Dreaming of getting an English Doodle but worried that allergies would get in the way? If so, this article will answer are English Doodles hypoallergenic and what exactly hypoallergenic means.
English Doodles may not be 100% hypoallergenic but are among the best choices for allergy-friendly dogs. They hold the traits of being more anti-allergen like low-shedding, which is one reason for allergens’ spreading.
Let’s first understand the definition of the term hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic means it is less likely to cause any allergic reactions. The name Hypoallergenic was first coined in 1953 during a cosmetics campaign. This term also refers to dog breeds that are likely to cause fewer allergic reactions. Doodles are already assumed hypoallergenic since they inherit the Poodle gene.
Are English Doodles Hypoallergenic
What makes a hypoallergenic dog? Sadly, there has been no scientific findings to prove that hypoallergenic dog exist. Hence, there is no hypoallergenic dog.
Although, doodles are considered closest to hypoallergenic dogs due to their nature of low-shedding or light- shedding. English doodles have three primary coats- curly, wavy, straight. As reported, dogs with long curly/wavy coat tend to shed less since it’s coat resembles a Poodle.
Less shedding makes the dander and saliva stay implanted within the fluff, not allowing the particles to release into the air. This way, the person is not exposed to such particles, causing little or no allergic reaction.
According to research, First-generation backcross(F1b) English doodles tend to shed less than others. It is because of breeding first generation doodle with a purebred poodle ( 75% poodle and 25% retriever). Hence, for people with severe allergies, F1b English doodles are the best option to consider.
For people with average or low allergies, First generation (F1) English doodles are perfect. In the first-generation, breeding happens between a purebred poodle and a purebred golden retriever (50%), resulting in more open coats. F1 doodles tend to shed more due to variation in the furs. Despite being known as low-shedders, English doodles are each dog’s hair quality, which will justify how hypoallergenic it is.
Pet Allergy
To get more insights into how dogs can trigger allergens, one needs to understand a pet allergy. Like various kinds of allergies that exist, pet allergy is also something that can happen to people. Pet allergy is nothing but an allergic reaction to proteins which are found in an animal’s urine, saliva, or skin cells. The different breed produces different dander, so there are chances to be more allergic towards individual dogs.
Symptoms of pet allergy can be fever, sneezing, running nose, rashes, swelling, or severe asthma. Children with pet allergies develop eczema, painful inflammation of the skin. Pet allergies are most commonly associated with dogs and cats. If someone is going through such signs, the best way is to stay away from the animal and take prescribed medication.
How Do Dogs Instigate Allergies?
Many people tend to associate dog hair with their allergies, which is partially true. It is the dust or dander accumulated in the hair that may trigger the reaction.
Even hairless dogs can trigger allergic reactions because all dog produces dander. People with pet allergies have sensitive immune systems. So when they come in contact with dander, saliva, or urine, their bodies overreact, causing signs of allergies.
Minimize Allergies Caused by English Doodles
Learning that English doodles aren’t technically hypoallergenic, if the determination of having one still prevails, one should take certain precautions-
Bathing
Researchers have said that frequently bathing dogs would reduce allergen-related protein in the dog’s hair. However, protein expression levels play a vital role in allergic reactions and not only the amount of shedding. Bathing will also help in reducing the amount of airborne allergen.
So, it is advisable to bathe the dog at least twice a week for better progress. Usage of shedding control shampoo and dog wipes are a must for the most effective bathing sessions.
Brushing
Although bathing the dog is an excellent initiative to minimize allergies, brushing the dog’s hair is more recommended. Brushing the coat will extract dirt, dust mites, loose hair, dander, and other irritants from the hair. Brushing also prevents matting the dog’s fur, which produces more dander.
Brushing also helps in the distribution of skin oil around the dog’s body, which is healthy. It is preferable to brush the dog daily to avoid shedding. One can invest in good brushes for faster results.
Get a Haircut
It is not new that the English doodle’s hair never stops growing, resulting in more collection of allergens. Hence, it is essential to get a haircut whenever necessary.
Frequent Cleaning
Make sure the house is regularly cleaned and vacuumed with air filters to discard allergens around the surroundings. Thoroughly clean the cushions, carpets, curtains in the house since allergens are attracted to fabrics. Restriction of the dog in individual rooms of the house can also help prevent the spread of allergen. Many people find their allergies are worse during night time and early morning. If that’s the case, keep the room dog-free.
Note: Try to avoid grooming the dog around the house surroundings so that the allergens can stay away.
Apart from all these steps, specific individuals have reported that continuous exposure with the dog in the same environment may help the person be more tolerant. Allergy shots are also available in the market to inject the dogs, but it is best to keep them away.
Size Matters
A recent discovery shows that even the dog’s size plays a role in determining it’s hypoallergenic type. According to this finding, smaller dogs will leave fewer environmental pollutants after coming back from the outdoors.
The theory behind it is that being small in size. Their body would bring in limited allergens. In comparison, the larger sized dogs will bring in more outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold.
Conclusion – Are English Doodles Hypoallergenic?
Hopefully, this article has contributed to giving more details about what hypoallergenic is and why English doodles fit into the list of being one of the more allergy-friendly dogs one can have.
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