Introduction.
Having allergies does not necessarily mean you are not entitled to own a golden retriever in your home. To make the home environment friendly for you and your dog, a few measures should be taken, which will be discussed here, along with golden retrievers and allergies.
Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic dogs?
A Hypoallergenic dog means that it releases a low amount of allergens. They still cause allergic reactions, just in severely less and unnoticeable amounts. Golden retrievers have a large coat of fur which makes them shed a lot, but they are not hypoallergenic. Small golden retrievers can be more hypoallergenic due to their small size, which means less dander.
Are golden retrievers bad for allergies?
Being allergic to dogs does not mean you are allergic to golden retrievers. As weird as that may sound, studies have shown that people can be allergic to certain breeds and not others. You can never tell for sure until you know. If you are allergic, visit your doctor to test your allergies and determine whether they will be manageable. Being around a golden retriever before owning one will also help you monitor your allergic reaction, if any, and manage it.
As much as golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs, they shed a lot, tend to grow big and lick their owners to show love or invite them to play. These characteristics may make them unfit for people with severe allergies, which is okay. They can always find a different breed that will be a fit.
If you suffer from dog allergies, there are necessary precautions to take that will help;
- Grooming – wash your dog at least twice a week. Use skin-sensitive dog shampoo to clean your golden retriever and brush them to remove excess fur. Ensure you take them to a groomer to remove the long hair and perform an undercoat shed which prevents tugging on healthy hair follicles.
- Pest control – Golden retrievers’ long and beautiful coats provide a perfect habitat for fleas and ticks to hide, breed and even reproduce. It is then easier for the pests to fly into your home as the dog tries to scratch them off. It is best to work on the perfect regimen with your vet to prevent such occurrences.
- Minimize interactions – Golden retrievers are huge lickers. Avoid constant interactions with them since their saliva can cause an allergic reaction.
- Keep your house clean – regular vacuuming, mopping, and air filtration reduce the dander in your house.
Golden retriever common allergies.
Golden retriever allergies are common. They are unpleasant and very stressful. Several factors influence and facilitate an allergic reaction. Finding out what your golden retriever is allergic to is crucial to managing and treating allergies. Below is a list of golden retriever allergies.
- Allergy to dust, grass, and pollen.
These are shortly termed inhalant allergies. They are caused by the immune system reacting to environmental allergens such as dust mites, trees, grass, and weed pollens. Inhalant allergies can cause specific symptoms such as runny nose and/ or eyes, recurring ear infections or chronic, face, paw, ear swelling or puffiness, and wheezing, sneezing, or coughing.
- Food allergies.
A protein or carbohydrate change in diet may cause an immune response. Vomiting and diarrhea are signs of an allergic reaction related to food. Other symptoms include; weight reduction due to suppressed appetite, tiredness and lack of energy, itchy skin, scratching, and biting around the infected areas.
- Allergy to fleas.
Flea allergies are the most common in dogs, especially golden retrievers. Their bulky fur can be a nice habitat for fleas. Flea bites are more severe in dogs with flea allergies than those without. Itchiness and inflammation, and hair loss on the areas are common symptoms. Redness may also occur due to constant scratching on the affected areas, especially their lower back and tail.
How to diagnose golden retriever allergies.
Allergies tend to be hard to diagnose, especially at home. It is, therefore, advisable to be extra keen when determining them, thus ensuring proper medication and care. Here are some of the methods of diagnosis;
- Blood tests – your dog’s vet will take a sample of its blood to test the presence of any antibodies that suggest an allergic reaction.
- Physical examination – the vet conducts a full medical and physical evaluation, including exposure to allergens, past treatments, and a history of symptoms.
- Food elimination is a trial whereby your dog is exposed to new food and gradually but cautiously introduces suspect allergens to provoke an allergic reaction, leading to appropriate medication.
- Skin tests – the tests can include injecting tiny amounts of allergens, monitoring for a reaction, or scrapping the skin to detect skin diseases or parasites.
- Supervision – watching your dog carefully at home can also help you determine the cause of a behavioral change in your dog. However, having a professional opinion is essential since certain severe health conditions mimic allergic reactions.
Conclusion.
The answer to whether retrievers are hypoallergenic is no. If you suspect a pet allergy, it is necessary to consult your vet and come up with the proper measures to keep you and your dog under one roof and maintain perfect health for both of you.
FAQ.
How do I determine whether I’m allergic to a golden retriever?
There are two ways to determine this. One is being tested to determine the cause of your allergies, and the second is being exposed to a golden retriever to provoke an allergic reaction.
What is the main source of dog allergens?
Your allergic reaction may vary depending on your sensitivity to dog substances such as urine, saliva, and dander (flakes of skin), which carry most of the allergens.