Pug hypoallergenic is a common question asked by pug owners. The simple answer is no, they are not hypoallergenic dogs. However, they are very friendly, intelligent, and loyal.
They are known for their sweet personalities and adorable faces.
They are also known for being highly sensitive to environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, and dander. This makes them prone to allergies and asthma attacks also.
Pug hypoallergenic is based on the fact that Pugs have been bred for centuries to be a companion dog.
This means that their genes have not been exposed to many allergens found in other breeds of dogs. This can cause them to be prone to allergies.
Hypoallergenic dogs are those that don’t cause allergic reactions in humans. These breeds include Maltese, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frisé, and Boston Terrier.
So, let us take a look at Pugs and allergens in more detail!
What Does ‘Hypoallergenic’ Even Mean?
Hypoallergenic dogs are those that are relatively unlikely to cause an allergy reaction in people. They are usually hairless or have a non-shedding coat. Their lack of dander makes it easier to live in close proximity to people who suffer from allergies.
These breeds tend to be smaller than most other breeds of dogs. They may even weigh less than 10 pounds.
That said, there is no dog breed that is absolutely 100 percent hypoallergenic, but they may be easier to live with for those who have problems with allergies.
How Do I Know If I Am Allergic to Dander?
Dander is simply dead skin cells that can accumulate on surfaces like furniture, bedding, blankets, carpets, etc. It is composed of proteins called “proteins” which contain amino acids.
These proteins come from saliva, sweat, urine, tears, blood, and the flakes of skin, such as in your dog’s fur.
Dander causes allergic reactions when it comes into contact with our bodies. When this happens, we develop hives, sneezing, itching, and redness around the eyes.
Some people experience respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Here are some signs that you might have an allergy to dander:
- Coughing up mucus
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- A runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fainting
Ways To You Help Reduce Dander Buildup On Furniture And Carpets
- Vacuum your furniture and carpets at least once per month.
- Use a vacuum bag to collect dust and dirt.
- Keep your home well ventilated.
- Don’t let your Pug sleep on beds or couches or anywhere you spend a lot of time
How To Live With a Pug if You Suffer with Allergies
Pugs are cute dogs, but if you have allergies, be careful about getting one. While buying such an adorable bog might be tempting, if you struggle with runny eyes and a blocked nose, owning one may become unbearable.
A vacuum will become your best friend if you decide to buy a Pug. You should vacuum daily to remove any excess hair and dirt.
Make sure you have a vacuum that deals well with pet hair and allergens and always remember to clean the filter.
Wiping down furniture will also help to avoid you from having a fit of sneezes.
A dog’s hair can stick to everything, including the coffee table, so make sure you look at every nook and cranny and remove the hairs.
You will also want to brush the fur of your Pug daily to remove excess hair to avoid it being around the home but do it outside in the open air where it will not find its way around your house.
You will also want to bathe your Pug around once to three months to remove the excess hair, and to keep your Pug clean.
Dusting will do a lot to remove allergens. Make sure you wipe down all surfaces, as well as sweep and clean the floor, and change sheets.
Despite your Pug not being allowed on surfaces such as the couch, still clean it regularly as dog hair gets everywhere – and they might have a cheeky couch sit whilst you are out of the room!
Lastly, do not forget about the Pug’s toys and their bedding. They will need cleaning safely to remove any allergens that may build up.
How To Test For A Pug Allergy
If you are thinking about owning a Pug but are not sure if you might be allergic or not, then there are options to find out before you invest yourself in owning a dog.
One of those ways is by fostering a Pug. Not only will it cement the idea of whether you would like to own a Pug, but it will also show you whether you are allergic to a Pug or not without having made the choice to own one fully.
You can also look after a friend’s Pug. Offer to house sit the dog or take the Pug on a walk. This is another great way of not fully committing just in case you find out you have a dog allergy.
If you do find you have an allergy to a Pug, even though you do not normally have an allergy to a dog, then you can think of your options of whether you can make it work, or whether owning a Pug is actually a good idea.
Are There Breeds That Are Better For Those Who Suffer With Allergies?
Whilst you might really want to own a Pug, it just might not be a good idea. The allergies may start pretty soon, rather than over time, so it can be an annoyance, and affect your everyday life.
If you are still looking to own a dog, then there are breeds that may be better for you. Some of these are:
- Shih-Tzu
- Chinese Crested
- Maltese Poodle
- Labradoodle
- Italian Greyhound
- Samoyed
This is because they shed hair less, and could be a good option. However, as stated above, no dog can be 100 percent hypoallergenic.
This means it is still worth fostering a dog or dog sitting just to make sure that they do not cause an allergy.
Other Quick and Easy Ways to Avoid Dog Allergies
Whilst you can clean the home and brush the dog outside, there are other ways to avoid the allergies a dog like a Pug may bring.
One of these ways is by taking allergy medication every day. This might not suit everybody, especially if you are already taking medication each day.
It can also be an annoyance, and easy to forget. Saying that it can relieve symptoms and it does mean that a Pug should not flare up any symptoms.
An air purifier might be a good idea to get rid of allergens in the air. The only downside is that it can become costly over time because you will need to use it every day.
You also might want to use more than one in the home due to putting a purifier in different rooms.
If all this sounds a bit too much, owning a Pug might just not be for you. It may just be easier to find a breed that you are not allergic to, even if you do want to own a Pug desperately.
It all comes down to how much having a Pug may affect your daily life.
Final Words
The best way to avoid any allergy problems with your pug is to not own one in the first place, but if you really would like a pug, then there are ways to limit the effects.
From making sure you brush their fur daily to remove excess hair, to bathing them to remove dirt, there are a number of things you can do to make living with a pug easier.
Having said that, no dog will stop your allergies completely, even if they are said to be hypoallergenic. You can only take steps to avoid yourself from having daily watering eyes or coming out in a rash.
So, if you want to own a pug, then why not?
