What Causes Pet Allergies? (And All About Hypoallergenic Dogs)

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as many as 15% of people in the United States have some form of pet allergy. The most common culprits are cats and dogs, but other animals such as horses, rodents, and birds can also cause allergic reactions.

Symptoms range from mild (sneezing, watery eyes) to severe (difficulty breathing, hives), and can be triggered by contact with an animal’s fur or skin, dander, saliva, or urine. While there is no cure for pet allergies, there are several ways to manage the symptoms.

For example, allergy sufferers can take medications to relieve the itching and swelling, and they can also use air filters and vacuum cleaners to reduce the amount of pet dander in their homes.

Yorkshire Terrier

What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Dog lovers rejoice! There are several types of dogs that are categorized as hypoallergenic by the American Kennel Club. That’s not to say they don’t shed, but rather, they shed so little that they are unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction.

There are a number of different breeds that fall into this category, which we will look at soon. While there is no guarantee that a hypoallergenic dog will not cause an allergy, they are often a good choice for people with mild allergies.

These dogs produce less of the protein that is responsible for triggering an allergic reaction, and they also tend to shed less fur and dander. As a result, they are often considered to be a safer choice for people with allergies.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

Here are three common hypoallergenic dog breeds…

Poodles

The brainiacs of the canine world, Poodles tend to produce less dander than other breeds, but they are not immune to it. Their single, low-shedding coat makes them popular dogs to cross other breeds into like the Cockapoo, the cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or the Aussiedoodle, the cross with an Australian Shepherd.

Poodles come in three size varieties — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — and their distinctive appearance is perfect for show dogs or family pets. Poodles are known for being highly trainable, and they excel in obedience, agility, and other canine sports.

Poodles are also relatively easy to groom, thanks to their hypoallergenic coat which repels dirt and debris. Just be sure to give them plenty of exercise. Poodles and their crosses tend to be active, spirited dogs that might exhibit destructive behavior if under-stimulated.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are a toy breed of dog known for their long, silky coat. They are also one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Yorkies were originally bred in England to catch rats in clothing mills.

They are lively and spunky dogs and make great companion animals. Yorkies are also relatively easy to train, and they do not require a lot of exercise. However, they do need plenty of grooming, as their coat can quickly become tangled and matted if left unbrushed for long periods.

They are also small dogs that can be yappy and barky, especially if not socialized well.

Maltese

Maltese

The Maltese dog is a small, purebred canine that has been around for centuries. One of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs, the Maltese is known for its gentle personality and lovely silky coat. Though they are often thought of as delicate lapdogs, Maltese dogs are actually quite resilient and can make great companion animals for people of all ages.

With their cheerful dispositions and loving natures, it’s no wonder that Maltese dogs have been such popular pets throughout history. If you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate furry friend, the Maltese dog is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

It would be sad to love dogs and be unable to have them because of your allergies. However, with many hypoallergenic dog breeds around, you’ll find something that will suit your household and your respiratory system will rest easy!