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Just because you suffer from allergies doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get to enjoy a four-legged friend. Depending on the situation, dogs for people with allergies exist, and Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital is all about helping people and pets connect!

Pet Allergies and People

Allergies to pets are not uncommon (as many as 10-20% of people have them), but not everyone has been formally diagnosed. You might be allergic to pets if you suffer from allergic symptoms including:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Congestion
• Cough
• Wheezing
• Rash or hives

An allergist can help you to determine if you are actually allergic to dogs. Some people are allergic to pet hair, but you also can be allergic to dander, saliva, or even pet urine. 

Our Favorite Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds 

It is very important to note that there is not really any 100% hypoallergenic dog breed. No matter how carefully you choose, there is a possibility that you will still have allergy symptoms in the presence of your pet. 

We recommend doing your due diligence so that you do not find yourself having to surrender a pet. Arranging a trial run with a rescue or breeder can be very helpful. You may also have to commit to some type of ongoing therapy for yourself such as medications or allergy injections. 

That said, there are some dogs for people with allergies that tend to minimize symptoms. They also tend to fall into the category of dogs that don’t shed. Some of the more allergy-friendly dog breeds include:

• Poodles: Toy, miniature, or standard, the poodle is among one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds. They also tend not to shed very much. It is important to note that the ever-popular “doodle”crosses may or may not be genetically similar enough to the poodle to carry these traits. 
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers: These energetic little terriers tend to be good family dogs, but do require a commitment to grooming and exercise. 
• Portuguese Water Dogs: The PWD is a larger, very active dog well-suited for someone who is willing to provide daily exercise. 
• Bichon Frises: The sweet Bichon is playful and fluffy. They need a lot of attention to grooming but tend to be laid back in general.
• Yorkshire Terriers: The pint-sized little guys tend to have a feisty personality and a haircoat more like that of a person than a dog. 
• Schnauzers: The Schnauzer can make a great family pet. They can also be quite active and need some attention in the grooming department. 

No matter the breed that you choose, you will likely have to do some work to manage your allergies. Using an air filter and cleaning/vacuuming regularly can be very helpful. You might also wish to keep certain areas of your home dog free. Regular bathing can also keep your pet’s allergen production down. 

Let us know if you have questions about dogs for people with allergies. We are happy to help in any way that we can.