Are Chihuahuas Hypoallergenic Dogs?

Are you thinking of welcoming a dog in your life? You are a step away from making a decision that would change your life for good. Pets bring colors of joy, endless affection, loyalty into the lives of their owners.

But, many allergic people cannot fight allergies caused by dog fur. Are you prone to allergies? If yes, then you should invite a hypoallergenic breed into the family. These shed very less as compared to the non-hypoallergenic ones.

Chihuahuas are a famous dog breed of Mexico, US. This breed is very friendly, notorious, and affectionate.

Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. They shed enough furry hair that contains a specific protein. The allergy-causing protein is present in the saliva, urine, and skin of Chihuahuas. Irrespective of the dog you select, you need to groom him to avoid the spread of dander. If you are allergic, then raising a Chihuahua may not be the ideal choice for you. Yet, they can be the best choice for those who are prone to seasonal allergies.

In this blog, we will discuss whether Chihuahuas are hypoallergenic or not. We will also share some tips, which will reduce the chances of allergies.

Hypoallergenic concerns related to dogs

Some dog breeds are hypoallergenic and not suitable for allergy-prone people. The pets that produce dander comprise the allergy-causing protein. During shedding, the fur releases protein-containing dander that causes allergies in humans. Those dog breeds that shed less and do not need regular grooming are hypoallergenic.

Chihuahuas types and their hypoallergenic tendency

As already stated above, Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. No breed is 100 percent hypoallergenic. The American Kennel Club has not listed Chihuahuas as a hypoallergenic breed. There are two varieties of Chihuahuas, longhaired (long coat) and shorthaired (smooth coat). Both of them shed in moderate amounts as compared to other dog breeds. They are not considered as an ideal choice for those people who are already prone to allergies.

Chihuahuas grooming needs to reduce allergies

The grooming needs will depend upon the type you are owning. Long-haired Chihuahua needs regular grooming and brushing. This will help to get rid of dead hair or debris from their coat. Besides this, you need to brush the short-haired ones rarely. You can also afford to sponge their fur with wipes or cloth.

The bathing cycle is not fixed for both types. You can bathe them either once or twice a month. If they go outside every day, then you should bathe them once a week. This is because the dirt and debris get accumulated on their fur. Hence, bathe them with a good quality shampoo. If they are inside the house and go outside rarely, then give a bath once a month. You should also try to maintain the hygiene of your pet by cleaning his ears and trimming nails.

Furthermore, housetrain Chihuahuas with stability and patience. If they are not trained, they can pee inside the house and trigger the allergy of their owners. Moreover, Chihuahuas do not drool, hence, there would not be many allergens in the house.

How dogs can lead to allergies?

Certain factors can lead to allergies when it comes to dogs? You can get allergies from the dog’s fur. A lot of dirt gets accumulated in the fur of your dog which creates a major problem. Hence, you should focus on the cleanliness of your dog. Besides, the shedding of fur can cause allergies too.

There are chances of getting allergies when your dog is pooping or peeing inside the house. Thus, you should provide proper training to your pet at a young age itself to not to pee or poop inside the house. 

The third factor is the drooling of the dog that contains bacteria in it. Some of them are harmful to human beings. Hence, you should clean the mouth of your dog quite often. If you are allergic to dogs, then go for hypoallergenic breeds.

Some tips to reduce allergies while owning a dog

Mentioned below are some tips that you can follow to reduce the chances of allergies from dogs:

• Always opt for a hypoallergenic dog breed. The majority of dog breeds can lead to allergies. Thus, you need to be well aware of the factors that can lead to allergies.
• Start the training of your pet at an early stage. This will help you to keep your dog to maintain hygiene. Hence, the chances of allergies will lessen. You should be calm and patient during the time of training. Avoid scolding or hitting your pet at the time of training as it will result in his disobedience. Furthermore, you need to be consistent with training. You should train him on pooping and peeing outside the house.
• Allergy pills are a reliable option to control your allergies. This will help you stay bonded with your lovely pooch without any fear of allergies.
• Keep your house clean if your pet is spending most of its time indoors. Also, you should clean the kennel if your pet is residing outside. You should bathe your dog using a medicated shampoo once in a week to remove dirt and dander from his fur.

Wrap up

No doubt that Chihuahuas are little angels as they bring love and happiness to your house. But it is always suggested to go for a hypoallergenic breed. Especially, if you are susceptible to allergies. By going through the above read, you will be able to shield yourself from getting allergies from your pet.

Furthermore, if you are having severe allergies, consult a doctor to treat the same. There are many varieties of Chihuahuas. If you consult a vet or search on the internet you can get a Chihuahua that produces less dander.

Always remember not to make the move of bringing home a Chihuahua in a hurry. It will not be easy for you to reverse the decision at the later stage. Once you own a Chihuahua, you will relish his camaraderie and would like to stay bonded with him forever.