It is a sad day when people are allergic to dogs. For dog lovers with allergies, a hypoallergenic dog is often a great compromise. Finding out if the Lhasa Apso breed is considered hypoallergenic was a task I took on, the research thoroughly explained in this comprehensive article.
In discovering the ways in which a Lhasa Apso dog is hypoallergenic, it seemed that there were just as many arguments against any breed of dog being hypoallergenic at all. Many believe it is in the way the dog is groomed. In the coming paragraphs, you should be provided with enough information to determine if a Lhasa Apso dog is a good match for allergy-having individuals. Additionally, learning the ways in which an allergy to your Lhasa Apso can be combated might mean keeping your friend (or leaving behind your symptoms).
What Makes a Lhasa Apso Hypoallergenic?
Despite the lengthy fur of a Lhasa Apso, the breed is considered by many to be hypoallergenic. Typically a hypoallergenic dog is one that doesn’t cause symptoms in people with allergies. There are a few things that might be the cause of pet allergies in general. These include dander, saliva, and even urine. Obviously, all breeds of dogs urinate and have saliva. All dogs also have some level of dander – it’s natural. What is it that makes a Lhasa Apso any different?
While Lhasa Apso dogs do have some dander, many believe that they do not have an excessive amount. This is the first reason the breed is considered to be hypoallergenic. Dander seems to be the frontrunner in causes of dog allergies in people. Dander is generally worse in homes where the dog is one that sheds a large amount.
The long fur of a Lhasa Apso is only a single coat, rather than the double coat dogs that shed quite a bit. Since the Lhasa Apso is not a dog that sheds its coat, the dander is not released into the environment as much.
This breed is also one that requires a lot of grooming. Weekly or bi-weekly baths help to rid the dog of any dander on the skin. Additionally, the frequent brushing that is generally necessary with a Lhasa Apso will help to prevent any dander from getting all over the home.
If the Lhasa Apso is kept shaven or short-haired, the concern for dander is even less. Because of the rate at which the dog’s hair will grow, keeping him or her short-haired will require frequent trimming and grooming as well. Doing so does not completely eliminate all dander, but it does cut it back even more so, making the Lhasa Apso dog ideal for those with allergies.
Allergies can also be caused by saliva. Although this is less common than dander allergies, there are many people that suffer from this allergen. Dander usually contains dried saliva, which is one reason it affects more people than saliva alone. Although a Lhasa Apso may lick themselves, the frequent baths (as previously mentioned) solve this problem.
The Lhasa Apso is a breed that doesn’t drool much, meaning that there is one less allergen concern. This is just another reason the breed is considered hypoallergenic. The third allergen in dogs is his or her urine. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. However, there are some steps that can be taken to decrease the presence of urine in the home.
The first that comes to mind is to ensure that your Lhasa Apso dog is properly house trained. The puppy pad or newspaper method is probably not a good idea for someone with this allergy. Secondly, once your little dog is house trained and the home is thoroughly cleaned, be sure that his or her paws are wiped clean upon coming inside the house. It is easy to track traces of urine throughout the home if your Lhasa Apso has walked through the yard. Doing a quick clean of the paws can work wonders in decreasing the allergen presence.
The presence of dander, saliva, and urine is the cause of allergens in those with pet allergies. If you are a pet lover that wants a dog anyway, a Lhasa Apso may be a great choice, as they typically have fewer allergens in their little bodies than many other breeds of dogs.
What Argument Exists Against Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Many researchers believe that a hypoallergenic dog is a scientific impossibility. Because of the presence of dander and other allergens, it is said that no dog can be 100% hypoallergenic. Lhasa Apso dogs do have some allergens, which seems to match up with this assessment. Is a truly hypoallergenic dog just a myth, or are they still hypoallergenic with a small number of possible allergens?
The idea of the hypoallergenic dog has been around for longer than anyone can remember. It is unknown as to where the idea came from, but the thought that shedding is what causes most allergies in people is a huge part of it. From there, numerous sources published a number of dogs as being hypoallergenic due to their lower amounts of shedding. However, nearly half of all breeds of dogs are considered hypoallergenic by online sources. Out of 161 recognized breeds, 60 of them have been named hypoallergenic.
Those numbers alone may make anyone start to doubt the legitimacy of hypoallergenic dogs, but there are even more facts to consider. Numerous studies have had trouble proving that one breed has fewer allergens than another. While this was never a topic that had been researched in the past, a few studies have suggested that hypoallergenic dogs are in fact a myth.
Something like 10 percent of people have a pet allergy. As most might know, the level of a person’s allergy differs from the level at which another person is affected. For example, two people might have an allergy to pollen, but one person doesn’t show signs of an allergy until the pollen levels are high. The second person might show symptoms when the pollen levels are relatively low. Everyone is different and everyone reacts to allergens in a different way, no matter what kind of allergens a breed carries.
In searching for information on dogs with fewer allergens, it became apparent that the lists provided were just that – lists. There were no signs of research, scientific or otherwise, that claimed that a Lhasa Apso had less dander than a Labrador. In fact, many studies mentioned that some of the listed hypoallergenic dogs actually had more dander than their allergy-inducing counterparts.
Lhasa Apso Owners with Allergies
Whether you believe in the myth of hypoallergenic dogs or not, if you want to live with a Lhasa Apso, there are measures that can be taken to make life a bit easier if you are concerned with your own allergies.
Do not think that your only option is getting rid of your trusted friend. Lessening the sneezing, itching, or watery eyes is something that is possible if some extra care is taken with your Lhasa Apso. In addition to special care in your home and for your Lhasa Apso, there are also medical options that can be taken to reduce an animal allergy.
One possible option for lowering any potential pet allergens in your home is to keep your Lhasa Apso in one area. When your friend has access to the whole house, there will be no escape from the dog and what he or she leaves behind in his or her wake. Keeping the Lhasa Apso out of the bedroom, for example, will provide your senses a break from any lingering dander.
Another option is to consider the type of flooring in your home. Hardwood floors require less maintenance in the removal of pet dander. It is much easier to clean and you can be sure to get all stray hairs and dust. Carpet, however, can keep dander and fur trapped within its fibers, even after cleaning. While switching out your carpet for hardwood is a pricey and sometimes lengthy process, it is an option that is sure to help decrease any pet allergy symptoms.
Many people may tell you that keeping your dog outside is best for keeping dander out of your home. However, for a Lhasa Apso, this is not a good idea. Most Lhasa Apso dogs prefer to be inside far more than they are out, and they should be kept inside. In fact, they should be kept inside most of the day. If you decide to keep yours outside, even for just several hours at a time, it may be time to look into rehoming him or her.
As discussed previously, the frequent grooming of your Lhasa Apso can be quite a hefty task in lowering allergens in your home. While some people pay a professional groomer to maintain his or her Lhasa Apso’s long coat, it can get fairly expensive to do so once or twice a week. In order to save a lot of money and do the grooming yourself, be prepared to set aside time for a lengthy process.
See also: 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO GROOM YOUR LHASA APSO
After thoroughly bathing your Lhasa Apso with a quality dog shampoo and conditioner, it is important to get his or her fur completely dry. Using a hairdryer is the most effective option. Comb out the fur as you dry it, so any remaining dander gets removed.
If your Lhasa Apso is often kept with long fur, they will need to be brushed daily. If shorter fur is maintained, brushing 3 to 4 times per week is usually sufficient. More frequent brushing can mean better dander control, so if it seems that more brushing is needed, give it a try.
Keeping your Lhasa Apso off the furniture and bedding is another way to help with allergies. If your pup is already accustomed to sitting on the couch, the retraining will take some time. After retraining, you will also need to wash any bedding or pillows promptly to rid them of dander.
Washing your own clothing as soon as possible is ideal. Rather than letting dirty clothes pile up, washing as soon as there’s a load will help to keep dander and allergens at a minimum.
If you do not keep a clean home, it is time to start! Dusting is an effective way of cutting down on the dander levels in your home. If you have curtains, rugs, and other fabric home decor items, cleaning them often and well is key. However, vacuuming with a standard vacuum cleaner will not do the job. In most cases, a regular vacuum will stir dander up and in the air, causing a risk for further symptoms or asthma attacks. A HEPA vacuum cleaner is ideal as a way of preventing these issues.
HEPA is High-Efficiency Particulate Air and it comes highly recommended for most people with allergies. A HEPA vacuum cleaner is ideal for those with allergies, as its filtration system is the best for preventing allergy attacks.
There are also HEPA air purifiers that may be a quality investment for those with severe allergies. These range in size and price, allowing you to choose one that best fits the size of the room and your budget.
If it is in your budget, you may also approach pet allergies from a medical standpoint, as all allergies are in fact a medical issue. There are numerous options and methods to help combat your allergy to man’s best friend.
See also: HOW MUCH DOES A LHASA APSO COST PER YEAR?
Start by simply washing your hands more frequently! Dander and other allergens can easily get on your own person simply by touching a surface or your own clothing. By thoroughly washing your hands and face often, you are more likely to have fewer or less severe symptoms.
You could also consider taking over the counter allergy medications. These are most commonly antihistamines that will fight off your symptoms. However, if your symptoms are similar to asthma attacks, this option will not work for you. Be sure to ask your doctor about the best allergy medication for you prior to taking it. Allergy medication is not a long-term solution for some because of the need to take the medication every day.
If you dislike swallowing a pill each and every day, another option is to get allergy shots, which are also referred to as allergy vaccines. While this method is one that will eventually completely cure your allergy, it will take a lot of time and upwards of 65 or more shots. Sources say that you may need one shot per week for about a year prior to moving to monthly shots and so on until they are no longer needed. If you have the time and are not squeamish around needles, an allergy shot may be the best option for you.
There are clearly numerous ways in which you can keep your Lhasa Apso in the family once discovering your allergy. While some of them may seem like a lot of work, the companionship provided by a Lhasa Apso is usually worth the trouble.
It may not be required for you to do all of the suggested options in order to avoid symptoms. As mentioned prior, the severity of the allergy is always different from person to person. Finding what works for you may simply mean trying a few options, even if you do have a hypoallergenic Lhasa Apso.
See also: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OWNING A LHASA APSO
Related Questions
Are Lhasa Apsos outside dogs?
The Lhasa Apso breed was originally used to be an inside guard dogs. While they enjoy a little time outside each day, they are not dogs that should live outside.
Do Lhasa Apso dogs have a lot of energy?
Lhasa Apsos are not considered a breed with a lot of energy. They will usually have a short play session followed by a long nap.
Do Lhasa Apsos drool?
No, it is not common for a Lhasa Apso dog to drool.