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Named for their butterfly-like features, Papillons are adorable little pocket rockets that make fantastic pets thanks to their outgoing, playful nature and lapdog energy. However, you might wonder if this is the right dog for you if you have allergies. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some breeds are better suited for allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, the Papillon is not hypoallergenic. Read on to learn why other breeds could be a better fit for dog owners with allergies.
Why Aren’t Papillons Hypoallergenic?
The Papillon has a long, gorgeous single coat that, unfortunately, sheds quite a bit. Though they don’t have an undercoat, Papillons shed year-round and experience heavier shedding twice a year. You can expect a Papillon to shed quite a bit more during spring and fall as they prepare their coats for the changing weather.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
It’s a common misconception that pet allergies are triggered by an animal’s hair, fur, or feathers. It’s actually a protein in your pet’s dander that causes most allergies. Dander is the microscopic dead flakes of skin cells your pet naturally sheds, which are infused with natural secretions and microscopic particles from their saliva, urine, and feces. It clings to your pet’s fur, which can then carry other allergens, such as pollen and mold. When the proteins in the dander get into your airways or on your skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction.
What Breeds Are Better Suited for Allergy Sufferers?
As mentioned earlier, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, regardless of breed. However, less allergenic breeds may be better suited for dog owners with allergies. These dogs typically have non-shedding coats that naturally produce less dander.
The following is a short list of some of the best breeds for people with allergies.
- Afghan Hounds
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulears
- Giant Schnauzers
- Maltese Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Poodles
- Portuguese Water dogs
- Xoloitzcuintlis (Mexican Hairless)
What If I Really Want a Papillon?
If you have your heart set on a Papillon, you may still be able to adopt one. However, you need to consider the severity of your allergies. Can you be in the same room as an animal and not have a severe reaction? Or are you sniffling, sneezing, and coughing just in the vicinity of someone with pets in their home?
If your allergies aren’t as severe, there are several things you can do once you bring your Papillon home to reduce your symptoms.
Reduce Your Exposure to the Allergens on Your Pet
- Keep your dog out of your bedroom. You spend 8+ hours a day there, so the less time you breathe in the allergens, the better.
- Keep them off your furniture.
- Brush them outside to keep stray hairs at bay. If your allergies are too severe, you may need someone without allergies to handle this task. Better yet, make a regular appointment with a groomer to have their fluff tended to away from home.
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Reduce Allergen Levels In Your Home
- Wear a mask and gloves whenever you clean.
- When dusting, use a damp, microfiber cloth to catch the allergens to prevent them from returning to the air.
- Wipe down surfaces, baseboards, and walls every week.
- Invest in a high-quality vacuum that can tackle pet fur with ease.
- Choose hardwood or laminate flooring over carpet. Allergens will cling to carpet fibers and make them impossible to remove.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens.
Talk to Your Doctor
- There are allergy tests available to narrow down which proteins you are specifically reactive to and injections to help your immune system learn to cope with them.
- Prescription-strength antihistamines or other medications may be able to help you as well.
- Some people with mild allergies find that they actually decrease over time as they are exposed to the trigger, i.e. your Papillon.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Papillons are not hypoallergenic. If your allergies are severe, you may want to choose one of the other breeds we mentioned above. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, some can be better suited to allergy sufferers than others. Of course, if you have your heart set on adopting a Papillon and your allergies are not too severe, you can live harmoniously with them if you’re willing to reduce the allergens in your home.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Maloverjan, Shutterstock
