Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Help People Allergic to Dogs?

In recent years, hypoallergenic dogs have become very popular with people who are allergic to dogs. However, what most people don’t know and are surprised to learn is there no difference between a non-hypoallergenic dog and a hypoallergenic one when it comes to being allergic to dogs.

If you are allergic to dogs, you are allergic to ALL dogs, including hypoallergenic ones. So, why the big hype, then? The hype came about because hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in someone with a dog allergy. However, depending on the extent of the allergy, the person could still have a reaction even around a hypoallergenic dog.

What Causes People to Have an Allergic Reaction to Dogs?

Allergens are the cause of allergic reactions. The human body treats the allergens as an invader. As such, the immune system responds by trying to fight the allergens and get them out of the body. Typical responses to allergens include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses. Some people may also break out in hives on their skin, which are small red dots that can be itchy. Hives are normally found in people with severe allergies.

Those with serious reactions could experience an asthma attack, difficulty breathing, and uncontrolled swelling of the throat. People who have severe and serious allergic reactions normally keep an EpiPen on them just in case they experience a severe and serious allergic reaction.

What Types of Dogs Are Hypoallergenic?

Generally, dog breeds that shed less and which have shorter hair or tighter, curly hair tend to be called hypoallergenic. Poodles are a great example of a breed that can be hypoallergenic. Poodles are also commonly used to crossbreed with other breeds of dogs to help make new hypoallergenic breeds.

All the hype about getting hypoallergenic crossbreeds has to do with enticing people who want a specific breed, but can’t because of their allergies, to try one of the new crossbreeds instead. As we already mentioned, if you have a dog allergy, you are allergic to ALL dogs, even hypoallergenic crossbreeds.

Can Someone with a Dog Allergy Still Have a Dog?

It will depend on the extent of how allergic the person is to dogs. Someone with minor allergies, like watery eyes or a runny nose, could easily have a dog as a pet. They may even be fine around poodles, Shih Tzus, and other hypoallergenic breeds.

Some people also make sure to bathe and groom their dogs regularly to help remove the allergens from the dog and keep their allergies under control. If the dog is kept indoors frequently, vacuuming daily helps keep allergies under control. It is also a good idea to brush the dog outside where there is plenty of air.

If you want a dog and are allergic, the best thing to do is to spend time with different breeds to see which ones cause the least amount of allergic reactions. However, if you have a severe to serious allergy to dogs, then you would probably do better to get a cat as a pet unless you also have a cat allergy.

Once you find the dog breed that has minimal impact on your dog allergies, make your new pet feels welcomed by installing a sliding door dog door for easy access to the backyard. Your dog will appreciate the added freedom, and you will appreciate not being awakened at night when they need to go outside.

To find the right dog door for your home, feel free to browse our dog doors online or contact Australia Pet Doors at 0437-644-330 or +61-437-644-330 today!