Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Are you also in love with German Shepherds and have always obsessed over how beautiful and sincere they are?

German Shepherd Dog is the most popular breed in America. They're medium to large-sized working dogs with a life expectancy of 9 to 11 years. This doggy is intelligent and hardworking. They're also incredibly loyal, devoted, and courageous. I’m sure that is why you also want to have one.

But have you ever wondered that these marvelous brown mutts can actually cause allergies to your loved ones? Is this the reason why you haven’t decided to adopt one yet?

If your mind is also filled with all this confusion, you’ve landed at the right place!

We’re going to tell you everything you need to know before deciding to get your own German Shepherd.

So, what are we waiting for?

Let’s dive into the world of German Shepherds!

Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?

Can You Get An Allergic Reaction?

It makes my heart extremely sad while I tell you that this furious doggy is not hypoallergenic. If you decide to make your puppy a part of your family, you need to consider that these mutts can irritate allergies. Everyone who interacts with your German Shepherd can quickly develop reactions ranging from mild to severe.  

Your little furball will shed their fur, which can become an issue for your family members' health. Your pooch will shed all year long. In addition to this, their shedding will increase twice a year when their entire coat will blow out. 

If German Shepherds is your favorite breed, there is no need to grieve over how you can’t have them. There are ways to reduce the chances of getting affected by allergies.

Stay tuned with us to find out about the tips and tricks of managing and reducing the effect that a German Shepherd has on your allergies.

Why Is Your Favorite Breed Not Hypoallergenic?

1. They have a double coat to guard themselves

Your favorite canine is a herding dog. They need to have thick fur to handle cold winters and high mountain heights. The inner coat is soft and close to the skin, helping your pooch stay cozy and warm. However, the outer coat is long, thick and protects them from snowy and windy weather. 

After all, your little fido also needs to guard himself against the cold starry nights. 

Your doggy will shed more during the summertime. I mean, who are we kidding? They also need to have fun in the outdoors and get sunbathed, just like you do. 

The furball you're planning to get will shed its fur the highest in summer so that it doesn't overheat due to warm temperatures. If they didn't clear correctly, they would internalize too much heat into their systems and even risk heat stroke or death. 

Your adorable canine is quite similar to you. Just like your hair fall, your puppy will also shed fur the entire year.

2. Pet Dander is spreading everywhere

It is a possibility that the allergy you’re worried about isn’t caused by shedding. Have you ever thought that your dog's fur has dander attached to it, which is the main reason you get infected?

Pet dander can stick to your pup's hair and get onto your hands when you caress them. They can also float around in your home and air. Your pooch’s dander can literally spread everywhere without you even realizing it.

German Shepherd eating

3. Look into what your doggy is eating

The German Shepherd that you are obsessing over needs a nutrient-rich diet to maintain their healthy lifestyle. If you're feeding your mutt with a rich diet in fatty acids and proteins, it will help reduce unnecessary shedding and keep your furball’s overcoat perfectly healthy. 

Are you noticing the excessive shedding of your canine, or is their fur looking dull?

Then, I'm pretty sure that diet is your culprit here!

4. Is your dog sick?

Sometimes, your dog can experience a lot of shedding because they’re suffering from a health condition. They might have kidney disease, bacterial infection, or parasites. These are known to cause excessive shedding in your curious little mutt. 

I know you're also stressed about figuring out if your doggy is shedding because of the diet or health condition?

The best way to figure this out is to look for accompanying symptoms.

5. Take care of your puppy's mental well-being

Believe it or not, your obedient doggy might shed more because of being stressed. This might even lead to depression

Yes, your German Shepherd can have depression as well!

Be it moving in his new home, missing his old companions, or adding a new pet. All these changes might cause chaos in his mind. 

If your doggy is experiencing depression and has behavioral issues along with excessive shedding, you need to book an appointment with his vet now!

6. Your pup might have skin issues

Another reason behind your fido’s abnormal shedding can be a skin disease. Your curious pup might have dermatitis or ringworms, which leads to hair loss. 

You need to look for any scabs, itching, or rashes. If this is the case, a veterinarian clinic is where you need to be!

What If You Are Allergic To Your German Shepherd?

What If You Are Allergic To Your German Shepherd?

Have you ever noticed that when you’re around your four-legged furball, you have a runny nose along with watery eyes?

If the answer to this is yes, then you're probably allergic to your precious doggy. 

You can also try staying away from your canine for a few days and see if the symptoms magically disappear. However, to be 100% sure, you must get tested. An allergen-specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E) test will help you to determine it. After diagnosis, you can implement preventive measures accordingly. The allergy drugs that you can opt for are highlighted below: 

  1. Decongestants (helps in reducing congestion)
  2. Nasal Steroids (relieves allergy by controlling inflammation)
  3. Antihistamines (over-the-counter medication to help reduce the symptoms) 

If you are allergic to your loyal little furball, your symptoms will include swelling and itching near the eyes and nose. Other symptoms that you might develop are shortness of breath, skin redness, rashes or an asthma attack. 

I know you can't even imagine living without your doggy. Hence, to stay healthy, you need to get yourself checked and start using the advised medication.

5 Tips On Managing German Shephard’s Allergies

Just the thought of living without my furball scares me. I’m sure you’re also completely in love with your doggy and can’t even think of letting it go. 

So, what can we do to manage to live with these handsome mutts?

Let’s find out!

1. Need to groom them to make them handsome

Your doggy also needs to comb its hair and bathe regularly with amazing shampoos, just like you.

You must brush and bathe your dog regularly. The more groomed your furball is, the lesser the chances of allergies (and, of course, the prettier it looks). Regular bathing and brushing will get rid of all the dander and old skin cells. Also, you can bathe your doggy with a moisturizing shampoo. This will decrease the chances of dry hair, eventually leading to reduced shedding.

2. You need to let go of that favorite carpet

I'm sure that you've matched your curtains with your carpet to give your home an aesthetic feel.

But you need to let that go to make the allergies manageable. 

You need to consider replacing carpeted floors with hardwood floors. The shed hair and dander will be stuck in your vibrant carpet forever. However, it is easier to sweep a wooden base. This will allow you to get rid of all the dander.

3. It's time to make your 'pet-specific wardrobe

It's a fantastic idea to separate your work clothes from your home clothes. Doing this will keep all your other expensive and beautiful dresses dander-free. 

Do you want to be itchy at work or on your first date?

I can’t even visualize it. 

It is best to dedicate a part of your wardrobe to pet-only/home-only clothes.

Air Purifies

4. Invest in air purifiers

I am aware that this might be a little heavy on your pocket. 

But isn't this worth a clean home?

I’m pretty sure you won’t regret investing in it. 

Air cleaners will purify your air along with all the dirt and dander present in it. It will help you to keep the atmosphere of your home clean and fresh.

5. You need to wash your hands

You need to wash your hands after petting your canine. We’re all lazy and decide to sanitize our hands conveniently. That is not enough. 

When I don't wash my hands after interacting with my furry mutt, I always get a rash. We all need to groom ourselves to keep ourselves and our curious doggies healthy. 

German Shepherds are the most adorable and sincere dogs that you’ll ever come across. We all can adopt one and manage our lifestyles accordingly.

So, there is no need to stare at other adorable mutts now; you can definitely get your own!

Conclusion

After a long discussion, I hope that this article research helpful for you if you're allergic to dog fur. Share your thought and comment down below.

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