Doodles are hypoallergenic dogs. This means that they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions for people who are allergic to dogs. There is a little bit of confusion surrounding hypoallergenic Doodles, however. Here’s some information to help you understand exactly what it means for a dog to be hypoallergenic, and how it can help people with pet allergies.
What is a hypoallergenic dog?
Doodles, such as Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and Bernedoodles, often inherit a non-shedding coat; this is why people refer to Doodles as hypoallergenic. So what exactly does this mean?
The word “hypoallergenic” means that something is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It’s important to recognize that this is different from “nonallergenic”. Claiming that something is “nonallergenic” means that it won’t trigger an allergic response, or allergic reactions are unlikely.
There is no such thing as an nonallergenic dog, Doodle or otherwise.
This is because the actual allergens (the things that cause allergic reactions) are present in every single dog breed. Non-shedding dogs produce allergens. Hairless dogs produce allergens. Dog fur or dog hair aren’t actually allergens.
Dog saliva, urine, and dead skin cells (dander) are what trigger allergic responses for people who have pet allergies.
Can people with pet allergies own a Doodle?
There isn’t an easy answer to this question. The first thing to consider is how severe the allergy is. Pet allergies are not typically deadly, but they can trigger life-threatening reactions, especially if you have respiratory problems.
If your pet allergies are mild, it is possible to own a Doodle without putting yourself at risk. There are some things that you should do to reduce your risk for allergic reactions.
- Talk to an allergist to see if there is a medicine that can help you manage your allergy symptoms.
- Brush your Doodle often. Daily brushing is best, but you should brush your dog at least once a week.
- Keep your Doodle’s coat clipped short. This reduces the amount of dander that gets trapped in your dog’s coat.
- Give your Doodle a bath once a month. This helps remove allergens from your dog’s coat. However, it’s important not to bath your Doodle too often as this can dry out the skin, which produces more pet dander.
- Sweep, dust, and vacuum in your home. Vacuum furniture and curtains, and wash your linens frequently.
- Make the furniture in your home “dog free zones”. This helps reduce the amount of allergens that are present in your home.
- Change your air filters every 60 days if you have indoor pets.
If you decide that a Doodle puppy is right for you, let us help you find the perfect puppy. Take a look at our currently available puppies, and call 501-514-1026, or contact us online, for more information about our Doodle puppies for sale!