Hypoallergenic dogs are mostly crossbreeds. They are compatible with people who have allergies because they don’t shed.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic? Anyone suffering from allergies will tell you how hard it is to control the allergic reactions. Most people get sneezes, hives, watery eyes, and runny noses just by being in the same room with a dog.
The fact that you are allergic does not necessarily mean that you cannot have a dog if you are a dog lover. Dogs are hypoallergenic because of either their hair or saliva. Crossbreed dogs are the best option for people with allergies and have become very popular.
Although a dog cannot wholly stay without its hair shedding, you can get a dog that sheds very little, and with proper care and grooming, you can live without it triggering your allergies.
Most of these dogs are smaller in size than regular dogs and might need more grooming and attention than the other dogs. A person’s reaction can be different with different types of dog. The breeds of dogs that are said to be hypoallergenic are because they have minimal hair shedding.
Some of the breeds of dogs that are hypoallergenic are:
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Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a friendly dog whose hair only falls off when you brush it. This is what makes it hypoallergenic.
Poodle
The Poodle is a very common and beloved dog by people who have allergies. They come in three types and are the most common type of hypoallergenic dogs.
Labradoodle
This is a cross breed between Labrador and the Poodle. It is not a very high maintenance dog. It requires less grooming and is also a trendy dog.
Maltese
The Maltese dog is a very playful breed. They, however, need more grooming. And as their hair is long and silky, you will need to brush the hair regularly.
Chinese Crested
This breed is hypoallergenic because it has very little hair and its body is basically hairless. This means that it will not shed.
Portuguese Water Dog
This is not a very common dog breed, and it requires grooming regularly. It is an energetic and muscular dog. They also shed very little and are therefore considered hypoallergenic.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is an easy maintenance dog that is incredibly easy to train too. Its fur is typically groomed and even cut. It is hypoallergenic and has beautiful curly fur. It is considered by many people as a lap dog.
Havanese
This very social, spirited, and friendly dog is a good pet for families that have children. They are loyal are usually like to be very close to their owners.
Bedlington Terrier
This is a common hypoallergenic dog. However, most Terrier dogs are hypoallergenic. This dog has beautiful fur that feels like wool, and it is not very high maintenance.
Afghan Hound
This dog has a lot of hair, but it doesn’t shed a lot. They are known to be independent and very proud. They are also very loyal and need to be bathed and brushed twice or thrice a week. These are just a few examples of common hypoallergenic dogs. There are many more, and you can inquire and find the one that is compatible with you.
How To Care For Hypoallergenic
Dogs Just like any other type of dog, these hypoallergenic dogs need proper grooming and care. Some even more than others. Here are a few tips on how to care for your hypoallergenic dog:
Like other dogs, these dogs require exercise. Take it for regular walks. Proper training can regulate the amount of shedding it does in the house because it will play a lot outside. . Give your dog the attention it requires. Some may need more attention than others, but once you learn your dog’s need well, you will know how to handle it.
Have a comfortable area where the dog sleeps. It is not advisable for people with allergies to sleep with the dogs on their beds.
Wash the blanket it sleeps in regularly so that the hair it has shed on it doesn’t transfer to other places like furniture or carpets.
Ensure it is groomed regularly. According to the dog’s needs, you might need to groom your dog every once a week, or even more times. This is dependent on the breed you have.
Take it for professional grooming once in a while. Your dog’s hair may need cutting, and it is good to let a professional do that properly. You can even opt to take it once a month.
Even little shedding can trigger your allergies. So, learn to properly take care of your dog so that this doesn’t happen.
Can Dogs Get Allergies Too?
There are some breeds of dogs that also get allergic reactions. These are mostly dogs that have small noses. They can be allergic to bites or some even their own hair.
Some common signs that will tell you your dog has an allergic reaction are.
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Missing hair patches
- Coughing
- Vomiting and watery stool
- Excessive skin scratching
- Change in the skin color or redness of the skin.
- Mood changes
- Change in breathing or difficulty breathing
If you notice any of the above signs on your dog, then it might be allergic to something. In case you changed something in your dog’s routine, then it might be the cause.
If you changed the dog’s diet, then, the dog might be allergic to the new type of food you. Basically, anything can trigger an allergic reaction. Therefore, you need to keep your dog on a regular routine.
Keep the area where the dog sleeps clean and try to keep a dust free home. Vacuum regularly especially when the dog is still a puppy.
If your dog has fleas, find a good shampoo to bath it with. If the symptoms persist, take the dog to the vet for professional advice and medicine that can help.
Conclusion
Before you decide on the best hypoallergenic dog for you, hold it for a while and try with different breeds and see which one is the best for you. One dog may trigger a different allergic reaction than another so not all can be compatible with you.
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