Hypoallergenic Pitbulls and Everything You Need to Know!

Are your Pitbull gives you sneezing and watery eyes? As a pet parent, this may lead to much concern on your end. Maybe, you think that your pooch is hypoallergenic. But, are Pitbulls really hypoallergenic?

Here we will guide you about this health condition of your doggy. We will give you information and everything that you need to know about this hypoallergenic Pitbulls. To start with let us first answer what a hypoallergenic dog is. This way we clearly understand if Pitbulls are really hypoallergenic.

What are hypoallergenic dogs?

Hypoallergenic dogs are excellent for those who suffers from hypersensitivity reactions. It is because of their shedding manner. This way it is very unusual for them to bring an allergy to their owners. But, did you know that hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist? Primarily because a Pit’s saliva and skin can potentiate an allergic event in sensitive individuals.

Must Read: How to train a pitbull puppy not to bite

The best advice for all those dog lovers out there who suffer from pet allergies is to consult their doctors advice before choosing and getting a pet. Hypoallergenic Pitbulls have lots of strains as your pet selection. Unfortunately, mixed breeds generally dominate canine shelters nowadays, so there is somehow difficult to identify if those pooch are hypoallergenic.

Moreover, no single canine is free to produce a hypersensitivity reaction. But, a variety of dog strains work better with hypersensitive individuals. There can be easily identifiable like having a non-shedding coat which is usually danderless. It is said that dander, which is commonly seen on pet hair, is the primary cause of pet allergies in humans.

It is widely believed that hypoallergenic dogs have a lesser potential to arouse an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. In a study, an estimated value of 20 up to 30% of individuals that suffer from asthma are also believed to suffer from hypersensitivity to pets. Do not adopt a pet at home if a family member has hypersensitivity to pets. This may also ruin your health. However, there are a few dog strains that are unusual to produce a hypersensitivity reaction. It’s a bright idea to familiarize yourself with these so-called hypoallergenic strains. Is Pitbulls one of those who are free to produce hypersensitivity?

What are the hypoallergenic dog breeds?

Just like what we say, no single dog is allergen free. However, still in doubt if your Pitbull is hypoallergenic? Well, here we give you the list of dog strains that work well for allergy sufferers.

1. Afghan Hound

This hypoallergenic dog breed are known for being honored. Regular exercise and self-care are very vital for Afghan Hound. Their bathing an brushing should be scheduled for at least two-times per week.

2. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is known to be an active, sociable, and a smart furry buddy. Because they just require a little exercise, this hypoallergenic dog breed works better with the kids and is also good for city travellers. Just a regular walk in the park and indoor playin will do for them. American Hairless Terrier also needs regular bathing and nail trimming.

3. Bedlington Terrier

A very delicate and admirable breed, the Bedlington Terrier is easily noticeable because of its curly coat that looks like that of a lamb. This hypoallergenic dog breed doesn’t need vigorous exercising routine. Just a regular playing habit and daily walking works well for this pooch.

4. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise had an innate gentleness, jolly, loves playing and lots of activities. However, they seldom shed even if their hair grows more often. So regular grooming is a must for this doggy. This is very vital pto them to prevent mats.

5. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested is a very attentive dogs that always like to run around. They crave on having friendship with everyone. These dogs are small built and very fine in the house with children. They generally shed from less to no hair at all.

6. Coton de Tulear

This dog is also a mini-body built dog. Usually they are jolly, willing to please, and reliable. They mingles well with every dog and people. They require regular grooming because of their long coat.

7. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is intelligent and had the behavior of making territory. They are naturally feeling protective of its family. This hypoallergenic dog breed requires much exercising routines and are very fond doing tasks. They generally require regular grooming as well.

8. Irish Water Spaniel

This breed is a tough and a smart type of dog. Among the spaniel type, they are the joker ones. They are playful and always on the go, that’s why they need daily exercise. Their double coat that is water-repellent requires brushing schedule of every few weeks.

9. Kerry Blue Terrier

This hypoallergenic dog breed is fun to be with. Kerry Blue Terrier enjoys being part of a family where exercising is a habit. They have coats that need everyday brushing and hair cutting.

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo is a jolly type of dog. They have tons of energy and they really need plenty of activity. This breed is compassionate and loyal to their owners. They have a similar coat with that of a Poodle. That’s why they require cutting of coat and brushing everyday to prevent mats.

11. Maltese

They are little in body built but they are known for their braveness and naughtiness. The Maltese have lengthy, silky white hair that needs to be brushed everyday to avoid mats.

12. Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer has an innate defending behavior that makes it a great watchdog. This strain is intelligent and jolly. They adapts well to various living places. Their coating that is usually in double layer needs clipping.

13. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)

Peruvian Inca Orchid separate its strains into two: the hairless type as well as the coated. The first type is good for those who suffers from hypersensitivity. They also have three different sizes: the small, medium, and large. This hypoallergenic dog breed is trustworthy and always defend its family. They also require to be energized which they need regular activity. However, their personal cleaning need is just minimal.

14. Poodle

Standard, Miniature, and Toy, these are the sizes of Poodle. The breed is known for being intelligent and responsive. Because of this, they need daily exercise. Their unique coat requires regular grooming professionally.

15. Portuguese Water Dog

This dog type is an athletic one. They need vigorous daily exercise and would do best with a very active family. This strain is a smart and reliable worker. With a waterproof coat, they require regular maintenance.

16. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

This jolly dog is responsive and thus needs lots of everyday exercise. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier copes well to different areas of living. They work better with kids. Having a satin, gentle coat they need personal cleaning everyday to avoid mats.

17. Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog is an active and determined dog. They defensive in nature. This strain is well energized that does best with a family that is very active. They just need a little personal cleaning maintenance for their curly coat. For an annual schedule their hair should be trimmed down, however, brushing is not a must for this doggy.

18. Standard Schnauzer

This doggy family is very approachable and compassionate type. They has this behavior of being loveable for others. They are very sporty that need exercise on a daily basis. Everyday brushing is needed for their beard and hair on the leg area to avoid mats.

19. Xoloitzcuintli

Compared to Poodle, they also have three sizes: the toy, miniature, and standard size. A hairless and the coated doggo also run in their family. The hairless Xoloitzcuintli has a tough and skin that is very defensive for outside sources. On the other hand, the coated type has a flattened coat. They’re relax and alert. They have moderate exercise routines and minimum personal cleaning requirements.

Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?

As we say, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. So Are Pit Bulls hypoallergenic?However, there are some individual dogs that may potentiate fewer allergy symptoms than others. Many people think that pet allergies are due to their Pitbull’s fur. But keep in mind that the real source of pet allergies come from a protein that’s in the saliva and urine of your pooch. This protein is said to sticks to the dander from your canine’s skin.

Moreover, there are some dog breeds that are considered as hypoallergenic. The reason for this is that they shed minimally or sometimes don’t. These dogs don’t actually trim their fur, that’s why the flakes that usually produces allergy stays to their fur and doesn’t falls down onto the floor like with that of a dog that regularly shed. But while you may have less dog hair with a non shedding dog, the fact is there still no dog strain that is free to produce allergy.

What are the Causes?

Allergies normally arise when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, dust or pet hair.
The immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unknown substances that commonly make you get sickness or cause an infection. Having allergies, the immune system makes antibodies that identify the specific allergen as it may cause harm.
Being in contact with the allergen makes the immune system creates inflammation of the nasal passages or lung airways. Overexposure to these foreign substance may create inflammation of the airway that is commonly related to asthma.
Allergens coming from Pitbulls are generally found in their dander, as well as in their saliva, urine and sweat, and on their fur. Dander is a number one problem as it is small enough and can stay as airborne over periods of time. It also sticks easily in the furniture and onto your clothes.
Your Pitbull’s saliva can also stick to carpets, bedding, curtains and clothing. When saliva dries up, it becomes airborne as well.
Moreover, hypoallergenic dogs may shed less fur than the shedding types, but again there is no breed that can truly produce no allergy.

Risk factors

Allergies from a furry friend like dogs are very common. However, it is believed that you’re very much prone to develop a pet allergy if allergies or asthma already runs in your family. Exposure to dogs at an early age may help you avoid hypersensitivity from this furry creature. There are also studies which reveal that kids who have a dog during their first year of age may have a greater chance to develop immunity to infections in the childhood stage than those who don’t have a dog at home at that age.

Complications

Being allergic to dogs may lead to the following complications:

Sinus infections

Chronic inflammation of tissues of the nose passages brought by hypersensitivity to dogs can block the empty cavities directed to your sinuses. These blockage may make you prone to bacterial infections most likely sinusitis.

Asthma

Often times, individuals who have asthma and dog allergy at the same time finds it difficult to control symptoms of asthma attack. Because of this, the risk of having an attack from asthma needs prompt medical attention.

Diagnosis

Dog allergy can be comparable depending on its symptoms, nose examination, and an immediate and precise response on doctor’s medical questions. To assess the condition of the lining of your nose, the physician may use a lighted instrument. A swollen or pale or bluish appearance of the lining of your nasal passage is an indication of a dog allergy.

Allergy skin test

An allergy skin test determines the precise source of the allergen. Consult a specialist or allergist prior to subjecting to this test. This test works by using small amounts of allergen extract with an animal proteins. The extract will then be pricked into the skin on the forearm area or on the upper back.

Within 15 minutes, the doctor will look for any signs of hypersensitivity reaction. However, one may experience redness and itchiness of the skin as an adverse effect of this test. These side effects usually diminish within 30 minutes.

Blood test

There are some limitations in using a skin test in determining a hypersensitivity on pet. This is because of the presence of a skin condition or because of interactions with certain medications. As an alternative, the physician may go for a blood test that examines your blood for a certain antibodies that may cause allergy. This test may also indicate how sensitive you are to an allergen.

Reducing Dog Allergens

There are a number of ways that you can do in considering to choose a hypoallergenic pooch. Considering this simple tips may help you to have a furry buddy even if you are sensitivity reactions to it.

· Go for tiny pooch:

It is believed that the bigger the body built of the dog, the more allergy-causing hair it will cut off. Having a smaller dog means that there is minimal proteins that produces allergy are being spread out into your home. This will also limit the possibility for allergy symptoms from occurring.

· Bathe your pooch on a weekly basis:

It is recommended to bathe your doggy at least once a week. This will help remove dander and other possible allergens from your Pitbull’s coat. It will also lessen the possibility of your furry friend tracking them inside your home.

· A space for your pooch:

Look for a specific place for your doggy. Better to stick with it as much as possible. Deciding to put your pooch inside your home will limit their time outside. This will also cut down the amount of allergens they may track inside. Choosing your pooch to be an outdoor dog needs you to ensure that you give him a good bath, or at least wipe them down with a wet cloth. Better do this before you bring them inside for the night.

· Keep them off of furniture:

Banish your Pitbull inside your bedroom. Never let them onto your furniture. Rather, give your pooch a dog bed for them to lounge around in. Consider using a plastic-coated beanbag, which you can shake off outdoors every few days. Like the bedding in your bedroom, a dog bed tends to build-up and retain dander. Wash it in hot water at least once a week.

· Clean your floors often:

It is a bright idea that you clean your floors often. Sanitizing your floor is also an excellent choice. You must shampoo your carpet every 4-6 months, especially if your Pitbulls sleeps inside. If you have hard floors, such as tile or wood, you should consider using a steam mop to sanitize your floors at least once a month.

· Purify your indoor air:

Dander from your Pits and many other allergens are commonly distributed through the air. Fortunately, there are available air purifiers for pet dander. Try to use one of these air purifiers in order to reduce airborne allergens. It will also prevent an allergic reaction from occurring.

Treatment

The first line of treatment for controlling dog allergy is avoiding the allergy-causing animal as much as possible. You generally should expect to have allergic reactions that are less often or less severe. Especially, when you start to minimize your exposure to pet allergens. It’s very difficult to eliminate your exposure to animal allergens completely. Even if you are not a pet owner or a dog lover, you may unexpectedly encounter pet allergens transported on other people’s clothes.

To control the symptoms of your dog allergies, you may need some medications in addition to those preventing tips

1. Allergy medications

A physician may prescribe you to take one of the following medications to improve nasal allergy symptoms:

Antihistamines. Antihistamines generally decrease the activation of a substance that is responsible for an allergic response. They also help relieve itchiness of the nose. However antihistamine medications that may be given by a doctor in the form of nose spray are azelastine and olopatadine. Furthermore, over-the-counter (OTC) tablets like fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetirizine are also available in the market. There are also syrup forms sold in the market.You may also look for other antihistamine options as prescription tablets like levocetirizine and desloratadine.
Corticosteroids. Nasal spray having corticosteroids as an active ingredient decrease symptoms of allergy including inflammation. Corticosteroids nasal spray include mometasone furoate, triamcinolone, and ciclesonide. These antihistamine dosage form may cater drugs with small doses thus producing a less potential of having side effects compared to oral medications.
Decongestants. Moreover, there are also medications like the decongestants which decrease the inflammation of the passages of the nose. Because of this action, it helps to breathe easily through the nose. However, combination of antihistamine with a decongestant in an OTC tablet is also available. On the other hand, decongestants that are taken orally rise up the blood pressure. Moreover, nasal spray over-the-counter decongestants alleviate symptoms related to hypersensitivity reactions. But, be cautious of using this product for as long as three days of continuous use as it may trigger congestion.
Leukotriene modifiers. There are the leukotriene modifiers which block the action of specific substance that acts in the immune system. A tablet is given by a physician such as Montelukast in case antihistamines or corticosteroids won’t work. But, it may produce side effects including infection of the respiratory tract.

2. Other treatment

Immunotherapy

In immunotherapy, you can create your immune system not to respond to an allergen sensitively. Allergy shots are given to make immunotherapy effective. These shots for one to two weeks introduce you to little doses of allergy-producing protein from an animal.

A schedule of shots with a minimum of four months and a maximum of 6 months is taken to shoot up the dose little-by-little. Moreover, you maintenance shots is required to be taken in a schedule of every four weeks within the three to five year basis. Likewise, immunotherapy is usually an alternative when other simple treatments aren’t effective.

Nasal irrigation

This treatment usually works by flushing the mucus and nasal irritants from your sinuses. By using a neti pot or a squeeze bottle with a saltwater or saline solution, the nasal passage is rinse-off. Furthermore, if you want to use your own saline solution, a water that’s contaminant-free like distilled is recommended. Make sure that you wash the irrigation device after using with contaminant-free water. Afterwards, open and dry it on the air.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The best remedy for dog allergy is avoiding your exposure to this four-legged animal. However, this may doesn’t sound like a good option for most pet owners as the family members are often have an attaching relationship to their pets. Better ask your physician about the plan of decreasing your susceptibility to Pitbulls, instead of looking for a new area, location or room of your pooch. This could be more sufficient in treating your dog allergy.

All dogs would be hypoallergenic and not create any allergy symptoms. But choosing a hypoallergenic dog and consider this advice, you and your furry friend will share an excellent bond and life together.