You are allergic to dogs, but you are longing for the dog of all dogs, a springer spaniel! Are springer spaniels hypoallergenic? No, they are not hypoallergenic. Springer spaniel Shead their coat around twice a year and can shed heavily during that time.
Below is some information about allergies and how it may be possible to make living with your allergy and your springer a reality.
So Are Springer Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
No, Springer Spaniels are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. They have a double coat that sheds moderately to heavily, which can release allergenic dander into the environment.
This dander, along with saliva and urine, can trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to dog allergens.
It’s important to note that while hypoallergenic breeds are less likely to cause allergies, no dog is completely hypoallergenic as all dogs produce some level of allergens.
If you have allergies, it is recommended to spend time with a Springer Spaniel before bringing one into your home to see how you react to their dander and assess your tolerance.
Regular grooming and keeping the living space clean can help minimize allergens, but it may not eliminate them entirely.
What Causes Allergies With Dogs?
Today, dogs are found in the households of about 37%-47% of families. Now that’s quite a few dogs. Of the worldwide population, about 10%-20% are allergic to cats and dogs.
What exactly causes allergies to dogs? Most people think that a dog’s fur or coat causes an allergic reaction to those susceptible. You may think if you get a dog that doesn’t shed much with shorter fur like a Shih Tzu or a poodle, your allergy problems will be non-existent. This is not necessarily true.
One of the true causes of allergies is dander. Dander is an excess of dead skin flakes that are shed from a dog’s body. Dander is also shed from any animal with fur or feathers as well as human beings.
Dog allergies are caused by pet dander alone. A dog’s urine or saliva can also trigger an allergic reaction. This means that no matter how short, long, thick, or fine your dog’s hair is, you are going to have an allergic reaction if you have a dog allergy.
To people without allergies, these triggers do not affect them. You may be affected less severely depending on what breed the dog is, and you may only have mild symptoms from any breed at all. Also, two dogs of the same breed, like springer spaniels, may have different allergen levels. You may have little to no reaction to one and a severe reaction to another.
Symptoms of Allergies
Allergies arise when a person’s immune system is hypersensitive to a particular substance in the environment that is usually harmless to others.
Antibodies are produced by the immune system and will identify an allergen as dangerous, which can affect your airways, sinuses, skin, and even your digestion, in the case of food allergies.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to your spaniel can be: a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and itchy or watery eyes. Hives can also occur when your skin comes in contact with your pup’s saliva or urine.
Why Springer Spaniels Are Not Hypoallergenic
The word hypoallergenic means “designed to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response, as by containing relatively few or no potentially irritating substances,” according to The Oxford Dictionary.
Unfortunately, springer spaniels do contain that irritating substance, dander, and are not hypoallergenic. Some breeds are touted as being a hypoallergenic dog like the Bedlington terrier, the Wheaton terrier, or the Irish water spaniel.
No dog is totally hypoallergenic. Dogs all have dander. Dogs that shed more may cause more of an allergic reaction. Springer spaniels have quite a bit of fur. Because they were bred as working dogs, the spaniel has a double coat of fur. This double coat protects your springer from the elements and makes a waterproof shield.
The double layer coat of the springer spaniel consists of a thick undercoat, which keeps them dry and warm by covering the skin. On top of this undercoat is another thick coat of medium length fur, which is either wavy or straight.
Again, it isn’t the fur that causes allergies, but the dander. When the fur is shed, excess dander is along for the ride. Springer spaniels shed all year long but shed significantly more in spring and fall. More shedding equals more dander.
Your Heart Is Set on a Springer Spaniel, but You’re Allergic
Here Are Some Solutions.
Research
Remember, you may be more allergic to one breed over another. Perhaps springer spaniels won’t cause too many symptoms if any. Also, one springer over another may not make you sneeze.
Check out your breeder and the spaniels at the same time. Spend some time. See what kind of reaction you have and then go from there.
Grooming and Cleaning
So, you’ve gotten a springer spaniel, and you develop allergy symptoms. Keeping up with regular grooming and cleaning of your home will help immensely. These rules are also for a new pup when you have allergies.
Make sure to brush your springer daily to get rid of loose dead hair and prevent your pup’s fur from matting. Wet wipes are available to rid your dog of any stray fur as well as wiping away dander.
Taking your spaniel to a groomer to be clipped is another option. Keeping your springer trimmed neatly can also eliminate excess fur and keep it to a minimum. This is good ftrimmor your pup and you too!
Bathing your dog is essential in the battle against allergies. You can bathe your springer yourself or have your groomer take care of it.
Bathing will cut down on dry, dead skin. You can also check out a wide assortment of dog shampoos that state they are hypoallergenic. Many of these anti-allergen shampoos have been proven to cut down on shedding dander as well as being healthy for your pup’s skin and coat.
These shampoos will hydrate your spaniel’s skin, making it healthier and replenished while eliminating flakes that you won’t be able to inhale. These shampoos are not a miracle cure for your allergies, but they do help.
Do some research before purchasing to see how each one is rated, or ask your veterinarian for some suggestions.
Cleaning Your Home
Lastly, don’t forget about cleaning your home. Dander can be found in carpets or on furniture. Dusting and vacuuming regularly to remove fur and dander are essential.
Don’t forget to vacuum couches if your spaniel is a couch potato when you’re home, wash your pup’s bedding, blankets and toys regularly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to suffer without a springer spaniel or from allergies. If you want a springer or have begun suffering from some symptoms, try some of the tips listed above.
Springer spaniels are not hypoallergenic. Still, they can be a part of your family even if someone has allergies.
