is a german shepherd a hypoallergenic dog

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

If you have allergies and are thinking about getting a German Shepherd you may have wondered, are German Shepherds hypoallergenic? This article will answer that question as well as give you some tips of how to reduce allergens if you have a non-hypoallergenic dog.

So, Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

No, German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. German Shepherds shed year long, but twice a year they blow their coat and shed ever more heavily, which isnt good for people with pet allergies.

If dog fur and dander irritate you, then you may want to consider another dog breed that doesnt shed. If your allergies are not too severe you can try the tips below to reduce the allergens caused by GSD fur.

Reasons Why German Shepherds Are Not Hypoallergenic

Double coat

German Shepherds have thick double coats that shed a year long. In the fall, their double coat grows thicker in anticipation of winter, whereas in the spring, they lose some of that extra protection to keep them cool for the summer.

The spring and fall are known as shedding season, because that is when GSDs blow their coats in accordance with the change of the seasons. During this time, they shed A LOT.

All of this shedding can be bad for someone with allergies because of all the pet dander floating around.

Pet dander

Most allergies are actually caused because of the pet dander not just the shedding. Pet dander can stick to your dogs fur, can get on your hands when you pet your pooch, and can float around in the air.

Normally, people have worse allergies around a dog breed that sheds. This is because as their fur sheds, the dander sticks to the fur, and as the fur floats around the house, the dander is spread everywhere. Thus, dogs that dont shed are usually better for people with allergies.

How To Tell If You Are Allergic To German Shepherds

If you are around a GSD and get symptoms such as running nose, stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing, you may be allergic to dogs. This is more likely to be true if as soon as you leave the animal the symptoms magically disappear.

Some people are only allergic to a specific type of pet, whereas others are allergic to all pets.

Other people may not start off being allergic to dogs but develop an allergic reaction to them over time.

If this is you, there are some things you can do to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home, which will reduce your allergies.

Ways To Reduce Allergies Living With A German Shepherd

Some people who have a really bad allergic reaction to pet dander wont be able to live with a German Shepherd at all. However, others whose allergies arent as bad, could live with a GSD as long as they take certain actions to keep the dander from accumulating too much in the house.

Below are some suggestions to reduce the allergies caused by German Shepherds:

Regular brushing

One of the best things you can do to reduce dog allergies is to brush your GSD regularly. Regular brushing removes all the excess hair that would normally end up floating around the house.

Removing the loose hair also helps to reduce the amount of pet dander on your pet. When brushing your German Shepherd, it is best to brush them outdoors, so that the hair and dander can be released outside instead of in your home.

Under normal conditions, German Shepherds have low maintenance grooming needs. You can brush them once a week or so and they will look excellent. However, during the shedding season, they need to be brushed multiple times a week to keep the hair at bay.

Using a brush that gets the undercoat

Since GSDs have a double coat, one of the best types of brushes for a German Shepherd is one that attacks their undercoat. This is especially important during shedding season, as the undercoat is the culprit to generating all of that excess fur.

Vacuuming often

Another key to reducing allergens is vacuuming very often, especially when your dog is blowing their coat. Investing in a good vacuum for pet hair will do wonders in reducing the pet dander, as many pet vacuums are designed specifically for eliminating pet dander from the carpet.

Normally, I vacuum once a week. However, during the shedding seasons, I have to vacuum two to three times a week to keep up with the excess fur.

Medicine

Some people are able to effectively manage pet allergies with medicine. If you think you are having an allergic reaction to pet dander, see your doctor and get their suggestions for what medication you can take. With an luck, the medication will make you allergy free.

Restrict your GSD to certain areas

Another way of managing dog allergies is to keep your pet out of certain rooms. Since German Shepherds are clingy dogs, this may not be super easy to do, but keeping your GSD out of certain rooms can provide you with a dog-free and allergy-free space to retreat to if needed.

Keep your clothes clean

Another tip for reducing dander is to keep your clothes as clean as possible. When you are around your dog, dog fur and dander sticks to you clothing. Thus, even when you arent around your dog, you could still be experiencing an allergic reaction.

Some people even have clothes that they only wear to do activities with their dog, and then other clothes that they never wear for dog activities.

Reducing the dander on your clothes will keep you from sneezing all day long, even when you arent around your dog.

Invest in an air filtration system

An air filtration system is another great option for reducing the pet dander in your home. These systems filter out the dander and dirt in the air that is known to cause allergies, so there is less of it in your home.

They even make systems specifically designed to handle pet dander, so it is worth a try if you want a GSD but suffer from pet allergies.

Dont let your dog sleep with you

Another big way to reduce allergies is to not let you dog sleep with you. There are varying opinions on whether you should let your dog sleep in your bed, but for allergies it is clear that clear that a dog sleeping with you will have a negative effect on your allergies.

Although it can be hard, it is best never to start the habit of letting your dog get in the bed if you are allergic to them. Invest in a comfy dog bed and they will be just fine.

Final Thoughts

German Shepherds are great dogs, and although they are a wonderful breed, they may not be right for everyone, especially someone who suffers from pet allergies. German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic, and they shed year-round.

If you suffer from milder pet allergies, you may still be able to own a GSD if you follow the tips above to reduce pet dander in your home. Regular brushing, vacuuming, taking medicine, getting an air filtration system, and keeping your clothes clean are all things that can help reduce your allergic reaction.

If you think you may be allergic to German Shepherds, before getting one, try to go around someone elses GSD to see if you present any allergy symptoms. If owning a German Shepherd will be too much for you because of allergies, there are many other great dog breeds that are hypoallergenic for you to consider adding to your family.

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.

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