Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Hypoallergenic?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of those breeds that you must have met in any part of your life. This breed is quite popular in all parts of the world. Most people often worry about this breed, whether they are hypoallergenic or not, because people with allergies have this concern. The fact is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very affectionate breed of dog and excellent family pets due to their docile and affectionate nature. They are also one of the fast learning dog breeds, and they love to be around people and get together. However, they are yappy and bark a lot.

In this article, we will explain why Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic dog breed and discuss some other interesting facts. 

Why is Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniels not Hypoallergenic?

According to Dr. Jill A. Poole, there is no such term as a hypoallergenic dog because all dogs can produce allergy-responsible proteins. So even so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds can cause an allergic reaction.

So what makes the difference? It actually depends on the shedding of the hair. Shedding dog releases more hair and fur, and some people may develop an irritant response. In contrast, non-shedding dogs tend not to lose hair as much, and the chances of developing an allergic response are lower.

The irritant response produced by the hair is different from the allergic reaction because it does not initiate the production of antibodies. Still, the symptoms can be the same in both.

When we talk about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they shed hair which can result in an irritant reaction in people. They can also produce proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers.

It is also seen if you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross with a Bichon Frise or Poodle, then the chances of an irritant reaction due to dog hairs will be less as they will shed minimally.

If you are looking for a hypoallergenic breed of dog, it is best to consult your vet and find out if the breed you are selecting is right for you or not.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

Hypoallergenic is defined as a product or anything that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. In the case of dogs, due to the absence of fur, coat type, and absence of a gene, some dogs may produce less allergen than other breeds; you can consider them hypoallergenic.

If you have an allergy, there are some dog breeds that might be better for you. But according to the American Kennel Club, there is no breed of dog on earth that is 100% hypoallergenic. There are some hypoallergenic dog breeds, but it is not certain whether they cause an allergic reaction or not.

Cavalier King Charles spaniel hair coat

Allergies basically occur due to the fur or hair of dogs, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a double coat breed. The upper coat acts as a protector, and during the summer season, when the temperature rises, it protects its body. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mostly sheds its undercoat in spring and fall.

How much Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shed?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a moderate shedder and shed less than other double-coated breeds. If you plan to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a companion breed, you have made a good choice, but if you are allergic to dog fur, this breed is not perfect for you. Although they are occasional shedders, you will still find hairs on your furniture and rugs, but they shed year-round if they remain in artificial light.

However, a good aspect of this breed is that they are very small in size, and their shedding will not be a big problem for you.

In particular, female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shed much more than males, usually after giving birth to their young. Some females shed much more than males throughout the year.

How people get allergies?

If you are allergic to dogs, you should know that behind this allergy, there is a process that causes this phenomenon. The immune system that is present in your body has the function of detecting foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria and fighting against them. The primary duty of the immune system is to protect your body from disease.

Now, if you are allergic to dogs, it means that you have a hypersensitive immune system. This type of sensitive immune system often reacts to urine, saliva, and dead skin cells, resulting in different symptoms. This reaction caused by the immune system is called an allergic reaction, and the substance that causes this reaction is known as an allergen.

When you have a dog in the house, it means that there are allergens present on carpets, furniture, and other surfaces; these allergens remain there until you remove them. Some of the allergens are so powerful that they can cause an allergic reaction even after months.

Most allergies are caused by dander in the coat, saliva, and urine, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's coat produces less dander, and there is less chance of allergy due to dander.

Allergens are present everywhere in your home and are sometimes found in homes where even dogs are not present. These allergens get there through people's clothing or through the air.

Symptoms of Allergies

The symptoms of allergies that are produced by dog fur or hair are similar to that of nasal allergies. It includes 

• Runny, itchy, stuffy nose
• Wheezing and coughing
• Sneezing
• Red, itchy eyes

If you are a hypersensitive human being, you may also suffer from skin allergies. It has been seen that when a dog licks an allergic person, that person's skin can break off. If you are already an asthmatic patient, you may suffer from some serious allergy symptoms.

Diagnosis of allergies

There are different tests available that can help diagnose allergies in dogs. The skin and blood test will detect the allergen-specific IgE in your body. If you have a dog and you have doubts if you are allergic or not, you can consult this allergy test.

Many people think they are allergic to dogs, and when tested for allergies, they are not allergic. Instead, they suffer from pollen and mold present on their dog and cat.

How to prevent allergies from dogs?

In the case of allergies, prevention is always better than treatment, and this is true in the case of allergies from dogs. Medications can help you manage allergies, but here are some tips that can help you prevent allergies in the first place.

You can have a breed of dog that sheds less hair to avoid the irritant reaction produced by the dog's hair or fur.

You should avoid touching your face or eyes after handling dogs. It is better to wash your hands after contact with the dog.

You can restrict your dog to a specific area. You should clean and brush your dog outside the house if possible.

Keep your dog and your home clean and tidy as much as possible to prevent allergies.

If you know that you often suffer from allergies when you come into contact with dogs, start taking allergy medications before coming into contact with dogs.

How to live with a dog if you are an allergic patient?

There is nothing wrong with the fact that you love dogs, but you are also allergic to them. If that's the situation, here are some tips to help you.

Put an air filter in your home

If you live in a house or apartment with central heating or air conditioning, it means that dog dander is present everywhere in your house, so put some filters in the house.

Clean your house fanatically

Dog dander can go anywhere in the house, and if you have a dog in the house, it is recommended to clean the furniture, the floor, and the carpets. Always use a vacuum cleaner that has a heap filter. A heap filter vacuum cleaner has the technology to trap allergens that a regular vacuum cleaner cannot.

Will bathing a dog reduce allergens?

There is a different opinion of veterinarians on this; some say that bathing your dog regularly will reduce allergens and dander. So you should give your dogs a weekly bath and check if it can reduce allergens or not.

Interesting Facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of those breeds that need regular maintenance, and their long, beautiful coat requires regular brushing.  
• Another reputation the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has is that of a smelly dog, which happens when they have not been groomed for a long time. As a result, their fur can pick up dirt and debris and result in a smelly coat. But this smelly dog reputation isn't fair because that smell may be due to bad breath or an ear infection. Therefore, it is best to consult your vet if your dog is facing this kind of problem.
• Another great fact about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is that they are named after the King Charles II of Great Britain.
• The nickname for this beautiful breed of dog is "the comforter spaniel."
• In 1985, US President Ronald Regan gave his wife, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as a gift.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are available in 4 different colors such as tricolor, black and tan, ruby, and bel.

Conclusion

No dog in this world is completely hypoallergenic, and the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is no exception. However, you can protect yourself by taking some precautionary measures.