Last Updated on December 8, 2021 by Ana P.
Allergies are very common health problems and many owners seek for hypoallergenic dogs to cope with them, so the question is posed – are American Bulldogs hypoallergenic? A hypoallergenic dog is a great option if you’re looking to buy or adopt but you’re struggling with allergies! Hypoallergenic dogs usually cause very little if any allergic reactions!
Are American Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, American Bulldogs aren’t hypoallergenic dogs.
Even though they’re relatively short-haired and don’t shed that much (which is why many wonders if the Bulldog is hypoallergenic), they’re still not hypoallergenic. Some Bulldogs, although not the American breed, drool a lot, which is another way to spread allergies. These dogs have very wrinkled faces, traditionally, and these wrinkles are a safe haven for allergens. However, even if you cleaned your Bulldog thoroughly very often, your dog would still release allergens. These allergens would irritate your allergies, so avoiding American Bulldogs might be the best option if you’re allergic to dogs!
Pet Allergies – Definition And Management.
Just how a person can be allergic to nuts, corn, or turkey, you can also be allergic to certain animals. Some people are allergic to dogs, which is why they can’t be close to them. Almost all animals in the world produce allergens and dogs are definitely on that list.
You can find allergens, which are essentially proteins, in the saliva, urine, hair, and dander of your dog. Some owners believe in the misconception that owning a dog with short hair is a solution to this problem. This is incorrect, as many short-haired dogs can still spread allergens!
Different allergies advance to different levels. This is why some people experience mild sniffling when they’re near dogs, while others have a strong and dangerous allergic reaction. Having the sniffles, having trouble breathing, feeling pain in your chest, crying, and developing redness and itching in the eyes are all symptoms of an allergic reaction. In some cases, the person will also develop a rash!
These symptoms can advance very quickly, causing the person having them to have trouble breathing and speaking. If this is the case, medical care is needed urgently.
If you’re suspecting that you might be allergic to your dog, it’s best to visit your primary physician. Your doctor will either draw blood or perform a skin test to determine whether you have an allergy and if so – which one it is. It’s absolutely imperative to find out whether you are actually allergic because living with a dog without knowing that can leave to serious medical problems down the road!
Managing Your Allergies
Even though this news is difficult to hear, the best way to manage your allergies is to stay away from dogs. However, if you’re insisting on keeping your dog, then you’re going to need to make a few changes to your lifestyle.
If you own a dog despite being allergic, then there are a few things you can do to manage your allergies.
Firstly, groom your dog regularly. Hair is often the biggest problem with dogs and allergies, so bathing and grooming your dog is essential. It’s also important to maintain your personal hygiene! Even though this should be the norm, a lot of people don’t wash their hands after interacting with their dogs.
Just because your dog is clean and groomed doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wash your hands after touching it.
Secondly, keep your dog off your bed, pillows, and furniture. Your dog will leave hair wherever it goes, even if you groomed it. Leaving hair on the same spot you’ll lay your head and breathe will irritate you and kickstart your allergies very easily. It’s also important to keep the dog away from furniture because the allergens are sticky. It’s best to keep the floors and the walls bare because the allergens will stick to absolutely everything!
Lastly, talk to your doctor about using allergy medication. Even though the best option is to steer clear of dogs altogether instead of risking your health, if you’re adamant about spending time with a dog, you could take some medication to help with that.
Tips For Cleaning
A silver lining in all this is the fact that there are many allergic dog owners out there! Here are some of the best tips for cleaning!
- always change and wash your clothes after you’ve been spending a lot of time with your dog
- if you insist on having a carpet, choose a low pile carpet and make sure that you clean it often
- when cleaning your carpet, it’s best to steam it or use rugs you can wash in hot water
- when you’re vacuuming, wear a dust mask (the vacuum will stir the allergens in the air)
- use an air cleaner to remove the allergens from the air, preferably combining it with a filter that’s going to make it more efficient
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Even though no dog is completely hypoallergenic, there are some breeds that cause fewer allergic reactions. There are also hypoallergenic dog breeders, who only breed dogs that can fit your home safely! These are the best dogs for allergies: the Maltese, the Giant and the Standard Schnauzer, the Poodle, the Portuguese and the Spanish Water Dog, as well as the Irish Water Spaniel, are all hypoallergenic.
Based on the experience of allergic dog owners, these breeds cause much fewer allergic reactions. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t have any reaction. Know that it’s still very easy to cause an allergic reaction (especially if you’re very allergic) and the best solution to the whole problem would be staying away from dogs.
To sum up, dogs can cause allergic reactions in humans, and American Bulldogs are no different. The American Bulldog is not a hypoallergenic breed – you’re still susceptible to an allergic reaction if you own an American Bulldog. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, take a look at Schnauzers, Poodles, the Maltese, or the Portuguese Water Dog.
To fend from an allergy, it’s best to avoid dogs completely. However, if you decide to keep your dogs, you’re going to have to make a few lifestyle changes. Mainly, you’re going to need to clean your home and your dog more often, while also keeping your dog out of certain areas.
Find out the Difference Between American Bulldog and English Bulldog.
