Owning and bonding with a dog is such a marvelous experience, it’s a shame some people miss out because they have adverse reactions to dander. What are dog lovers supposed to do if they suffer from allergies to dogs?
Thankfully, there are more and more hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed, making it easier for people with allergies to raise dogs and enjoy all of the wonders of having an amazing pet.
People who are interested in getting a hypoallergenic dog have a lot of choices. You’ve got your Shih Tzus, Poodles, and a ton of new non-shedding crossbreeds.
Corgis, however, are not hypoallergenic dogs, much to the dismay of many dog lovers who adore the look and personalities of these lively pups.
Even if you’re allergic to dogs, you can still own a Corgi if you manage your allergies and keep a clean house and pet.
While they’re not hypoallergenic, some owners have had success by keeping coats short and giving regular baths.
Here are some helpful details about Corgis that you can use to decide whether this dog breed is for you.
What Is Allergy-Friendly?
If you know you’re allergic to dogs but can’t stand the thought of not owning a Corgi, you can take some solace in the fact that they’re allergy-friendly.
What exactly does that mean? It basically means that different dogs trigger allergies differently.
Some people with dog allergies, for example, will have worse reactions to a certain type of dog. Some folks will be allergic to shedding hair while others are more allergic to dog saliva. It all depends.
Corgis and Dog Allergies
If you or someone you know is severely allergic to dogs, then the Corgi is probably not the best breed to bring home from the pet store.
These dogs shed a lot. They’re a puff of fur, and they move a ton!
Corgi dogs have a lot of energy and get riled up easily. They do laps around your house and the yard, spreading their golden, white, or black fur everywhere.
Corgis are also very friendly dogs. They love to snuggle and jump up on you to give you licks and let you know how happy they are to see you. This isn’t a dog breed that sits in the corner.
You can expect your Corgi to cuddle right up next to you on the couch while you watch TV. That means dealing with dog fur is going to be a constant struggle.
If you’ve got allergies, then you can expect to be itching and sneezing your way through life. Best to explore other types of dogs.
Ways to Manage a Corgi’s Shedding
With all that fluffy fur, staying on top of allergies can be quite the challenge.
A lot of people who own Corgis aren’t allergic to them, but they may eventually have kids who develop allergies or want to have guests in the house and are concerned about whether they will have allergic reactions.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to manage the hair and limit allergen exposure.
Here’s what to do:
Give your Corgi regular baths – Your Corgi should get a bath at least once a week. If you let the baths go longer, then you’re going to be seeing a lot more shedding hair on your couch, your floors, and yourself.
Your house will also start to smell like a stinky dog! It’s best to give your pup a weekly bath to get rid of any hair, dirt, and dead skin. Most Corgi dogs will love a good bath if the water is warm and you’re giving them plenty of scratches.
Brush your dog daily – Perhaps the best thing that you can do to keep your house clean and your dog allergy-friendly is to give your Corgi frequent brushings.
Your dog will love a good brushing, and it should only take you a few minutes. You’ll be surprised at the tufts of hair a good wire brush will pull loose. Brushing your dog is also good for its coat.
Give your dog a good diet – Avoid giving your dog junk food and feed your pup a healthy diet of dog food enriched with vitamins and minerals.
With healthy fur and skin, your Corgi will be less prone to excessive shedding. Their hair will be stronger and stay on their body better.
Take them to the groomer – It’s easier to manage dog hair when it is shorter. Take your Corgi to the groomer to give its coat the attention it deserves. With good washing and a cut, you’ll see less hair lying around your floors.
How to Spot Dog Allergies
Thankfully, most people who suffer from dog allergies experience mild symptoms. For many people with mild symptoms, owning a Corgi may be worth the sacrifice.
If they only experience some itchy eyes, then they may not feel like getting a completely hypoallergenic dog is necessary.
Typically, dog allergies are easy to spot. Your body will start to generate more mucus, and you’ll start to see runny noses and watering eyes.
If this goes on for too long, your lungs may constrict and it will become harder to breathe. Some people even develop eczema in response to being around dogs that they are allergic to.
Try to take an over-the-counter allergy pill and see how that works. These often do the trick and, within minutes, your allergies will subside.
Certainly, Corgis aren’t hypoallergenic by any measure, and people who have serious adverse reactions to dander should steer clear of this breed.
However, if you stay on top of the grooming, bathing, and brushing, it will go a long way in reducing allergies and any sort of reaction. Then you get to enjoy all the fun and loving friendship a Corgi will provide.
If you must have a hypoallergenic dog, there are plenty of breeds and sizes of dogs to choose from that will be an excellent pet and companion for years. Do the research on personalities and pick the right dog for you.