NO!!! Cocker Spaniels are not at all hypoallergenic. They are popular for their flowing thick volumes of fur all around their body that automatically produces dander and loose fur, no matter how clean they are kept. The same also goes for their saliva whose components may irate an individual’s senses, leading to a reaction.
So even though those pairs of wide doe eyes and luscious fur may attract you to keep them as your furry companions, you need to think twice for your own health.
Table of Contents
- 1 What does Hypoallergenic Dogs mean?
- 2 Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?
- 3 How do Canine allergens work?
- 4 Why do dogs produce toxic allergens?
- 5 How do I know if I am hypoallergenic to dogs?
- 6 Are there any dog breeds for Hypoallergenic individuals?
- 7 Why am I allergic to some Cocker Spaniels only?
- 8 What to do if I am allergic to my Cocker Spaniel?
What does Hypoallergenic Dogs mean?
The term ‘Hypoallergenic’ essentially refers to a product which is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. And when it comes to ‘Hypoallergenic Dogs’, the term denotes canines that are comparatively safer and produce lesser amounts of components that can harm their owners in any way.
Typically these allergens can be from anywhere in the canine’s body, including skin cells, saliva, fur, and even pet dander. As the dog moves or interacts with the person, these components might get transferred to the human’s body, causing their bodies to react aggressively to the elements.
However, in case of hypoallergenic dogs or hypoallergenic canine breeds, this probability gets immensely reduced, thanks to their selective breeding. They may have lesser hair, a non-shedding coat or have single-layered coats that aren’t much prone to shedding. But it doesn’t mean in any way that these breeds are 100 percent safe for people with chronic canine allergies as no dog and no breed in the whole world is cent percent hypoallergenic.
Are Cocker Spaniels hypoallergenic?
According to a study on the breed in allergen research projects, it was concluded that Cocker Spaniels have more allergy causing proteins in their saliva than the rest of their body. A single lick from these adorable pooches can subject the sufferer to a huge amount of allergens that can swiftly lead to much more severe reactions.
But on the other side, this breed’s skin coat is comparatively less harmful. Unlike other canines, the spaniels have lesser proteins on their fur. Thus, touching or petting the pooches won’t make you as sick as getting sloppy kisses from them. So, while the canine’s fur won’t do much bad, they are still not considered to be hypoallergenic in any way.
How do Canine allergens work?
Canine allergens are of many types, some that have been identified and others that unfortunately haven’t been isolated yet.
Amongst these, the Canis familiaris allergen 1 (Can f 1) and the Canis familiaris allergen 2 (Can f 2) are by far the two most prevalent canine allergens that are responsible for most of canine allergy episodes in humans. These proteins are found both in the saliva and dander of the pets which upon contact results in an antigen-antibody reaction in the victims’ body. As a result, you may experience severe wheezing, coughing, nausea, vomits, and even seizures in extreme cases.
The allergens travel deep inside the body, provoking our body’s natural immune system to fight against them. Thus, the longer these proteins stay on your body, the extreme your symptoms will come across.
Why do dogs produce toxic allergens?
Unlike what you may think, man’s best friend doesn’t knowingly produce harmful proteins that may irk their owner’s senses. The pet dander, saliva or even fur that is ejected by their bodies is in reality a natural process which keeps them clean and hygienic. It’s the same as removal of dead skin cells and tissues from our body on a regular basis. Thus, considering certain dog breeds as harmful just because you are hypoallergenic to them isn’t a fair deal.
How do I know if I am hypoallergenic to dogs?
There are a lot of symptoms to consider when it comes to diagnosing if you are hypoallergenic to canines. Some of the most common ones include:
- Inflammation of nasal passage- This consists of uncontrollable sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose and mouth, postnasal drip, and severe irritation
- Vision issues- You may get itchy, red and watery eyes that cause blurred vision along with swollen, blue-tinged under eye skin.
- Skin problems- Some individuals may experience allergic dermatitis which is often coupled with raised red patches on the skin, eczema, and hyper itchy body parts.
Although these are the initial symptoms of suffering a pet allergy, when ignored, the same might lead to extreme cases. The person may feel difficulty in breathing, have a tight pang on their chest, audible whistling or wheezing when exhaling, or even fall prey to devastating seizures.
Therefore, it is crucial to get in touch with your family doctor once you start experiencing these symptoms. Upon running you through necessary tests, they will be able to help you find the exact underlying cause and hence make proper changes to the situation.
Are there any dog breeds for Hypoallergenic individuals?
As described earlier, if you’re looking for a dog breed that has lesser canine allergies on their body, you can find the one that suits your requirements best from the list below. However, if you are still hopeful of getting a complete hypoallergenic pupper, I’m sorry to say, but there’s no canine breed that comes with this surety.
So starting off with the list:
- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- American Hairless Terrier
- Basenji
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Giant Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
These breeds are widely popular for their supreme hypoallergenic abilities and low-maintenance costs. Thus, if you have been craving a dog you may compare between these breeds and get one of these homes.
Why am I allergic to some Cocker Spaniels only?
Just like humans, every dog, and in this case, every Cocker Spaniel has a different body chemistry. This means if some Spaniels have the Can f 1 or Can f 2 on their body, another pup might have some other allergen that isn’t as lethal as the ones mentioned earlier.
So, if you are allergic to the Can f 1 and immune to the others, a pup bearing the former protein on their body will only impact your health. You won’t be reacting to woofers with a variable chemical composition on their coats or saliva. Additionally, there’s always a risk of developing an allergy over time to the allergen you were once immune to. So, if you are planning on having a Cocker Spaniel or any other breed to be precise, it is best to consult with your family doctor and a vet before bringing a pup home.
What to do if I am allergic to my Cocker Spaniel?
First of all, if you are hypoallergenic, you should not invest haphazardly in a breed that may make situations worse. But if you have suddenly grown to be allergic to your pet, then here are a few steps that might help you out.
Give them a proper bath
Many-a-times the only reason why you are suddenly being allergic to your beloved Cocker Spaniel is because they are unclean. It is very essential to give these little puppers a professional or a thorough bath from time to time as their layers of fur are prone to matting and accumulating dust. So, the longer you keep them away from water and a good shampoo massage, the more are the risks of you falling prey to ‘Dog allergies’.
Keep your House clean
No matter if it’s a Spaniel or a Xolo, they do shed fur or pet dander. And if you are rather lazy in terms of not cleaning your house regularly or giving it a proper weekly mop, you are bound to fall ill. With all the movements inside a house dirt and dust can accumulate at an alarming rate, and so does loose fur. Therefore, if you are feeling a little under the weather, giving your house a detailed clean up won’t disappoint you.
Consult a Doctor and take OTC medications
Finally, if nothing is working out, the last resolution is to consult with your family doc. Depending upon the severity of your situations they will mostly refer to case-specific Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications for immediate relief. These may consist of nasal sprays, antihistamines, bronchodilators or even allergy shots.
But beware, never go for these medications without a proper prescription. They are highly powerful medicines and are never to be toyed with.
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