The 411 on Hypoallergenic Pets

This blog is a guest post by Dr. Hunter Finn, a general practice veterinarian and the owner of Pet Method. Located in McKinney, Texas, he uses TikTok and Instagram to educate the public on pet health and safety in his spare time. His mission is to enhance the lives of pets by promoting longevity and well-being while strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.

Hypoallergenic Pets: The Answer to Pet-Related Allergies?

It's no secret that I love pets—between my veterinary practice, Pet Method, and my nine pets at home, it’s easy to call animals my true companions. I love educating people on proper pet ownership, health, and safety, but the fact of the matter is that shedding fur and dander are a roadblock for many thinking about becoming pet parents, since both can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.

If you break into a sneezing fit every time you enter a home with a cat or dog, you may have found yourself wondering if pet ownership is out of reach for you. In fact, it’s estimated that 10 to 20% of the US population is allergic to dogs and/or cats. Enter: hypoallergenic dog and cat breeds.

What Makes a Breed Hypoallergenic?

The truth is, there is no such thing as a truly, 100% hypoallergenic dog or cat, but there are certain breeds that are considered “less allergenic.” Dander is what actually causes most pet-related allergies, and hypoallergenic breeds typically have a “non-shedding” hair type that produces less dander.

But potential owners should note: hypoallergenic breeds are not truly “non-shedding,” they just shed much less than other breeds do. And while less shedding does help reduce allergens, people who are allergic to dogs and cats can still have reactions to the proteins found in their saliva and urine.

Hypoallergenic Breeds

So, where should you start if you’re looking to get a hypoallergenic dog or cat? First, use a reputable source like the American Kennel Club, to research what breeds are considered hypoallergenic. These breeds include:

Dogs

Poodle

Shih Tzu

Bichon Frise

Yorkshire Terrier

Doodle mixed breeds (typically part Poodle and part Labrador, Golden Retriever, or another similar breed)

Cats

Siberian

Siamese

Bengal

Russian Blue

Sphynx

Next, consider how you want to adopt your pet—a breeder, rescue, or animal shelter? There are pros and cons when it comes to each, and it’s important that you do some research to find a responsible way to get a pet that’s right for you and your family. You can do a quick online search to find a local animal shelter near you. Approximately 6.3 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and since October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, it’s the perfect time to show your support to a local shelter.

What Else Can Help Reduce Pet Fur & Dander?

Frequent Vacuuming

A vacuum like the Levoit LVAC-200 will allow you to easily vacuum hard floors, carpets, and rugs in one go, and the Pet Tool and Crevice Tool attachments can be used on furniture, under sofas, and in tight corners to suck up lingering pet fur.

Regular Grooming

How often your pet needs to be groomed depends on their breed and fur. Cats rarely need to be bathed since they instinctually keep themselves clean. On the other hand, dogs benefit from regular baths, brushing, and sometimes even deshedding sessions, where a special brush is used to remove excess hair from their undercoat.

Wash Bedding & Clean Upholstery

Wash blankets, your bedding, and your pet’s bedding weekly. If you can, invest in washable covers for your couch. And don’t forget to replace your pet’s bedding every so often—dust mites, dander, and strong odors can build up over time. And as time goes on, you can actually become “nose blind” to these pungent odors. A recent study found that 69% of American pet parents are unaware of the pet smell in their home.

Air Purifiers

Find an air purifier that filters pet odors and dander, along with other contaminants that can cling to their fur, like pollen and dust. The Levoit Vital 200S Smart Air Purifier is a great option for homes with pets, thanks to the U-shaped air inlet that prevents clogs from airborne pet fur. The 3-stage filtration also helps trap and neutralize airborne pollutants, including pet dander, fur, and pet odors.