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Getting a dog is a big deal for a lot of people but what if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies? Does this mean that owning a dog is impossible for you? The answer is a definite NO! There are some dog breeds that shed less and thus are considered to be hypoallergenic. Let’s examine what this really means before we dive into what breeds have been deemed some of the best options for those with allergies.
Understanding What Hypoallergenic Really Means
Hypoallergenic is a catchphrase. There is no dog that can be said to not contribute to allergens in and outside the home. There are dogs that contribute less and these are the ones that people like to say are hypoallergenic. This does not mean that someone will have absolutely no symptoms if they have very severe allergies.
There are some things that you can do to increase the liknlihood that these breeds of dog will not affect your allergies. Combining great products with the right dog and home environment can mean that more people can enjoy the love, fun, and companionship that a dog brings to a family.
AKC List Of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
The breeds below are listed as being among the best for those with allergies according to the American Kennel Club. All of these breeds are known for producing less dander and other secretions that can exacerbate allergies in sensitive individuals.
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton De Tulear
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
- Giant Schnauzer
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
- American Hairless Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Afghan Hound
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
Cost Of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
As you can see from this list of AKC Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds, a lot of them can be harder to find and are not breeds you typically find as rescues. This means you need to be prepared for a larger monetary investment in getting a dog. Some breeds can be well over $1,000 for a puppy and possibly even more than $2,000 due to rarity and transport costs in getting them to you. This high cost is sometimes what stands in the way of some people getting a dog, but the expense can be well worth it for the love and joy a dog brings into your family.
The Importance Of Breeder and Health Checks Before Purchase
Since these are purebred dogs it is very important to check and make sure the breeder is reputable and that you are actually getting the breed you are paying for. Purebred dogs that do not have paperwork can seem like a bargain but you need to be sure that you are getting what you want. Asking for references or pictures of other puppies they have sold in the past is helpful, unless of course this is the first litter they have raised. Having both parents on site for you to see before purchasing a puppy is definitely a reassuring sign that your breeder is open and honest.
A lot of breeders will have a vet-signed health certificate available for you so that you know your puppy has been evaluated by a professional for any signs of major health issues. Some breeders go so far as to screen puppies for genetic disorders like hip dysplasia or other health problems that are most common with the breed you choose. If you are attempting to buy a puppy from a breeder that does not do this then you might ask them how much it would cost to have this done.
It is better to spend more now and be certain of the health of your pup rather than have to deal with the consequences later. If tests results come bad, it is far better to know and just have spent a little money now than deal with heartbreak and massive vet bills later.
Change Your Air Filters Often
We have Great Pyrenees. Three of them no less! They shed a lot. Sometimes I see something and wonder if it is a small tumbleweed in a corner if I don’t vacuum for a few days. Our central heat system uses standard air filters. We buy the ones that are made to last 90 days and provide allergy relief but we change them at least every 45 days and sometimes monthly.
You can vary this based on the number of dogs you have and how much they shed but do change your filter out more often than the packages says. You can buy bulk packs of filters and always have them on hand so it will be easier to remember to change them.
Vacuums
I use a Shop Vac in my house because we have giant dogs going in and out. This is an economical approach but they are quite loud and probably not the best idea if you live in a housing unit with close neighbors.They don’t take bags and the filters are easy to clean and replace. Here are some vacuums that are made with pet parents and allergy sufferers in mind.
Remember to vacuum daily for best results if allergies are severe. If a dog really barely sheds then you can get away with every other day.
Hoover Vacuum Cleaner T-Series WindTunnel Pet Rewind Bagless Corded Upright Vacuum UH70210
Brush Your Dog Outside & Often!
Reducing shedding by up to 90% is possible with an inexpensive quality dog brush. Scout has found a lot of great brushes and
put them together in easy to navigate posts but here are a few that are
good for all lengths of dog hair. Brushing outside and often means that
the dander and hair don’t come out inside and find their way onto
furniture, clothing, or in the air. This reduces the load on your air
filters and helps keep your home cleaner so you can vacuum and dust
less.
Pet Grooming Brush – Self Cleaning Slicker Brushes Best Shedding Tools for Grooming Cat Dog Long & Thick Hair
HappyDogz Pet Grooming Shedding Brush for Dog & Cat Hair, the Dog Brush to End Shedding, Suitable for Long & Short Haired Pets, Drastically Reduces Shed Fur in Minutes, a Fun Grooming Experience
Add HEPA Filter Units To Your Home
HEPA
filters are inexpensive and easy to keep clean. Adding HEPA filtration
to your home can go a long way towards preventing allergens from
accumulating. There are units made for different sizes of living spaces. You may want to make sure that the bedroom of the person that suffers from the allergy has their own stand alone HEPA unit along with the room that the dog spends the most time in.
Ivation Medium Size 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier Sanitizer and Deodorizer with UV Light – True HEPA Filter, Active Carbon Filter and UV Light Cleaner for Home or Office – 323 Sq/Ft Coverage
SilverOnyx Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter, Allergen and Odor Reduction, UV Sanitizer, Best Air Cleaning System for Allergies and Pets, Smokers, Cooking, 5-Speed Fan, Large Room 600 Sq Ft – Silver
Increase Outside Dog Time
A dog is going to be less
of an allergy problem for you if they spend a good portion of their time
outside. This means creating a space outside that is comfortable for
them. If you don’t have a fenced yard then there are plenty of nice
kennels that provide ample space for play and comfort. A dog house or
covered area so they can enjoy fresh air with protection from the
weather is a step in the right direction. Check out Scout’s picks for
the best outdoor kennels for large and extra large dogs for affordable
options that have a lot of room.
The Joy Of Dogs For Everyone
Scout hopes that this post has helped you discover that you or your loved one can still enjoy the companionship and fun that a dog can bring to the family. If you need more advice on dealing with allergies while enjoying having a dog as part of your family, you may want to consult your doctor and your local veterinarian. You can also check our list of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers with allergies.
Preparing your house before you get a dog by having the right vacuum, HEPA filters, and a place for them to comfortably enjoy the great outdoors will help make everything better for everyone, including your new pooch!
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