The eyes water, the nose runs, the skin itches – a dog allergy can cause significant discomfort for people and sometimes appear quite suddenly. Dogs for allergy sufferers shed little to no hair and can greatly reduce allergy symptoms. Find out here which dog will make you happy despite your allergy.

What is a Dog Allergy?

A dog or cat allergy is often referred to as pet hair allergy, but this term is actually incorrect: people allergic to pets with fur do not react to their hair, but to specific proteins of the animal, called allergens. So, there is no such thing as a dog hair allergy. Correctly speaking, it is referred to as a dog allergy.

Allergens are proteins found in the secretions of animals such as sebum, saliva, feces, urine, as well as skin flakes, and sweat. This means that even hairless dogs can trigger allergic reactions because the dog’s hair itself is not the problem. They are merely carriers of the allergenic proteins.

Since it is part of both dogs’ and cats’ hygiene routine to thoroughly lick their fur, these allergenic substances are transferred to the animal’s hair. Individual hairs or whole tufts of fur end up in every corner and thus in the air we breathe. A pet hair allergy is an inhalation allergy, meaning the allergens are inhaled by humans. Petting the dog can also trigger an allergic reaction in humans. Regular hand washing doesn’t really help an allergy sufferer because the allergens on flakes and fur are everywhere.

In addition to dogs and cats, rodents such as rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs, as well as birds, can cause allergies. Because allergens can also accumulate in feathers.

Allergens in Dogs

Six different allergens have been identified in dogs, which are considered less aggressive compared to cat allergens.

They are named:

The most common allergen people react to is Can f 1, which is mainly found in the dog’s saliva. Approximately 50 to 75 percent of people suffering from a dog allergy are allergic to Can f 1.

Not all dog breeds have all these allergens. Their number varies from animal to animal. Since dog allergens are relatively heavy, they do not easily bind to dust particles. For this reason, they often trigger a less severe reaction in allergy sufferers compared to, for example, cat hair. Dog allergies also occur less frequently than cat allergies in general.

Symptoms of a Pet Hair Allergy

The nose runs, the eyes water, the throat itches: the symptoms of a pet hair allergy might initially make you think of a cold. However, if the cold doesn’t go away, it’s time to see a doctor because a dog allergy is not to be taken lightly.

The most common symptoms of a pet hair allergy include:

Usually, the symptoms occur within a few minutes after contact with the allergens. The dog doesn’t even have to be in the room: it’s enough if the affected person touches a dog blanket or enters a room where the dog has been.

Who Can Get a Dog Allergy?

Anyone can develop an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals. Unfortunately, dog allergies can also occur unexpectedly and throughout life, even in people who have never had problems with allergies. Those who already suffer from pollen or dust mite allergies are at an increased risk of developing a dog allergy. If you suspect you are allergic to dogs, you should get an allergy test as soon as possible.

How is the Dog Allergy Diagnosed?

The doctor usually uses the so-called prick test. With this test, the doctor will check whether and to which allergens your immune system reacts. He drips various allergenic substances in diluted solution on the inside of your forearm. After 20 minutes, it is checked whether swelling and/or redness appear. If an allergic reaction occurs, the suspicion of an allergy is close. This is usually followed by a blood test. This test determines in the laboratory to which specific allergens a person reacts. You can find allergy tests on the internet that you can do at home. However, it is advisable to have a professional allergy test performed under medical supervision if you have symptoms.

Dog Allergy – What to Do?

There are allergy-relieving medications and a causal therapy: so-called hyposensitization, also known as desensitization. It is carried out by dermatologists or allergists. In this process, your immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergens until it accepts or largely tolerates them. However, there is no guarantee that this specific immunotherapy will be successful.

Separation from the Animal

Severe allergies can lead to chronic bronchial asthma – an untreated dog allergy can worsen and eventually become a serious threat to the health of the affected individual. Hyposensitization does not help in this case. In the long run, separation from the animal is the only option.

Living with a Dog as an Allergy Sufferer

If you suffer from a moderate to severe dog allergy, you should not get a dog. The health risk is too great. Perhaps another pet that does not trigger allergies would be suitable?

If the symptoms of dog allergy manifest only very weakly, you can try to reduce the discomfort through certain precautions. This includes primarily containing allergens through frequent cleaning of living spaces and clothing:

Meticulous personal hygiene and careful hygiene for the pet can minimize the symptoms of dog allergy:

Taking allergy-relieving medications (antihistamines) can also help alleviate the symptoms of a dog allergy. Consult extensively with an allergist. This way, you will learn what you can do to make living with your four-legged friend as pleasant as possible.

Dog Allergy: Being on the Safe Side from the Beginning

Giving away the beloved family member with four paws is very painful – for both the two- and four-legged members – and is therefore not an option for many dog owners.

Before getting a dog, you should be sure that you are not allergic to dogs: Spend a lot of time with dogs, also indoors – preferably with the breed you are interested in. Lastly, visit the breeder and try to spend as much time as possible with the puppies before bringing one home.

The same applies to animals from shelters: You could become a volunteer at an animal shelter and, for example, help with cleaning kennels, walking dogs, or playing. If you have already set your sights on a dog, seek close contact. Only then can you find out if allergic reactions occur. If you are unsure or if there are mild signs of an allergy, an allergy test is an absolute must before a dog moves in with you.

Dogs for Allergy Sufferers: Which Dog Breeds are Recommended for Allergies?

There are no hypoallergenic dog breeds, meaning dogs that do not possess allergens. Breeders who advertise as such knowingly deceive allergy sufferers and risk the possibility of the dog being returned.

However, it is true that there are dog breeds that produce fewer allergens and therefore provoke less severe allergic reactions. Nevertheless, there is never a guarantee that you will not still be allergic to a new pet!

If you want to bring a furry friend into your home despite having a dog allergy, you should choose a breed that has a lower allergy potential than others. These are usually breeds that shed little to no hair because allergens enter the air through animal hair.

To the surprise of many dog lovers, long-haired dogs typically shed less fur than short-haired ones. Therefore, most dogs for allergy sufferers have long and/or curly fur.

Breeds like Poodles, Bolonka Zwetna, or Schnauzers, for example, do not shed fur. Therefore, they need to be groomed or trimmed. Since they do not undergo a shedding process, they also lose fewer skin flakes and have lower sebum production from the sebaceous glands under the skin. Hence, these and other breeds are suitable as dogs for allergy sufferers.

Non-shedding allergy-friendly dogs

Yorkshire Terrier:

Yorkshires have a relatively thick coat but hardly shed any hair and do not undergo a shedding process in spring and autumn. Extensive grooming is important to prevent matting. The coat needs to be regularly trimmed or shaved. These small dogs have a strong will, require consistent training, and are not suitable for beginners or families with children.

Poodle:

The curly coat of the Poodle does not shed naturally. It distributes few allergens but requires consistent care to prevent matting. It must be trimmed at least twice a year. The extremely intelligent Poodle needs a lot of exercise, is fond of children, and is a great dog for allergy sufferers and beginners.

Airedale Terrier:

The robust Airedale Terrier is the perfect large dog for allergy sufferers. It hardly sheds hair and drools little. It needs regular trimming. This can be done by dog groomers with skillful hands. With some practice, trimming can also be done by amateurs. The playful and vigilant Terrier has a strong character and requires plenty of exercise. Well-trained, it is a loving family member that gets along very well with children.

Schnauzer:

They do not undergo shedding and lose very few to almost no hairs, making their coat care relatively straightforward. Their coat should be professionally trimmed or shaved twice a year. The Schnauzer is the ultimate family dog: loyal and affectionate, fond of children and alert, playful, and energetic.

Bichons:

The Bichons (translated as lap dogs) include breeds such as the Bichon Frisé, Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese. They all have similarly soft coats that do not shed. To keep their coat fluffy, daily brushing is necessary.

Shih Tzu:

The Tibetan Lion Dog sheds very little hair but still needs daily brushing to keep its silky coat free of tangles. This trainable and playful dog requires a lot of attention and is suitable for families as well as individuals.

Water Dogs:

Whether Portuguese Water Dog or Spanish Water Dog, Lagotto Romangnolo or Irish Water Spaniel: these water-loving breeds do not shed and do not undergo shedding. Therefore, they release only minimal allergens into their environment. However, their constantly growing coat needs to be regularly brushed and trimmed.

Hybrid Dogs:

They are called designer breeds, even if they are not officially recognized as breeds. The Poodle almost always plays a role in breeding these new breeds: Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo are examples. The coat of these popular family dogs should be brushed weekly and regularly trimmed.

All these so-called allergy-friendly dogs require regular coat care, even if they do not shed. Some of these dogs need to be brushed or combed several times a week to prevent their coat from matting, tangling, and losing its shine.

As an allergy sufferer, you should not take on this responsibility yourself. Either another family member takes care of it, or you take your pet to a professional dog groomer.