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If you’re wondering if Dalmatians are hypoallergenic, then this joke just about sums it up: What’s black and white and causes pain when it walks into the room? A Dalmatian—at least if you’re an allergy sufferer. Their spotty fur might be pretty, but Dalmatians are high-shedding dogs that can trigger allergies.
If you want to own a Dalmatian and you have allergies, there are ways to reduce allergen exposure. But if your allergies are severe, your best bet is to stick with a different breed.
Dog Allergy Causes
If you’ve got a dog allergy, it’s actually to a specific protein that only dogs produce—the most common proteins are called Can F1, Can F2, and Can F5. These proteins are found in all breeds, so there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. The proteins are found in everything from their skin to their saliva and urine, so you can’t really avoid them.
However, dogs that shed less will often trigger reactions less often, and some dogs produce less protein than others. That means that sometimes, you might find that two identical dogs give you very different reactions.
Can F5: The Male Dog Allergy
Most proteins are produced by male and female dogs, but there is one exception. Can F5 is a protein that is only produced by males. Neutered males make less Can F5 than non-neutered males. This means that if you’re reactive to lots of different allergens, males probably will make your allergies worse than females.
But it goes beyond that—according to some studies, as much as 30% of people with dog allergies only react to Can F5.1 If you’re one of those 30%, you’ll be able to pet a female dog with no problem, but as soon as you touch a male dog, especially one that hasn’t been neutered, you’ll notice.
Does Short Hair Matter?
You might think that the short, sleek coats of a Dalmatian are a good sign, and big, fluffy dogs are the ones that set off allergies like crazy. But that’s a common myth. Dalmatians are actually very high shedding. They have a two-layer coat that will get everywhere! The dogs that shed the least are actually curly-coated breeds that only have one layer of fur. That means that if you’re really worried about allergies, you will likely react to a Dalmatian.
Dalmatians aren’t the best for allergy sufferers, but if you’ve always dreamed of owning one, don’t give up just yet. Speak to your allergy doctor about ways to minimize your signs and symptoms. You might be able to put in a little extra work to help reduce allergens in your space, especially if your allergies are pretty mild.
1. Go for a Female
Not only do female dogs only produce two of the three major allergens, but they actually produce fewer allergy proteins overall.2 Even though there’s some randomness associated with dog allergies, you’ll likely see less severe reactions to a female.
2. Meet Her First
Allergies aren’t created equal. If possible, do a meet and greet before you adopt your dog to see how you react. If you’re adopting a puppy, try to meet its parents, too, as their allergen levels may change as they age.
3. Find a Safe Space
Cuddles in bed are nice—but not if you care about your health. Consider limiting your dog to the main floor of your home or making the bedroom off-limits. You can also try to keep your dog off the furniture. All of these changes will help you limit the amount of allergens you contact every day.
4. Make Vacuums Man’s Best Friend
It’s obvious, but dander and hair accumulating everywhere is a recipe for allergy attacks. Dusting and vacuuming as often as possible can help your home stay dander-free so that you don’t notice your allergies.
5. Wash Your Hands
Whenever you interact with your dog, wash up ASAP. That will get any allergens and irritants off your skin quickly and prevent you from spreading allergens to your eyes or mouth.
6. Groom Extra
Grooming is a quick, easy way to trap any shed hair before it can get to you. Dalmatians might not have long hair that gets tangled if you don’t brush it, but they still can benefit from frequent brushing, especially if you have allergies.
Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, regular bathing can help reduce the amount of dander and other allergens in their fur and the air. We highly recommend Hepper's Oatmeal Pet Shampoo for this job!
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7. Get an Air Filter
HEPA air filters clean up your air quality in general, but they are especially great if you’re trying to get rid of floating allergens before they find your face. Your house will be safer and cleaner with hardly any work on your part.
Conclusion
Dalmatians aren’t the best choice for allergy sufferers, but a determined owner may be able to make it work. Some dogs will cause less of an allergic reaction than others, and there are lots of ways you can minimize allergen buildup in your living space to reduce symptoms. Speak to your doctor or allergy specialist about how to alleviate your allergies.
- Related Read: How Much Does a Dalmatian Shed? Care and Grooming Advice
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
