Dachshunds with their funny bodies and sweet faces are a favorite among dog lovers. But for those who suffer from allergies the question is often: are Dachshunds hypoallergenic? This post will reveal the specifics of Dachshunds and their suitability for allergy sufferers, looking at the different factors that contribute to allergies and how Dachshunds stack up.
Are Dachshunds Good For Allergy Sufferers?
Before we get into the question ‘’Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?’’, let’s first understand what causes dog allergies. Contrary to popular opinion, dog allergies are not caused by the dog’s fur but by proteins in their skin cells, urine and saliva. These proteins can become airborne or land on surfaces and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Symptoms of dog allergies:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Skin rashes or hives
Now that we know what dog allergies look like, let’s evaluate if Dachshunds are good for people with allergies.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Hypoallergenic means less likely to cause an allergic reaction. In dogs, it means the dog produces fewer allergens than other breeds. Note that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Some breeds produce fewer allergens and are therefore better for allergy sufferers.
Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
The short answer is no. Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic. But the long answer is a bit more complicated. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Each type has different grooming needs and sheds to varying degrees which can impact allergen levels.
Smooth-Coated Dachshunds
Smooth-coated Dachshunds have short, smooth fur that is easy to maintain. They do shed but their short hair is less noticeable around the house. Despite that they still produce dander which can trigger allergies.
Long-Haired Dachshunds
Long-haired Dachshunds have lovely flowing coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. They shed more than the smooth-coated Dachshunds which can increase the amount of dander in the environment. If you’re highly allergic to allergens a long-haired Dachshund might not be the best choice.
Wire-Haired Dachshunds
Wire-haired Dachshunds have a rough, wiry coat that sheds the least among the three. They require regular grooming and occasional hand-stripping to maintain their coat. Although they produce less dander than the other two, they are not hypoallergenic.
Allergies and Dachshunds
If you love Dachshunds but have allergies, there’s ways to manage your symptoms and still have these adorable dogs.
Grooming
Grooming is key to reducing allergens. Brush your Dachshund regularly to get rid of loose hair and dander and reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Bathe your dog every few weeks to keep their skin and coat clean and reduce dander.
Create allergen-free zones in your home by restricting certain areas to your Dachshund. For example, keep your bedroom off limits and you’ll have a safe haven to breathe.
Air Purifiers
Get a good air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air and get relief from symptoms. Place air purifiers in the rooms your Dachshund spends most of his time in.
Cleaning
Cleaning regularly can reduce allergens in your home. Vacuum with a vacuum with a HEPA filter, dust surfaces often, and wash your dog’s bedding and toys to minimize allergens.
Medication
For some people over-the-counter or prescription medication can help manage symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids are used to treat dog allergies. Talk to an allergist to find the right medication for you.
Other Hypoallergenic Breeds
If your allergies are too severe to manage with a Dachshund you might want to consider other breeds that are known to be hypoallergenic. Some popular hypoallergenic breeds are:
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Shih Tzu
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Schnauzer
- Yorkshire Terrier
These breeds produce fewer allergens and might be a better fit for severe allergy sufferers.
Dachshunds and Allergy Research
Research on dog allergies has given us valuable information on the relationship between dog breeds and allergen production. Studies have shown that individual dogs regardless of breed can produce different levels of allergens. This means some Dachshunds might produce fewer allergens than others so they might be more suitable for allergy sufferers.
A study in the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy found individual dogs produce different amounts of Can f 1 the main protein responsible for dog allergies. This means it’s possible to find a Dachshund with lower allergen levels but without specific testing it can be tricky.
My Experiences with Dachshunds and Allergies
Hearing from other Dachshund owners with allergies can be helpful. Many Dachshund owners have managed their allergies with a combination of grooming, cleaning and medication.
For example, Sarah a Dachshund owner with mild dog allergies says: “I have a smooth-coated Dachshund named Coco. I do have allergies but I find regular grooming and an air purifier in my home makes a big difference. I also take an antihistamine daily which helps keep my symptoms under control. I couldn’t imagine life without Coco!”
James another owner with a wire-haired Dachshund says: “I was worried about my allergies when I got my wire-haired Dachshund, Bella. But with regular grooming and keeping her out of my bedroom, I’ve been able to manage my symptoms quite well. Bella is such a joy to have around and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.”
READ ALSO: 5 Tips To Treat Dachshund Rash Under Armpits
Conclusion: Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?
In summary, Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic but many people with mild to moderate allergies can still have them by taking steps to manage their symptoms. Regular grooming, cleaning and creating allergen-free zones can all help reduce allergens in your home.
If you’re an allergy sufferer thinking of getting a Dachshund it’s important to spend time with the breed before you make a decision. This will help you gauge your sensitivity to their allergens and see if you can manage your symptoms. With the right approach, you can have a Dachshund and still keep your allergies under control.
Remember everyone’s sensitivity to allergens is different and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult an allergist to get a personalized plan for your allergies.