What does hypoallergenic dogs mean?

When a dog breed is labeled as Hypoallergenic it doesn’t necessarily mean its allergy-proof. It’s just a claim that the breed will cause fewer allergic reactions than other ones.

Unfortunately, it seems like the whole idea of a completely Hypoallergenic dog is not real. Yes, there are hundreds of websites listing the top ten Hypoallergenic dog breeds and there are also many more online breeders offering the perfectly hypoallergenic puppy dog for only $3500 to $5000…..

Do you get a runny nose or watery eyes when you’re around dogs? For most people, it’s not actually the dog’s hair but in fact, the dander that triggers an allergic reaction.

What is dog dander?

Dander comprises of tiny particles that are shed from the skin and are basically dandruff. This dog dander combines with other allergens found on the skin, like urine proteins and saliva.

But there is hope!

Smaller dog breeds tend to cause less allergic reactions, due to their size and they tend to produce less saliva than larger dogs.
Bathing your dog on a weekly basis will reduce the build-up of dander and allergens.
Keeping the dog out of the bedroom will give you some relief during the night.
Washing dog bedding, pillows, and vacuuming areas where the dog sleeps will help reduce potential allergens.
Removing other non-dog related allergy triggers can help lessen the severity of your dog-related symptoms.
Some sensitivity can be associated with a protein created by only male dogs.
Some people with dog allergies can tolerate de-sexed dogs.
For the last two points made, you would need to have what is called an Allergen component test to determine your CAN F5 tolerance.

If you have found yourself to be allergic to dogs, then it’s possible to get an Allergen component test. From the testing, they can determine what proteins you’re allergic to. People can be allergic to one or up to five proteins that dogs produce, depending on the breed and sex of the dog the number of these proteins produced varies. BUT all breeds produce at least one protein that can cause allergic reactions, hence why so-called Hypoallergenic dogs are somewhat of a myth. Some of these proteins are male-specific, if you happen to only be allergic to said proteins then a female dog is a great option. Also desexing a dog can stop the production of some proteins that you might be allergic to. The only way to find out what choice is appropriate for you is via the allergen test.

So maybe the severity of your symptoms is tolerable and a small so-called Hypoallergenic dog breed might be perfect for you.