are there hypoallergenic german shepherds

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic? Facts & Allergy Care Tips

Hypoallergenic dogs are supposed to be suitable for allergy sufferers. Usually, dogs that do not shed much are described as hypoallergenic. By this definition,German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. However, the term hypoallergenic is quite misleading, as we will discuss in this article.

German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic by any means, but you cant say that any breed is completely hypoallergenic.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Many people assume that since some dogs do not shed much hair, the hair will not bother those with allergies. However, it is not the hair that affects those with allergies.

Instead, theyre bothered by the saliva and skin of the dog. Since there is no saliva- and skin-less dog, there is no hypoallergenic dog either. All dogs with saliva and skin will bother those with allergies. Its the proteins of the dog, not the dogs hair.

Therefore, getting any dog labeled as hypoallergenic wont work for someone with a severe allergy. However, dogs that shed a lot release more saliva and skin cells into the air. The loose hair works as a transport for all the proteins that cause allergies, like those on dead skin cells.

Therefore, heavy shedders can be harder to tolerate for allergy sufferers. However, that doesnt mean that low-shedding dogs will not cause allergies.

The Type of Allergy Matters

Even if youre allergic to dogs, you may be able to own a German Shepherd with little to no reaction. Research has shown that the type of dog allergy you have matters. Some dogs do not have the same proteins as others. Therefore, if youre only allergic to a specific protein, you may be able to get a dog that doesnt have that protein.

Recent research shows that only intact male dogs create the protein called Can f 5. Therefore, if you are allergic to it, you can get a female German Shepherd. Six different proteins can cause reactions in people with dog allergies. Can f 5 is only made in a males prostate gland.

However, the allergy affects only 30% of those with dog allergies.

The 7 Ways to Manage Allergies

Suppose you are still set on keeping a German Shepherd even though you have dog allergies. There are a few things you can do to prevent an allergic reaction.

1. Use Air Cleaners

A high-efficiency particulate air cleaner can remove allergens from the air, which can significantly reduce your allergic response. While any air filter will likely work, a HEPA filter usually works the best. You can find vacuums with HEPA filters, which can reduce the amount of dander that has built-up around your home.

Usually, those with allergies react to the dander in the air. Because a HEPA filter reduces the dander, it can also reduce the number of reactions.

2. Have Pet-Free Areas

The dogs dander will accumulate in the places where your pet spends the most time. Therefore, if you restrict your dog to certain areas, you can also control where the dander is to some extent. For instance, we recommend keeping your dog out of your bedroom.

You spend a lot of time in your bedroom, so reducing the number of allergens in your bedroom can significantly limit the number of allergic reactions you experience.Furthermore, if there is little to no dander in your room, youll be able to sleep much better.

You wont have allergic reactions in the middle of the night when youre trying to sleep.You should also keep your dog off the furniture. Instead, limit your dogs sleeping to a specific pet area, like the dog bed.

German Shepherds are a very trainable breed, so it should be easy to train them to avoid specific areas.

3. Regular Grooming

When it comes to a German Shepherd, you will need someone else to take over the grooming. It is essential to brush the German Shepherd every day. Awell-groomed dog wont have as much dander to lose, which can further reduce the number of reactions you have.

For monthly baths, use a good shampoo that is designed to moisturize their skin. Dry skin will result in more dander, which can cause more reactions. A well-groomed dog will leave much less dander and fur lying around.

4. Medication

There are also several medications you can take to reduce your allergy response.

Here is a list of some of the most common dog allergy medications:

• These medications block the production of histamines, which is the chemical response that causes allergic reactions. For example, histamines cause itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
• These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, which may swell when interacting with dog hair. However, they are not safe for everyone. Those with underlying conditions should not take it.
• These are steroids that reduce some allergy symptoms, like inflammation.
• Leukotriene modifiers. This medication will need to be prescribed by your doctor. It affects your immune response at its source, blocking your immune system from attacking the dog protein.

In some cases, immunotherapy may be an option. However, it usually takes quite a while and is very time-consuming. It is a permanent fix to the allergy, however. Depending on how badly you want a German Shepherd, it may be worth it.

Usually, it involves having an injection every 2 to 4 weeks for a few years. Each injection contains a small amount of the allergen. The point is to slowly get your body used to the allergen, eventually lessening or even getting rid of your allergies altogether.

5. Get Rid of the Carpet

Carpets absorb dirt, debris, and pet dander. Therefore, you may want to remove the carpet in your home since it can increase the number of allergens in your air. Installing hardwood floors can reduce the number of allergens, especially if youre using HEPA filters and high-quality vacuums. When cleaning your floors, wear a mask to prevent air particles from flying up into your face and causing problems.

Pet dander can also stick to blankets and rugs, so be sure to clean them often. Everything should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week to reduce the pet dander.

6. Have Pet-Specific Clothing

When you interact with your pet, wear pet-specific clothing. It can be as simple as something you put on over your clothes, which will prevent them from getting dirty and covered with pet dander.

Be careful when washing your pets clothes. You dont want to end up with dander all over your clothes, so be sure to wash your pets clothes separately.

7. Wash Your Hands Often

Its best to wash your hands whenever you touch something with a pet-dander on it. Allergic reactions usually arent apparent until you get dander on your face, which can occur by touching your face with a dander-infected hand. If you wash your hands frequently, you can avoid it. Also, avoid touching your face when you havent washed your hands.

If youve rolled around on the ground with your dog, you may want to take a quick shower. It isnt always necessary for every interaction, but it can be helpful whenever you have been heavily exposed to dander.

Are German Shepherds the right choice for those with allergies?

While there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, German Shepherds are not particularly good pets for those with allergies. They have a double coat, which means they shed far more than most dogs. They also produce a lot of dander.

Can German Shepherd hybrids be hypoallergenic?

Some German Shepherd hybrids may not shed as much as a purebred German Shepherd. For instance, a German Shepherd-Poodle mix may not produce as much loose hair, helping those with allergens. However, they will still produce proteins, which is the real source of the allergic reaction. Therefore, they will still cause reactions in those with allergies.

However, the major problem with mixes is that you never know exactly what you will get. Sometimes, you may get a dog that doesnt shed at all, but other mixes shed just as much as a German Shepherd. Since you cant predict how a mixed breed will turn out, they usually dont make excellent dogs for those with allergies.

Pet breeders or websites that promote hypoallergenic German Shepherd mixes are misleading. Yes, some dogs from a particular mixed breed may shed less. However, they will all still produce dander, and there is no way a breeder can predict which puppies will shed and which wont.

Furthermore, dogs shed according to the seasons and their hormones. A dog that sheds very little may suddenly shed a lot when the seasons change.The last thing you want is for your beloved dog to become dangerous for you suddenly. Therefore, it is usually best not to purchase a mixed breed with the assumption that they wont shed. You never know when the dog may start shedding.

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

German Shepherds shed a lot, but they produce about the same amount of dander as similar breeds. Though low-shedding breeds are often labeled as hypoallergenic, all dogs have dander, and they will all cause an allergic reaction.

However, the high-shedding breeds like the German Shepherd tend to spread their dander further. The hair acts as a vehicle for the dander to move around, which can cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers.

Featured Image: New Africa, Shutterstock

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic? (How to Make GSDs More Hypoallergenic)

You can adore dogs and still be allergic to them. What a curse, right? So this may lead you to wonder if there are any hypoallergenic dogs and whether a German shepherd is one of them.

German shepherds arent a hypoallergenic dog breed. Instead, German shepherds are hypoallergenic, meaning if you are prone to suffer from allergies due to pet allergens (the proteins in a dogs dander or saliva), then theres a high chance youll have an allergic reaction when a German shepherd is near.

Hypoallergenic Dogs and Why German Shepherds Are Allergenic

A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that has very little chance of setting off an allergic reaction. So what makes a dog hypoallergenic, and what is it that people are allergic to regarding dogs?

Technically, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, even though people seem to have other ideas. This comes from the fact that some dog breeds are less allergenic or rather more hypoallergenic.

In other words, if you are sensitive and allergy-prone, having a hypoallergenic dog breed is less likely to cause allergic rhinitis, which comes with the symptoms of red, itchy eyes, congestion, or a runny nose, rashes or hives, asthma attacks, sneezing, and/or coughing.

So dogs that arent considered as allergic are those breeds that have non or low-shedding coats that produce less dander. Dander is dead skin cells, which is what people are allergic to, in addition to the proteins found in a dogs saliva. When a dog sheds, this dander is then released into the air around you and what you breathe in.

So, less shedding equals less dander, which equals a lower chance of you experiencing symptoms related to allergic rhinitis.

That brings us to whether or not German shepherds are hypoallergenic.

German shepherds are allergic dogs, not hypoallergenic. This is because these dogs shed a lot! And a lot isnt an underestimation.

As naturally heavy shedders, German shepherds shed the whole year. However, the heaviest sheds happen twice a year. These heavy sheds are during the two to four weeks when fall moves into winter and spring into summer. It can take a German shepherd eight weeks to completely blow its coat.

Thus, with shedding all year round and blowing their coat twice a year, the German shepherd produces a lot of dander, which makes this an allergenic dog theres a high chance the dander from this dog breed will cause you to have an allergic reaction if you are prone to being allergic around dogs.

How to Make German Shepherds More Hypoallergenic

If you have your heart set on a German shepherd but suffer from allergies, then theres great news. There are a few ways you can make your German shepherd more hypoallergenic and decrease the chance of you having an allergy attack. Heres how:

Groom Your Dog More Often

Grooming your German shepherd more often will prevent tufts of loose fur from overtaking your home. Grooming removes loose fur, tangles, and any debris (such as dander) in their coat. This also improves your poochs coat health and makes for a shiny coat.

It is ideal to brush your Shep at least three to four times a week. Using a slicker brush, groom in the direction the fur grows and use short strokes with a firm pressure to ensure the hair doesnt needlessly break or pull out.

Pro tip: if you suffer from allergic rhinitis, get another member in your family to groom your German shepherd or take your pooch to the groomer to reduce the chance of you being exposed to any allergens.

Using Deshedding Products

You can also opt to use a de-shedding product like a shampoo or supplement. A de-shedding shampoo exfoliates and cleanses your dogs coat while encouraging new hair growth, strengthening hair follicles, and removing loose fur. This kind of shampoo also conditions the coat to make it shiny.

A de-shedding supplement nourished your poochs hair and skin with the essential nutrients needed to reduce shedding while improving the overall condition of the coat.

Choose a supplement in liquid, powder, or chew form, and mix this in your dogs meal according to the instructions. Ensure the supplement contains zinc, biotin, omega 3 and 6, and vitamin E for the best results.

While you can safely add the supplement to your dogs meal, ask a groomer, your partner, or your friend to bathe your German shepherd in the de-shedding shampoo.

Change Your Dogs Diet

Another way to help your Shep strengthen their hair follicles to prevent breakage (which may reduce shedding), is to ensure your pooch eats a healthy and balanced diet.

Ensure that the kibble you feed your German shepherd contains high-quality protein sources, with protein listed as the first ingredient on the label. Good sources of protein for a German shepherd are fish, beef, and poultry.

Next, your dog should eat quality carbohydrates, grains, fats, and vegetables. These can be in the form of rice, barley, rolled oats, peas, blueberries, carrots, and omega-3 fatty acids. With the grains, make sure your pooch isnt allergic to gluten.

Clean Daily

Cleaning daily gets rid of the danger that lies on the surfaces in your home. So vacuum your house or the rooms your dog spends time in every day.

You can also use certified asthma and allergy-friendly air cleaner to remove any dog allergens from the air in your home.

Pro tip: Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner that has strong suction capabilities to remove microbes, dust particles, pollen, and pet dander from your home.

Keep Your Dog Away From Your Bedroom

You spend at least a third to half of your life in your bedroom. So keeping your dog away from your sanctuary keeps dander and other pet allergens at bay while you sleep or spend time in your bedroom.

Keep the door to your bedroom closed at all times. And if your pooch had access to your room before you decided on a no access policy, you need to thoroughly clean your bedroom and everything in it to remove any dog allergens.

Teach Your Dog to Walk at Liberty

Another strategy to reduce coming into contact with dander is to train your dog to walk at liberty. This means your German shepherd learns to not come near you or touch you, which at least limits the dander coming into contact with your clothes. You can use a clicker and treats to reward your Shep instead of petting them.

Medication For You

The last strategy is to ask your medical healthcare professional to prescribe antihistamine medication and nasal sprays, allergy shots, or consider other forms of immunotherapy.

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic FAQs

Can you get German shepherds that dont shed?

There isnt a German shepherd that doesnt shed. However, if you cross a German shepherd with a poodle, the doodle may inherit the low-shedding trait from its poodle parent. So a doodle thats part German shepherd may be more hypoallergenic if it doesnt shed a lot.

Do German shepherds shed a lot?

German shepherds are one of the dog breeds that shed a lot. They shed continuously, and they also blow their coats twice a year when the seasons change from winter to spring and summer to fall.

Do German shepherds make you sneeze?

Youll sneeze and exhibit some other symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, hives, and possibly coughing if you are allergic to dog allergens. Even if your allergy alarms didnt go off initially when you got a dog or were around them, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to dogs over time. It is the dogs saliva and dander that you are allergic to, and any dog that sheds a lot will make you sneeze.

Final Thoughts

Knowing which dogs are hypoallergenic and which dogs are allergenic is a good thing if you are allergic to pet allergens. Now you can rather choose a dog breed that is hypoallergenic so you dont have to worry about pet dander and saliva setting off a bout of sneezing, itchy and red eyes, and hives.

However, if you still want a German shepherd, you can make this allergenic dog breed more hypoallergenic by:

• Regularly cleaning your home
• Grooming your dog often (or get a professional dog groomer to do it for you)
• Using de-shedding shampoos and supplements
• Ensuring your dog eats a healthy and balanced diet
• Teaching your German shepherd to walk at liberty
• Keeping your dog away from your bedroom or limiting access
• Asking for immunotherapy solutions or getting antihistamine medication

Good luck!