Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Shed?
Although seven out of 10 households in the US have a pet, the other third suffer from asthma or allergies, making them unable to own a four-legged friend. This is why you might ask the question, do hypoallergenic dogs shed?
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Hypoallergenic dogs are canines that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. They are:
- Dogs with hair rather than fur, leading to less dander.
- Hairless dogs — with no hair or fur.
- Dogs that don’t drool much, as allergens are released in saliva.
Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Shed?
Watching your dog suffer from ear infections can be a trying time. If your dog is scratching its ears or pawing at them, take a look. Their skin should be cool to touch and normal in color. If their ears seem to be inflamed and sore then you may be facing an ear infection. If these are becoming more frequent, it could be an indicator of a grain allergy.
Is It Good if a Dog Is Hypoallergenic?
Absolutely.
Many people think a dog allergy is a reaction to the fur, but that’s not strictly true — allergies are caused by the dander on a dog’s skin. In fact, it’s all down to the protein found within this microscopic matter. When a dog sheds, the dander attaches to the fur and travels with it — everywhere.
Hence, the more a dog sheds, the more dander you have circulating in your home, which isn’t ideal for those suffering from allergies or asthma.
As we’ve seen, while hypoallergenic dogs do shed, they’re virtually non shedding dogs, which transpires to lower levels of fur and dander — minimizing the chance of allergens triggering a reaction. And, even if you don’t have allergies, less shedding means you won’t be constantly cleaning up after your canine.
Hypoallergenic non shedding dogs are found in all sizes, temperaments, intelligence, and activity levels. We’ve put together our favorites:
- Shih Tzu.
- Chinese Crested.
- Maltese.
- Lhasa Apso.
- Border Terrier.
- Basenji.
- Coton de Tuléar.
- Bichon Frisé.
- Havanese.
- Schnauzer.
- Puli.
- Xoloitzcuintli.
- Poodle.
- Portuguese Water Dog.
- Peruvian Inca Orchid.
Why is My Hypoallergenic Dog Shedding?
There are different reasons why your hypoallergenic dog might be shedding excessively. If you notice your pup is dropping more fur than usual, it could be because of one of the following reasons:
- Feeding your dog an imbalanced diet.
- Stress — caused by different reasons, like a change in routine.
- Dog allergies to food, medication, household and pet products.
- Flea bites and skin parasites.
- Using the wrong kind of shampoo (shampoo for humans).
- Hormonal imbalances and hypothyroidism.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Drastic temperature change.
- Tumors and other underlying diseases.
You Still Have to Maintain Your Hypoallergenic Dog
The amount of fur a dog sheds doesn’t equal how much maintenance it will need, so you will still have to take care of your furry friend often. Many dog breeds that don’t shed still need regular grooming and maintenance, especially those with thick coats.
What’s more, bathing, brushing and looking after your canine’s coat will help you manage shedding — reducing dander levels even more.
Conclusion
From the hairless Chinese Crested or Xolo to the long-haired Lhasa Apso or curly-coated Poodle, there’s a wide range of hypoallergenic dogs to consider. But, bear in mind, it may not mean they’re low maintenance.
And, in answer to the question, do hypoallergenic dogs shed? Yes, these breeds do, but they shed significantly less than other bow-wows — so, for that third of allergy suffering households, it is possible to become a pet owner.
