Have you been thinking about getting a Goldendoodle but was wondering, Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Have you been told by someone that if you are allergic to dogs, that a Goldendoodle is the right dog for you? There is a lot of misinformation out there of the famous hypoallergenic doodle dogs. Here we are going to bust some of those myths and explain why they are not all true. Then, we will discuss how they can be hypoallergenic and how to determine if they are the right fit for you.
What Are Dog Allergies?
- A person who is allergic to dogs generally will have an itchy throat, watery eyes, and skin hives. They don’t necessarily have to have all three, but their symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the allergy. But what causes these allergies?
- These dog allergies can be triggered by contact with a dog’s saliva, urine, or dander. Dander is the skin that naturally sheds off throughout the day. Most animals and people alike shed skin cells throughout the day. All of these skin cells breakdown and turn into everyday dust. The same dust that is probably sitting on your furniture and in your carpets now. All dogs, no matter the breed have pet dander. And, there is no way to get rid of it.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?
- A hypoallergenic dog, like the Goldendoodle, is a dog that does not shed a lot. A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. A Golden Retriever generally sheds quite a bit, while the Poodle sheds little to none. A Goldendoodle is a perfect mix because though they do shed some, it will not overrun your home and clothing with hair like with short-haired dogs. The breed is also great because it combines the best of both personalities of a Golen Retriever and a Poodle.
- A hypoallergenic dog still will produce the same amount of dander as a shedding dog. So if a person is genuinely allergic to dogs, these Doodle mix-breeds will be no different. If a person suffers from common allergies, having a dog that does not shed as much could be more hypoallergenic than a shedding breed. Other factors can determine if a dog is hypoallergenic that we will discuss later.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?
Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed like short-haired dogs, but they still have dander and saliva that most people who are allergic to dogs have their main allergies too. Each person will have allergies to different things, so there are other factors to also consider before deeming this dog a truly hypoallergenic breed.
Dandruff
- Dogs of all breeds are starting to have more problems with food allergies. These food allergies commonly will show in signs of itching and extreme dandruff. There are no ways of knowing if a Goldendoodle puppy will have allergies too until it gets old enough for testing.
- Dandruff can also be caused by lack of proper grooming. So, if you are unable to keep up with brushing, washing, and trimming your dog could get dry, itchy skin. If you are an allergy sufferer, this dander can cause flare-ups.
Pollen and Dirt
- A Goldendoodle has hair that is like a magnet for pollen and dirt outside. So you could be okay with dogs, but be allergic to the outside allergens that get deep into your dog’s coat. These outdoor allergens can be hard to remove regularly as routine brushing will not remove them. And you cannot wash your dog that frequently or you run the risk of drying out their fine hair.
- Keeping the hair short and maintained will help to reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and dirt. This works by reducing the surface area available for these allergens to attach to and make them easier to wipe or rinse clean.
Coat Type
- Goldendoodles with coats that are curlier and do not shed as much are considered to be more hypoallergenic than a wavy coat type. This is because curlier coats that are more Poodle-like hold dander differently than other types. This dander is kept closer to the roots of the hair and does not fall like wavy or straight hair types.
- This, of course, is dependent on coat length and how much your dog is brushed thoroughly. As soon as your dog is brushed, these skin cells are then released. The dander is also released with petting or scratching your dog. So, this is not a foolproof method for people with dog allergies.
Allergy Severity
- People who are only mildly allergic to dogs have reported that Goldendoodles do well in their homes. They might have to take a few extra cleaning precautions like vacuuming or dusting more often, especially after grooming their dog.
- People with severe allergies to dogs generally do not do well with Goldendoodles no matter how well the dog is groomed or how much cleaning is done.
Is The Goldendoodle Hypoallergenic For You?
There is no one answer for if a person will be allergic to a Goldendoodle, but there are steps you can take to see if a Goldendoodle is right for you. But, there are no guarantees that you will find the perfect doodle for your allergies, as this is a case by case situation.
Identify Your Allergy
- Identifying your allergy will help in determining if a Goldendoodle is an option for you. If you are allergic to saliva, a Goldendoodle is not the right choice for you because you can not stay entirely away from drool and saliva alike. But, if you are allergic to just pollen that can get trapped in their fur, there are some steps you can take to reduce the effects it has on you, like shorter hair cuts and more grooming.
Spend Time With One
- If you are thinking about getting a Goldendoodle, spend time with one to see if you have an allergy to them. And if you have a reaction, try again with a Goldendoodle with a different hair type. Some people have better luck with one hair type over the other.
Talk To Your Breeder
- Talking with your breeder and having a close relationship with them will help you find the best puppy for you. They can tell you about all the coat types and any health concerns, like dandruff or skin allergies that the parents might have had. They will be able to give you family medical histories on both parents and the likelihood of your puppy getting those health concerns too.
How To Reduce Allergic Reactions
If you have found the perfect Goldendoodle that can reduce your allergies. Good for you! Now there are a few steps you can take to make sure that those allergens stay at a minimal.
Brush Frequently
- Brushing your Goldendoodle with an appropriate brush will help eliminate any shedding that they might have. It also helps break up dust, pollen, and dirt to be removed more easily.
After Brushing Dust
- Dusting 30 minutes after brushing your dog will eliminate the pet dander from sitting in your home. This dust can be on furniture all around the room that you have brushed your dog in, so it is best to pick a room where you do not sleep or eat. A smaller room that is not a primary traffick way is best. You will want to wait the 30 minutes to give the dander time to find a resting place instead of still floating in the air.
Vacuum or Sweep After Dusting
- When you are finished dusting vacuum or sweep immediately to pick up any dander and hair that may have fallen to the ground. Make sure to get under furniture too as drafts can make hair and dander fall farther away from the place where you brushed your Goldendoodle
Grooming
- Taking your Goldendoodle to a professional groomer every 8-12 weeks will cut back a lot on dander other allergens sticking to his fur. During this groom, he will have a bath and hair trim that can both cut down on allergies.
Replacing Your Air Filter
- When you have pets, they recommend replacing your filter more often. This is even truer for a person with allergies to pets. Replacing your filters every three months or sooner can cut down on how many allergens are being recycled through your air conditioner at home.
In Conclusion!
- These are not a guarantee that you will never have an allergic reaction, but they can help reduce the likelihood. Always make sure that if you have severe reactions to keep the medical supplies needed on hand for quick relief.
- As you can see no dog can ever truly be hypoallergenic for everyone. But, overall people with mild allergies to dogs have had good luck with Goldendoodles. Don’t let this discourage you from owning a dog! Spend some time with a friend’s Goldendoodle and see if they might be the right fit for you and your family. If you find the right match, you will love your Goldendoodle’s great personality and intelligence alike.
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Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
