Can I Have a Dog If I Have Allergies?
Sharing life with a furry friend is something many people look forward to. But what if you have allergies? Can you still share your home with a pooch?
A study has shown that children, before the age of 1, are more protected against a future of allergies. But what if you are an adult, or already have allergies developed, even a dog-specific allergen?
Having a dog won’t be completely beneficial for your health, but there are breeds that are more adaptable to allergy prone dog-owners.
Why Do You Have Dog Allergies?
‘Hypoallergenic’ dog breeds are dogs who do not shed, or are hairless in general. These breeds are said to be considered ‘hypoallergenic’ because they have coats that cause a less severe reaction to allergens.
Most people with dog allergies aren’t actually allergic to the dog’s fur, but rather the dander being shed from the dog’s skin. Dander combines with other allergen triggers, like proteins in dog’s saliva, urine, and feces.
Sadly, no breed is actually allergy-safe, but hypoallergenic dogs produce less shedding that carriers dander, and other allergens. There is no guarantee that a hypoallergenic breed won’t trigger a reaction, but don’t lose hope yet!
Allergy Test
When considering getting a pup when you have allergies, it’s a good idea to take a test for allergen sensitivity. You can be allergic to more than one allergen, so pinpointing what exactly causes reactions is important when deciding to get a dog or not.
If you have more than one allergy, reducing the exposure of one allergen may reduce the effects of the other. Getting an allergy test usually requires a blood draw to figure out which proteins are causing your reactions.
Some people who are sensitive to dog allergens are actually allergic to a protein called Can f5, which is produced only by male dogs. So those with Can f5 would be able to tolerate female pooches or neutered males.
Which Breeds Are Suitable?
‘Hypoallergenic’ breeds are altogether a safer choice for allergy sufferers, even though you can still be sensitive to them. Some of these breeds include:
- Bichon Frise
- Havanese
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Spanish Water Dog
- Yorkshire Terrier
Researching which dog breed is best for your needs is the safest option.
Reducing Dog Allergens
If you are allergic to dogs, you are bound to face some sort of allergy sensitivity. But, you can lessen the severity of your symptoms by:
- Allergy-proofing your house. Pet allergens easily stick to fabrics like bedding, curtains, furniture, and carpet due to their lightweight size. Minimizing how much your dog is exposed to these surfaces should reduce allergens. Using things like blinds or hard-floors will help too.
- Keeping your household surfaces clean. Frequent vacuuming or cleaning your floors will help with the collection of allergens. Using a high-efficiency filtered machine is great for cleaning allergy particules. Air filtration systems are also available to help clear the amount of allergens in the air of your home.
- Keep up with hygiene. Washing your hands immediately after playing with your pup will lessen the allergens on your skin. Consistent dog grooming will also reduce the amount of dander your dog accumulates and releases.
- Medicate if necessary. Consulting your doctor about treating your dog allergies is best for easing symptoms. You may also consider seeing a specialist, some suggest being treated with allergy shots for boosted tolerance over a period of time!
In the end, being allergic to dogs does not necessarily mean that you cannot have a pooch of your own. Just make sure you do your due diligence before bringing one into your home.