Are low-shedding dog breeds the right fit for you?

Are you allergic to dogs or just dislike the fact of dog hairs all over your furniture, clothes, and floors? I hear you. Dog hairs can be a drag and that’s one of the trade-offs when having a dog. No matter what you do, dog hairs will be a part of your doggo life from the moment on you bring a new dog home.

Sorry.

You might have come across a discussion of hypoallergenic dogs but there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.

Healthline actually asked several allergy experts about hypoallergenic dogs and they all gave a very emphatic NO.

No dog breed is hypoallergenic.

According to Dr. James Li, Mayo Clinic, “There’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed, although some individual dogs may cause fewer allergy symptoms than others.”

If you’re not allergic to dogs, remember that the dog breed is much more important than a few hairs on your floors. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new furry family member and deciding which dog breed is best for you.

What causes pet allergies

Many think that allergies are caused by a dog’s fur, but the real source is often a protein that’s in the dog’s saliva and urine. This protein sticks to the dander which then sticks to the fur.

Some dog breeds are marketed as hypoallergenic because they don’t shed that much. In those situations, the dander doesn’t get released into the air as much.

Your first step in getting tested for a dog allergy would be to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor can order a test for you if those indicate a possible dog allergy.

If you still want to have a dog, consider the following tips to reduce your allergy symptoms:

Choose a smaller dog, which will shed less dander than a larger dog.
Keep your pet out of your bedroom and other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
Keep your pet outside, if weather permits.
Bathe your pet weekly to remove dander from its coat.
Choose carpet-free flooring, or shampoo your carpet regularly.
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier and vent filters to help reduce airborne pet allergens.