What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

In general, hypoallergenic dogs are low shedding and less likely to cause allergic reactions than other dogs. No dog, not even Doodles, are guaranteed 100% non-shedding. But Doodles do tend to have curly Coats, inherited from their Poodle parent, and these coats don’t shed much, if at all. Not only does this mean you won’t constantly be brushing hair off your clothes and furniture, it means you are reasonably safe from an allergic reaction. On the other hand, it also means that your Doodle will require a little more brushing and grooming than a dog with a straight coat, to prevent tangles and matting.

What Causes Dog Allergies?

So what exactly causes an allergic reaction to dogs, and why does low shedding help? You may be surprised to learn that if you have a dog allergy, you probably aren’t actually allergic to dog hair, but to what the hair can spread around. The most common issue is actually an allergic reaction to the allergens found in the skin cells of dogs. You may also have a reaction to allergens found in saliva, sweat, or urine. All of these are most easily spread by your dog shedding fur around your home and on you. Because Doodle’s are low-shedding, they are less likely to spread allergens around your home and cause an allergic reaction.

How Can I Reduce The Allergic Impact?

So if Doodles aren’t truly allergen-free, can you still get one? The answer is most likely yes! Unless your reactions are severe, there are steps you can take to reduce the allergic impact and make your life with your Doodle a happy, sniffle-free one. Here are some of our recommendations:

Get a Test

One of the first things you need to do before picking out your Doodle is to understand your allergies. Allergic reactions differ from person to person, so knowing exactly what is causing your issue will help you keep it under control. It will also help you understand the severity of your reactions. This isn’t just a good idea so you can get your Doodle, it is also good for your overall health.

Keep Them Well Groomed

Not only is keeping your Doodle well groomed good for them, it can reduce the impact they have on your allergies. Regular bathing and grooming can reduce the amount of dander that your Doodle accumulates. When grooming, we recommend using a slicker brush or grooming gloves. If this causes issues for your allergies, you should consider having another family member groom your Doodle or take them to a professional groomer. You should also make sure to wash your hands after petting or cuddling with your Doodle.

Don’t Let Them in Your Bed

It can be so tempting to cuddle up with your Doodle at night and let them sleep in your bed, but this is a very bad idea if you have dog allergies. You probably want to keep your Doodle out of your bedroom entirely. This is where your clothes are, where you sleep, and covering these surfaces in allergens will provoke more reactions. You want to be able to have a restful sleep, and sneezing and sniffling constantly is going to interfere with that. Your Doodle will still be happy and healthy if they aren’t allowed into your bedroom and so will you.

Use an Air Filter

Even with regular grooming, you still run the risk of having allergens becoming airborne. To combat this, invest in air filters that can remove the allergen particles from the air. Not only will this reduce the number of reactions you have, it will also improve the quality of air in your home overall. You can use portable filtering machines or special filters for your HVAC system.

Clean Surfaces Regularly

Cleaning your home is important, and if you have dog allergies, cleaning the carpets and any furniture your dog sits on should be at the top of your list. You should wash your Doodle’s bed regularly as well. Not only will your allergies thank you, but you won’t have to worry about weird smells coming from their bed or crate either!

Seek Treatment

In addition to talking to your doctor about testing your allergies, you should look into seeking treatment for your allergies. Modern medicine is full of wonders that can make your life with your Doodle even more comfortable. Just make sure you talk to your doctor before you start any treatments.