bathing to remove dead skin cells may need to occur once or twice a week. Non-shedding dogs that are not well taken care of, may still hold many of the allergens that shedding animals have. This defeats the purpose of a hypoallergenic dog.

Different people have different allergen thresholds. One person may have slight allergies and not be affected by any dog while another person with severe allergies may have to avoid even non-allergenic dogs. Some people may even be allergic to dog saliva, which means they will be affected by even the most non-allergenic dog. There is no saliva free dog.

There are a variety of hypoallergenic dogs available. Most are of the poodle or schnauzer variety. There are even crossbreds such as schnoodles, schnauzer and poodle mixes that specialize in being extremely non-allergenic. The hair on these dogs is often smooth and silky like human hair rather than shorter and wirier like most animal hair. Their soft hair makes them a favorite lap dog.

Just as allergies vary from person to person, dog allergens may fluctuate from one dog to the next. Even hypoallergenic dogs may vary in just how allergen free they are. Litter mates, especially crossbreds, may have different allergen contents in their oil secretions and saliva. Just the slightest variation in amount and texture of hair in a supposed hypoallergenic puppy may affect a person with allergies.

Before you choose a hypoallergenic puppy, you should spend some one-on-one time to ensure that your allergies will not be affected. Focus on only onepuppy at a time, or you may not be sure which one has caused an allergic reaction. You may also want to wait one or two days after you visit with the puppy since some allergic reactions may take time to develop.

Beyond buying a hypoallergenic puppy, you can also further avoid pet allergens by take preventative measures in your home. You should vacuum regularly with a special pet care vacuum. These vacuums have filters designed to trap pet allergens. You may even want to consider buying an air purifier for your home. This will collect any allergens that your hypoallergenic dog may disperse. As mentioned before, bathing and grooming is very important. If you are worried about an allergic reaction from bathing your dog, you should seek the assistance of a great dog grooming service. They often specialize in hypoallergenic dogs.