Many people with allergies think they have to forego the experience of owning a dog. But could a dog be hypoallergenic? The answer is that no dogs are 100% hypoallergenic. Some breeds can cause fewer allergy symptoms than others, but unfortunately, a Golden Retriever is not among them.
We’ll look at the scientific evidence, talk about what it means for people with allergies looking for a Golden Retriever as a furry companion and talk about what dog owners can do to deal with pet dander and saliva. Read on to find out more from the experienced team at barksinthepark.
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Are Golden Retrievers Bad For Allergies?
So, first things first, are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic? The answer is no. They’re known for being shedding machines.
Many other breeds are more suitable for people with allergies.
Golden Retrievers have a double coat, meaning they have a thick outer coat and a softer undercoat. The outer coat is waterproof and helps protect the dog from the elements, while the undercoat insulates against heat and cold.
The undercoat is also where most of the shedding occurs.
Golden Retrievers shed year-round, but they shed the most during the spring and fall when they are “blowing out” their coats in preparation for the change in seasons.
You may find tufts of hair around your home or on your clothing during these times – and that’s when allergies are likely to become even worse!
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
The Greek word hypo translates to less than.
When talking about dogs, it means some dogs (hypoallergenic) have less dander than others. Therefore, some dogs will have less of an impact on allergy sufferers.
Let’s take a look at some of the dog allergy myths:
- You can grow out of being allergic to your dog
- Small dogs will not give you any allergies
- A low-quality air purifier helps with dog allergy symptoms
- Food allergies are more serious than being allergic to dogs
- People are allergic to dog hair
Unfortunately, these aren’t true. But don’t worry, we have tips below on dealing with dog allergeies so you can hopefully still have a Goldie of your own.
Reducing the Symptoms of Dog Allergies
There are ways to lessen the amount of pet hair produced and distributed around your house -so it’s not all sad news around here. Having a dog allergy doesn’t mean you can never welcome a canine companion into your home.
Here are some ways to reduce dog allergies and cut down the dead skin cells your dog produces:
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air purifier
- Use vent filters
- Bath your dog around once a week to remove dander. Use sensitive skin shampoo to prevent drying of the skin. Brush them afterwards to spread natural skin oils, as these are important.
- Remember that too much bathing is not good for dogs, so skip a week here and there.
- Don’t have carpets in your home. It’s MUCH easier to remove dander and skin flakes from hard floors than carpets.
- Keep your dog out of your bedroom. Yes, pet parents, this means OFF THE BED!
- Let your dog outside every day (weather permitting) and try to get some fresh air in.
- Change your clothes right after you’ve been cuddling your dog.
- Chat with your doctor about medication or alternative treatment for allergies.
- Ask your doctor about immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves getting shots twice a week to desensitize your immune system to the allergen. The shots contain small doses of the allergen.
Allergy Sufferers Beware: Golden Retrievers Shed A Lot!
That’s not a question. It’s true that Golden Retrievers shed fur a lot, which is not good for people with allergies.
People with dog allergies assume they are having an allergic reaction to the dog’s hair, when they are actually allergic to the dander production.
Smaller dog breeds are usually more hypoallergenic than larger dog breeds because they shed less. This is not always the case for every small dog though.
If a dog sheds more often than other breeds, dander falls off more frequently too, and this is where the problem lies.
Curly-coated breeds usually shed more, so keep an eye out for this when choosing a dog.
Dog allergies can also be triggered by the canine’s saliva and urine. A dog’s saliva and urine contain a protein that can cause allergies to go a little NUTS.
This means no more letting your Golden Retriever lick you (or pee on you, which hopefully it doesn’t anyway!).
What is dog dander?
Dog dander refers to little flecks of dead skin from your dog that fall off when it sheds. Sounds gross, right?
Pet dander is found on all dogs, even hairless ones.
If a flea bites your dog, the itchy feeling will make your dog scratch more, and this will lead to more pet dander. A flea collar should prevent this from happening.
Another cause for scratching could be dog food. The dog food you feed your Golden will need to be rich in nutrients to keep their skin and hair follicles healthy. Better food will lead to better fur quality and a happier dog – and if you’re allergic, you’ll be happier too.
Special dog shampoo can help alleviate your dog’s itchy skin and lessen the amount of dander falling off.
Your Goldie’s Saliva Can Trigger Allergies Too
Unfortunately, it’s not just hair and dander we have to look out for. Allergy sufferers must also steer clear of doggy drool.
If you have a dog allergy, what happens when a Golden Retriever licks you?
When your Golden Retriever licks you, your immune system will be alerted and spring into action. It attacks the proteins in the dog’s saliva exactly like will attack a virus such as the flu.
Your body’s first reaction might show as a rash or even hives. In some cases, your skin will be a little itchy and red, but don’t scratch as this will irritate the skin more.
It might seem odd, but you might find that you are not allergic to your own dog’s saliva but allergic to that of other dogs.
How do you know if you are allergic to your dog’s saliva?
Allergy sufferers can get a test done. A simple skin prick test at your local doctor can tell you if you are allergic or not, but you might have already found out the hard way following some kissies from your Goldie.
Are Golden Retrievers Also Bad For Asthma?
Golden Retrievers are not considered hypoallergenic, so aren’t a great choice for people who have asthma.
This is because they shed more than most other dogs and produce a lot of dander. Much like allergies, asthma is likely to be triggered by this, so a Goldie isn’t the best dog breed for those with this condition.
If you have asthma and are considering getting a Golden Retriever, it is important to talk to your doctor first to see what they have to say. It might be better to choose one of the more hypoallergenic dog breeds if you suffer from particularly bad asthma and/or pet allergies.
FAQs
Can someone with allergies have a Golden Retriever?
If you have bad dog allergies, a Golden Retriever is not the best dog breed to have. This doesn’t mean you cannot have one, but you will need to take the necessary steps to avoid frequent allergic reactions.
Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?
No, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs. A Golden Retriever is not a hypoallergenic dog because they suffer from excessive shedding.
They are double-coated, meaning they have a thick outer coat and a softer undercoat. The undercoat is also where most of the shedding occurs.
Do Golden Retrievers shed a lot?
Yes, Golden Retrievers shed a lot. You can expect to find hair all over your house, on your clothes, and even in your food!
If you’re not prepared to deal with this level of shedding, then a Golden Retriever is probably not the right dog for you.
There are ways to minimize the shedding, such as brushing your dog regularly and using special shampoos and conditioners, but you will always have some amount of hair to deal with.
How can I not be allergic to my Golden Retriever?
If you’re allergic to your Golden Retriever but can’t give them up, allergy shots may help lessen your symptoms and make it possible for you to enjoy time with your furry friend.
Keep your dog well-groomed, too. Regular baths and brushing can help reduce the number of allergens that are released into the air, making it easier for you to breathe. Invest in an air purifier. An air purifier can also help remove allergens from the air, making your home more comfortable for you and your dog.
How do I know if I am allergic to my dog?
A sure sign that indicates that you may be allergic to your dog is if you develop hay fever-like symptoms. Wheezing and difficulty breathing are other symptoms that people who are allergic to dogs have experienced.
Your eyes may become watery, red, and itchy as well.
Is it possible to get rid of my dog allergies?
No, it is not possible to get rid of your allergies to dogs.
There are measures that you can take to be able to keep your allergies at bay. These measures include taking over-the-counter antihistamine pills, nasal corticosteroids, and nasal antihistamines.
In some cases, people have taken allergy shots, giving them a long-term solution to coping with the allergies.
Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic? The Verdict
In conclusion, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs and would not make great family pets for people with severe allergies. It is essential to understand that even if you are allergic to dogs, it doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot own one. Just remember that it’s not dog fur people have an allergic reaction to.
A Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
Dog owners can take several steps to minimize the effects of your allergy, such as keeping Golden Retrievers out of their bedroom, changing their clothes after being around them, and bathing them frequently.
Having a furry friend, such as a Golden Retriever, in your home may be possible after all! If you want to learn more about Goldens, such as “how many hours a day do Golden Retrievers sleep?” we have all the answers you need and more.