Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog?

Allergen levels vary more from one dog to the next than from one breed to the next. So the useful question is not which breed, but how you react to this particular dog. Spend real time with the dog you are considering, indoors, before you commit. If you have asthma or strong reactions, see an allergist first. Testing can also show whether you react to Can f 5, a protein made by intact male dogs. People allergic only to Can f 5 may do better with a female or neutered male dog.

You spend seven or eight hours a night in your bedroom. Keeping the dog out of it is one of the most effective changes you can make. If the dog sleeps nearby instead, give them their own bed with a cover that goes in the washer, and seal your pillows so dander that does get in stays out of your face.

Bathing a dog lowers its allergen, but only for a short time. The AAAAI notes that Can f 1 returns to baseline within two to three days. That is why the advice is at least twice a week, not once a month. Brushing pulls out loose undercoat and the dander caught in it, so do it outdoors, and ideally have someone without allergies do it.

Unlike dust mite allergen, which settles in minutes, dog allergen particles are small and light enough to stay airborne. That makes a true HEPA air purifier worth having, especially in the bedroom. Look for the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification, which tests whether a purifier actually removes pet allergens.

Dog allergen sticks to carpet, upholstery, clothing and walls, then gets stirred back up. A sealed HEPA vacuum keeps it from blowing back into the air. Washable throws on the couch give the dog a spot that you can launder hot every week.

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