Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?
Pomeranians are small dogs with large personalities. It is easy to be captivated by their baby-bear-like appearance and yappy barks. With the right owner, they can be a joy to own. But what about those that are allergic to dogs? Can they experience the delight of owning a Pomeranian? Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?
What makes a dog hypoallergenic?
First thing’s first, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Dogs are mammals; they shed. Shedding fur also means shedding dander. This is what most people with dog allergies are allergic to, dander. Dander is the skin cells shed by mammals. A dog’s skin contains a protein that people are allergic to, found in the dander. People can also be allergic to a dog’s saliva and break out when they come in contact with it.
What dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic?
While Pomeranians are not heavy shedders, they do still shed dander and fur. This makes it impossible for them to be completely hypoallergenic. However, if someone is looking for a more hypoallergenic dog, some breeds shed very little and have less chance of making a person’s allergies flare. A few of these breeds include the Afghan Hound, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, and the Poodle. These dogs are either easy to groom as they have little to no fur, or they are
How do you know if you have a dog allergy?
According to WebMD, dog allergies can present, just like any other allergy. Most often, you may experience coughing, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, or sore throat. As mentioned before, coming in contact with a dog physically could also lead to a rash or hives. People with asthma can have flare-ups of the disease if they have a dog allergy and come in contact with dog dander or saliva. If you see an allergist, there are tests they can run to diagnose your allergy and even treat the symptoms.
Is there a way to make the Pomeranian hypoallergenic?
There are a few ways you can own a Pomeranian even if you have a dog allergy:
Grooming.
Pomeranians have a double coat that is very thick. Brushing them often keeps dander at bay. However, a person with a dog allergy probably should not be grooming a dog. Therefore, it is best for them to take their pom to a groomer every week or two, even just for something as simple as a brushing. Getting a pomeranian bathed regularly would not be a bad idea, either.
Cleaning.
Owning a pomeranian means unavoidable fur in your house. As we learned before, dander attaches to fur, which then causes an allergic reaction. Vacuuming your house regularly can minimize this dander in the environment, therefore minimizing the risk of an allergy flare-up. Carpeting often traps dander, so having wooden or tiled floors may also help keep dander at bay. There are also certain filters made to trap pet dander that floats in the air, which causes upper respiratory allergy reactions.
Medications.
Possibly the easiest way to prevent symptoms from arising due to dog allergies is by taking medications. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec, are easy to obtain as they can be bought over the counter without a prescription. These medications are formulated to block the chemicals within a person’s body that create an allergic reaction. There are other allergy medications that can be used and bought over the counter, such as nasal decongestants, but these tend to treat only the uncomfortable symptoms and do not last very long. Other options include prescription medications from your doctor that can come in either pill or injectable form. Often times, these are created for the individual, making them the most effective allergy treatment.
There are also medications that you may be able to give your dog to reduce the amount of dander they shed. Such medications include omega 3s like fish oil. Of course, these should only be given under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Maintenance.
In order to keep dander and saliva away from you while owning a dog, it may be best to just reduce your exposure. For example, after playing with or petting your dog, immediately wash your hands. In extreme cases, it may best to also change your clothes. Also, it is important to avoid touching your face after petting your dog until you are able to wash your hands.
Avoidance.
This may be the most difficult way of reducing allergy reactions but possibly the most effective. However, avoiding dogs completely sounds like a nightmare to most animal-loving people. Therefore, simple avoidance steps such as not allowing your dog on furniture such as the couch or your bed. These soft places allow the dander to sit and settle in, making it almost impossible to ever remove completely. Designating a special bed for your dog might make this more bearable for both you and your furry friend. It could even be advised that the dog not be allowed in certain rooms, such as your bedroom or home office. This gives you a place of refuge from the annoying allergy symptoms you may experience from coming in contact with dog dander.
So, now that you know Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic do you still want to own one? Pomeranians have strong personalities. Their size may make them great lap dogs, but they also have an abundance of strong, playful energy. They make wonderful pets. Just because you have a dog allergy does not mean you should not own a pomeranian! Your allergies can be managed in several different ways, and you can have a wonderful relationship with your pom.
Sources:
https://doggowner.com/are-pomeranians-hypoallergenic/
https://www.dogster.com/small-dog-breeds/small-hypoallergenic-dogs
https://pomeranian.org/pomeranians-hypoallergenic/
