Did you know that 10% of us suffer from pet allergies? Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, but while there are few hypoallergenic cats there are way more dog breeds that are hypoallergenic. Being an allergy sufferer shouldn't prevent you from experiencing that special bond that comes from owning a dog. Hypoallergenic paws is here to provide you with everything you need to know about low and non-shedding dog breeds. Our comprehensive list of hypoallergenic dog breeds is not to be sneezed at, alternatively check out our articles on the best dogs for allergy sufferers.
From The Blog
Types of Hypollergenic Dogs
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
It isn't just hair that causes problems for people who suffer from pet allergies, proteins in the flakes of skin called dander, saliva and urine can also trigger a reaction. Some dogs shed a lot less than others, some have low dander, some are difficult to housebreak and all these things need to be considered when choosing hypoallergenic pets. Here we look at which breeds are the best hypoallergenic dogs and whether they are right for you?
Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
It's not just us humans that suffer from allergic reactions, dogs are susceptible too. Understanding the problem and feeding the correct diet can help. We delve deep and uncover the things you need to know if you suspect your pooch suffers from allergies.
Large Hypoallergenic Dogs
Not all allergy friendly dogs are small. We've put together a collection of the best big hypoallergenic dog breeds. These large breed dogs are not for everyone but with the right owner they make some of the best non-shedding family dogs.
Overview Of These Low Shedding Dogs
Those looking for a non-allergic dog may find one of the low-shedding breeds a suitable choice, however no dog is 100% hypoallergenic and some sufferers can be affected by even non- shedding dogs and dogs with low dander.
You could be mistaken for thinking that short-haired hypoallergenic dogs are the best choice for asthma and allergy sufferers, surprisingly many long-haired breeds are more suitable. Their coats continue to grow instead of shedding. These non-molting dogs do however, often require the services of a professional groomer.
Curly-coated dogs are some of the best so-called hypoallergenic breeds as the tight curls trap any loose hairs and skin particles preventing from them becoming airborne meaning they are less likely to cause a reaction resulting in a sneezing fit.
In recent years some of the most popular mixed breeds or hybrid dogs have been specifically aimed at allergy sufferers often crossed with a poodle to produce the best non-shedding dogs. These low-shedding allergy friendly dogs, although controversial, are proving increasingly popular throughout the world.
As a general rule of thumb most hypoallergenic dogs have a coat that requires the regular intervention of clippers. While this might involve regular maintenance and visits to a professional dog groomer, the benefits for the allergy sufferer are worth it.
These are some of the top non-shedding dog breeds and with the increase in allergies and the popularity of hypoallergenic dogs' sky-rocketing it's easy to see their appeal. Short-haired, Long-haired and some with no hair at all. From large working breeds to tiny hypoallergenic dogs there is a low-allergy dog for everyone, old, young, the jogger and the couch potato.While there is no such thing as a dog that is allergy free, there are many breeds that do not initiate a serious reaction and whose presence can be tolerated. If you have a child or older person in your home who suffers from severe allergies, it is worth discussing with your allergist before considering getting a dog sometimes sadly it just isn't feasible, however if the symptoms can be managed why not take a look at these great breeds or check out the breed profiles for a more in depth look.Not only are these breeds suitable for dog lovers who suffer from allergies they are also great for those who love to wear black and don't want to carry a lint roller everywhere. With over 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, hypoallergenic and low shedding dogs, unlike their hair, are here to stick around
Dogs for People with Allergies - What you need to know
Different people react differently to different dogs, just because a fellow allergy afflicted friend is fine with their Yorkshire Terrier doesn't mean you will be and before you ask "Are Yorkies hypoallergenic? Yes, in fact they are.That being said, depending on the severity of your symptoms there are things you can do to manage your allergies while still enjoying the companionship of man's best friend.
>>The Importance of Dander
What are hypoallergenic dogs? They are canines that cause a lesser reaction to people who break out in hives or reach for the tissues whenever they are near man’s best friend. Many people presume it is the fur that causes the problem but it is in fact the dander.
Dander are particles of skin the dogs shed, they attach themselves to individual hairs and when a dog sheds that hair they either become airborne or stick to surfaces and soft furnishings and this triggers a reaction.
Most dogs shed skin every 4-5 days, however low dander dogs like the Poodle and Schnauzer only shed skin every 21 days, they are also the top non-shedding dogs making them a great choice for many allergy sufferers.
>>Hypoallergenic Poodle Mixes
Poodles are often touted as the most non-allergic dog and it is with this in mind, that the breed is now crossed with lots of different pooches to produce the ultimate hypoallergenic cross breed dogs.
While some of these can live quite happily in a family where one or more people suffer from allergies, there are no guarantees.
Are Maltipoos hypoallergenic? Are Cavapoos hypoallergenic? to some degree yes. Obviously, the mixture of 2 low shedding dogs that produce less dander are going to be better than when you add a heavy shedder into the mix.
But, saying that, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles can also be suitable for mild to moderate allergy sufferers. It is a lottery and the most important thing to remember is you must spend time with your dog of choice before bringing it into your home.
>>Allergic Dogs
Many of the so called non-allergy dogs suffer from allergies themselves which can lead to skin problems. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Excessive Licking
- Scratching
- Hair loss
- Wheezing
- Sores
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
Your pet could be allergic to food, pollen, dust, chemicals basically the same as their human counterparts and if this is the case you may find yourself dealing with 2 lots of allergies rather than one.
Feeding the correct diet, using only products with natural ingredients and keeping the air in your home pure can help, as can bathing your pet with a hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs, and keeping fleas at bay. This site covers everything to do with allergies for both you and your best friend.
FAQ's
The internet is a wonderful thing, everyone has something to say on any given topic and it can get confusing with lots of conflicting information. That’s why Hypoallergenic Paws will try to give comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about dogs that are hypoallergenic or not as the case may be.
This information should only be used as a guide because as previously mentioned, reactions vary and the only way to truly know if any low allergy dog is compatible is to spend time with it.
Of course, not every low shedding dog dog will fit in with your lifestyle, in truth some can be a handful and are not for everyone so we will also answer questions about the breed themselves such as “What are the best hypoallergenic dogs for kids?” “Why are teacup hypoallergenic breeds difficult to housetrain?”
We are leaving no stone unturned in our quest to provide you with all the information you need about dogs and allergies.
Hypoallergenic Diet for Dogs
A healthy nutritious diet is vital to ensure your pet leads a long active life but what do you do if your beloved pooch suffers from food allergies? There are a number of options, you could try one of the many brands of hypoallergenic dog foods available tailored to the size, age and activity level of your dog.
You could also try feeding either a homecooked diet or raw diet either of which need extensive research to guarantee you are feeding the right nutrients required by your canine companion throughout the different stages of their life.
We are going to take a look at which foods should be avoided? what supplements should you add? Can you get hypoallergenic treats? and exactly what you should be feeding your dog that will keep them allergy-free, happy and healthy.
Other Hypoallergenic Dog Products
Food may not be the only issue for an allergic dog they can be sensitive to flea treatments, grooming products and as a lot of the best hypoallergenic breeds have coats that are considered high maintenance that can mean using hypoallergenic shampoos, wipes and conditioners.
You may even need a hypoallergenic dog bed to keep your sensitive four-legged friend itch-free. We ask “Are these products necessary, do they work, should you believe the hype. We give you tips on how to find out what is causing your four-legged friend to scratch, eliminate or reduce the problem and make their lives more comfortable.