Best ‘Hypoallergenic’ Dogs: Understanding Dog Allergies

Dogs are the most popular pet in U.S. households. In 2018 there were almost 50 million homes in the U.S. with a dog. Unfortunately, many dog owners are allergic to their pets. This is why “hypoallergenic” dogs have become popular. But despite popular belief, research suggests that a hypoallergenic pet may not exist.

Here we will discuss dog allergies and whether a hypoallergenic dog truly exists. 

Why are some people allergic to dogs? 

An allergen is a substance that is normally harmless. But for some people, an allergen activates their immune system, which then produces immunoglobulin E (IgE), a specific type of antibody. This process leads to allergy symptoms. Dogs produce different allergens that can trigger allergies in people.

Dog allergens are proteins released from sebaceous glands in their skin. There are allergens in animal dander, saliva, and urine. These particles can then attach to the hair or fur or travel in the air. They can then gather on upholstered furniture, bed linens, carpet, and clothing. Dog allergen levels are higher in households with indoor dogs, especially in rooms the dog visits.

How do I know if I’m having an allergic reaction to a dog?

In some people, dog allergies can trigger allergic rhinitis or worsen allergic asthma. Allergic rhinitis causes symptoms in the nose, eyes, and throat. You may notice: 

• Sneezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Coughing

• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat

If you have allergic asthma, you might have difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest tightness around your pet. You may also get an itchy skin rash like eczema or hives where your dog licks or scratches you.

How long does it take for pet-allergy symptoms to start?

In people who are already allergic, dog allergy symptoms usually develop within minutes of exposure. Sometimes symptoms build more gradually and become more severe after several hours of exposure to the animal. With more long-term exposure, symptoms become chronic or persistent. 

How can I know for sure if I am allergic to my dog? 

If you have some of the symptoms above, you may be worried that you’re allergic to your dog. A visit to an allergist can help confirm a pet allergy. They can make a diagnosis based on your symptoms as well as allergy test results. They may use either a skin test or a blood test to make the diagnosis. Allergy tests look for allergic sensitization (whether you have IgE) to dog allergens.

Even if you’re certain that your dog is causing your symptoms, it’s still a good idea to do an allergy test. Sometimes dust and pollen can get stuck to your dog’s fur. One or both of these may be the cause of your symptoms, rather than the dog itself. 

Do pet-related allergies go away over time?

You may wonder if your pet allergy will just go away on its own with time. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure. We do know that our immune systems are always changing, and some allergies get better on their own.

And with ongoing exposure, some people may become tolerant of their pets. This means that, over time, their allergy symptoms decrease. But you can lose this tolerance if you leave your pet for a while, such as when traveling or moving away to college. When you return home, your pet allergies may suddenly flare because you lost this tolerance while you were away from your pet. This has been called the “Thanksgiving effect.” 

Are hypoallergenic dogs real?

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no truly “hypoallergenic” breed of dog. The misconception is that animal hair or fur causes dog allergies. Some dog breeds are considered “hypoallergenic” because they shed less. So several breeds that don’t shed — such as poodles and labradoodles — are marketed as being hypoallergenic.

But the trigger for dog allergies isn’t hair or fur — it’s the proteins in their skin, saliva, and urine. So even hairless dogs can make allergens. In the end, no dog is truly hypoallergenic.  

Research related to hypoallergenic dogs

The term "hypoallergenic dog" doesn't mean allergy-free — just that those dogs are less likely to cause allergies. But that may not always be the case. Research studies show that so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds aren’t any less allergenic. In one study, researchers compared dust samples from houses with hypoallergenic dogs with those in houses with regular dogs. The levels of dog allergen in houses with hypoallergenic breeds were similar to homes with regular dogs.

Another study reported similar findings. It compared dog allergen levels in households of hypoallergenic dogs versus homes with regular dogs. It also showed no differences in dog allergen levels.

Also, individual dogs of the same breed can have very different allergen levels. One study examined fur allergen concentrations in various breeds, including poodles. One poodle produced very little allergen, while another poodle made 60 times higher allergen levels. This was almost the highest of all tested breeds.

It’s impossible to predict whether one dog breed is going to cause more problems for someone with allergies over another. There’s no one breed that’s going to be suitable for all people who suffer from dog allergies. This isn’t affected by the length of the hair, the amount of shedding, or the size of the animal. It all has to do with the amount of allergen that each dog produces. According to one expert opinion: “There is no such animal as a hypoallergenic dog.”

What can I do if I am allergic to my dog? 

Finding out that you are allergic to your dog can be troublesome and very upsetting. You may wonder if it will be possible for you to ever share your home with your beloved companion. Here are some things that you can do to reduce exposure to dog allergen:

• Keep your dog out of your bedroom and off upholstered furniture.

• Use a HEPA air filter or air purifier to trap dander.

• If possible, replace your carpet with hardwood floors.

• Bathe your dog frequently — at least twice a week. 

• Do not hug or kiss your dog if you’re allergic.  

• Wash your hands with soap and water after petting your dog.

• Have someone who isn’t allergic to dogs brush them outside the house.

Medications for pet allergies can also help to relieve your symptoms. These include antihistamines, nasal sprays, and inhalers. 

Can I train my body to not be allergic to dogs?

If you are allergic to your dog, talk to your allergist about possibly starting allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy). Allergy shots are an effective long-term approach to controlling your pet allergies. Allergy shots work similar to vaccines. Small amounts of an allergen are injected and build up gradually to induce tolerance or immunity. Over time, your body will become less sensitive to dog allergen. 

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Merin Kuruvilla, MD

Merin Kuruvilla, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist at Emory University in Atlanta. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications in the field.

Edited by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts