Are cocker spaniels hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, NO. There aren’t any dogs that are entirely hypoallergenic if you’re looking for one. Dander, fur, and allergens are produced by every dog. Some dogs have a double coat, including cocker spaniels. They shed a little bit, and during the shedding season, they shed even more. Despite the fact that these dogs are adorable and playful, they might not be the right breed for you if you want a dog that is more closely related to hypoallergenic. With that said, if you’re looking for the best dogs for allergies, you might want to learn more about the cocker spaniel.
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What Does A Hypoallergenic Dog Mean?
In comparison to other dogs, some dogs may cause their owners’ allergies to worsen. The American Kennel Club was informed by allergist Dr. Tania Elliott of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology that “somewhere along the line, the fact that a dog didn’t shed became synonymous with the word hypoallergenic.”
Some people may have a specific allergy to dog hair, while others may have a dander or saliva allergy. There are breeds of dogs that are less likely to cause allergies in people, but no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic, by definition, means “less allergic.” Many dogs are mistakenly categorized as hypoallergenic and less likely to cause an allergic reaction in their owner. The majority of the time, dog hair does not cause allergies in people. Dog urine and saliva contain a protein that frequently results in allergic reactions.
What Qualifies A Dog As “Hypoallergenic”?
While no dogs are truly hypoallergenic, dogs that have hair-like coats and minimal pet dander are far less likely to trigger pet-related allergies. It’s impossible to completely eradicate the dander that dogs shed because that dander is (typically) what causes allergies. The tiny amounts of dander from the hypoallergenic coats allow people with mild to moderate allergies to live with them without experiencing daily discomfort. A hypoallergenic dog may still cause allergies if you have severe pet dander sensitivities.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
You will be disappointed to learn that the Cocker Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic breed if you had your heart set on one as your hypoallergenic puppy of choice. In actuality, one of the characteristics that make the Cocker Spaniel such a well-liked breed is its flowing coat. It is a silky, flat, slightly wavy coat that is available in a variety of hues, including black, cream, and deep red. But this gorgeous fur tends to shed much more than the norm, and it needs frequent grooming to stay healthy.
What Signs Would Indicate A Cocker Spaniel Allergy?
Your pet might be the source of any signs or symptoms you experience after being exposed. These symptoms can include skin lesions from scratching, nasal congestion (runny nose), sneezing, wheezing sounds when exhaling that aren’t related to asthma attacks and generalized hives on both sides of the body. Some people have delayed reactions, so the itch may not appear for up to 72 hours after it starts.
Skin itchiness and scratch marks, sudden onset of hives, hay fever symptoms (such as sneezing or itchy eyes), swelling around the lips and eyes, and breathing problems.
When petting a dog for the first time and suspect you might be allergic to him, stop touching him. If any serious reactions are observed as soon as possible, calling 911 is the best course of action! Call 911 right away to get medical help if the problem isn’t too severe at first but quickly gets worse.
Do Cocker Spaniels Have Hair Or Fur?
Some breeds have hair, while others have fur. The shorter, denser hair on the Cocker Spaniel feels much smoother and finer than fur.
Small amounts of dry skin flakes begin to float around your Cocker Spaniel’s environment when she scratches or itches her hair. Dog dander or protein in saliva or urine can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to dogs.
Are Cocker Spaniels Sheep Dogs?
Cocker spaniels are moderately shed throughout the year. As these are regarded as shedding seasons, they do shed more in the fall and spring. Despite this, some claim that their cocker spaniel dog doesn’t shed at all.
How Are Cocker Spaniels For People Who Have Allergies?
The Cocker Spaniel is not a good option for you if you have been tested for dog allergies by your dermatologist or allergist. If you have your heart set on a Cocker Spaniel, ask your doctor about allergy shots to try to desensitize you to the dander, saliva, or urine protein of the breed.
Your immune system kicks into action when certain proteins enter the human body. The majority of allergens don’t cause issues. When they do, it’s because certain proteins cause the immune system to go into overdrive. Histamine is released if the protein is saliva protein or Cocker Spaniel dander.
Your body is protected from danger by histamine. Think of histamine as the anti-hero battling the bad protein. Perhaps you begin to itch, sneeze, get a headache, a runny nose, or develop hives. In severe cases, your throat might swell and your body’s organs might not receive enough blood. An anaphylactic reaction would be this.
If You Have Dog Allergies, Should You Stay Away From Cocker Spaniels?
Not necessarily; every dog is unique, just like every person. Despite claiming to be allergic to dogs as a child, our neighbor next door lived with his wife and an Irish Setter. Somehow, there was no allergic reaction to that dog. He began sniffling because of our smooth-coated Dachshund.
Each Cocker Spaniel has a different amount of skin, dander, and sheds, as well. The results of my survey of nearly 4,000 Cocker Spaniel owners in my Club Cocker Facebook group regarding shedding were intriguing.
The majority of respondents (about 70%) claimed that their Cockers shed little, while the remaining 30% claimed that their Cockers shed a moderate amount. In addition to genetics, diet, hormones, supplements, and the dogs’ general health, shed, dander, and protein all play a significant role in dog health.
Other Hypoallergenic Breeds
Finding a hypoallergenic companion is fortunately easy because there are many breeds to pick from. These breeds include:
- Afghan Hound
- American Hairless Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Giant Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
The impact of the allergens your dog produces can also be lessened in a number of ways. First, make sure to regularly wash the blankets and bed that your pet uses to sleep. Additionally, you should regularly clean your home. Heavy rugs or curtains that can collect dander may be removed.
Keep up with your pet’s grooming as well. This is accurate for both typical and hypoallergenic breeds because it will lessen the amount of dander present. Finally, resist the urge to let your pet join you in bed, no matter how alluring it may be. If you do, the dander causing your allergies to worsen will be all over your bedding.
It can be discouraging for dog lovers to live with a dog allergy, but you can still have a dog despite being sensitive to them. Although hypoallergenic breeds do help to lessen allergic reactions, if your dog allergy is mild, you might be able to own a non-hypoallergenic breed with careful home and pet maintenance. It should be noted that if you have dog allergies, your chances of owning a Cocker Spaniel are not entirely lost.
Conclusion
Cocker Spaniels are a well-liked breed that can fit into many homes, but some people with dog allergies may find their shedding coats and pet dander to be too much. Even though they may not shed as much as a dog that is much bigger would, allergies will likely still be exacerbated by the dander. If you or a member of your household has pet allergies, we advise looking for a dog breed with a hair-like coat that sheds very little or with little dander.