Samoyeds are one of the cutest and cuddliest dogs you’ll find. These medium to large sized pups are known for their soft fluffy white fur and smiley facial expressions. They are a true happy-go-lucky dog breed that plays well with kids, are extremely affectionate, and generally live for a long time.
If you’re a person who is allergic to dogs, then you’ll be happy to know that Samoyeds are in fact hypoallergenic! Allergies are a problem for many Americans and for those who are allergic to dogs, this can be heartbreaking. While no dog can be said to be 100 percent allergenic, the good news is that the Samoyed breed causes very few allergy problems for their owners.
Whether you have allergic reactions to pet dander that are severe or mild there are some things you can do to help minimize your discomfort. Read on for more information on the hypoallergenic qualities of the Samoyed dog breed.
Samoyeds as Hypoallergenic Dogs
More than half of the population in the United States reports some type of allergy and roughly 10 percent of the US population is allergic to dogs. Almost 70 percent of US households have pets. That is a lot of pets and people so surely there is some overlap with many owners who are allergic to their animals.
Having a hypoallergenic dog, such as a Samoyed, can help prevent these people from having allergic reactions to their pet. For those that don’t know, hypoallergenic means less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It does not mean no reaction. This is why we love hypoallergenic dogs such as Samoyeds because it allows dog lovers with pet allergies to still own a pup!
What Causes Samoyeds to Be Hypoallergenic?
Since Samoyeds have little dog odor, low levels of dander and don’t drool much, this classifies them on the list of being hypoallergenic.
Typically, allergic reactions are caused by an excess of dead skin and odor. A Samoyed has low levels of KNF-1 proteins which are found in saliva, dander, and urine which are one of the main triggers of allergic pet reactions.
While Samoyeds do have low levels of dander, they can cause allergy symptoms to occur in another way. Samoyeds have a thick coat of fur which sheds pretty intensely twice a year.
As many pet owners can tell you, when shed fur forms around the house it acts like a magnet for dust. This can also trigger dust allergies, so part of being a Samoyed owner with allergies is being vigilant about sweeping up that shed fur.
Samoyeds and Dander
Samoyeds are a breed of dog that has very little dander which means they don’t produce a lot of oil in their skins. Dander are tiny flakes of dead skin shed by pets that can cause allergic reactions to people.
Although they have lots of fur and shed twice a year, these pups don’t have much dander, unlike many other breeds. Contrary to popular belief, dander in dogs isn’t affected by the amount of shedding or length of fur.
For those allergy sufferers who are severely allergic to dander, there really is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. For some people, any amount of dander will trigger a reaction since all dogs (and people too) have at least some dander.
People prefer dogs, like Samoyeds, because they have less dander than other breeds which minimizes their allergic reactions, if they have them at all.
The reason pet dander causes more issues for allergy sufferers is due to its small size and weight which causes flakes to stay in the air for longer periods of time. These skin flakes also have jagged shapes which allows them to cling to clothing, furniture, carpeting and other fabric for longer. This allows dander to travel and disperse in larger areas as well.
Knowing this makes it easy to understand why dog owners with allergies prefer the more hypoallergenic dogs breeds like the Samoyed. Other dog breeds, suchs a some terriers, poodles, and spaniels are also considered to be hypoallergenic.
How Can I Tell if I am Allergic to My Samoyed? (Common Symptoms)
Although Samoyeds are commonly grouped as a dog breed best suited for allergy sufferers, it’s still worth checking with the breeder to ensure they are truly hypoallergenic. Samoyeds produce very little dander, but they still produce some, so it’s still worth looking into if you’re extremely sensitive.
Here are common symptoms and signs that you could be allergic to your Samoyed. If you’re sneezing, experience nasal congestion, coughing, have itchy, red or watery eyes, runny nose, facial pressure and pain, frequent awakening, postnasal drip, hives, or swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes, you could have pet allergies.
If you have any of the symptoms, it’s also a good idea to consult with an allergist or an immunologist. They can perform an examination of your nose lining to see if it appears pale or is swollen. They can also conduct an allergy skin test to see which substances you are allergic to.
They also help their patients manage their symptoms to help them live with allergies better which could include shots and oral medications. Some people also find success doing nasal irrigation, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
How to Avoid Allergies from Being Triggered by Samoyeds?
Luckily, there are tips you can incorporate in order to best avoid being triggered by Samoyeds.
First off, it’s worth noting that you should do extensive research and spend time with Samoyeds prior to even owning one. It’s crucial to speak with breeders, other Samoyed owners in online forums, rescues, pet groups, and doggy foster homes to get a better idea of what it would be like living with a Samoyed.
You also want to have a back-up in the sales contract in case a serious allergic problem arises. For allergy sufferers, you may want to consider adopting a Samoyed from a rescue or shelter since you can check to see if the proximity of an adult dog will trigger any type of reaction.
There are organizations such as the Samoyed Club of America or the National Network of Samoyed Rescues who can put you in touch with breeders.
Now that we understand that, we can dive into 5 practical tips to do at home to avoid being triggered by your Samoyed.
- Since saliva is one of the worst triggers for allergic reactions, make sure to frequently wash toys and anything belonging to your dog. Please wear gloves and wash your hands after as well.
- Invest in a quality HEPA filter to remove dust particles in the air. They should be 99.7 percent effective and down to the size of 0.3 microns.
- Feed your dog a diet rich in omega 3’s and fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. This will reduce the amount of flaky dead skin from falling off.
- Try to avoid lots of soft furnishing such as rugs, curtains and cushions. Dead flaky skin can easily cling onto these furnishings which only triggers your allergic reaction. Hard surfaces that are wipeable makes it easy for you to clean.
- Talk to an allergist to find proper medication and allergy shots to take to help keep your reactions in control.
Don’t Make Your Samoyed an Outdoor Dog
Although Samoyeds love the outdoors, they tend not to do well in hot climates especially during summer seasons. Due to the nature of their white coated fur which keeps them insulated, they tend to overheat quickly. In general Samoyed’s are cold weather dogs.
However, they do need lots of exercise, so consider keeping them busy indoors with toys and plenty of playtime. Another pro-tip is taking them on walks during cooler hours. Make sure to not trim your Samoyed’s coat as well. It’s also not safe to leave your dog outside unattended as they are escape artists!
Tips on How to Live With a Samoyed and Allergies
The best way to manage your allergies towards dogs is to take them to a professional groomer to remove dirt, debris, and any dead skin from their fur.
As a Samoyed owner, you should brush them daily to remove fur and dead skin to help better manage their fur from building up into knots. You may use a pin brush, deshedding brush, slicker brush or a long toothed comb. Or if you have someone else living in your home, it is best to have someone else do the brushing and disposal of the dander and fur.
Furthermore, a common practice is to frequently vacuum your home for fur around the house, have air filters to remove dust particles and air purifiers to help clean up the air, which is a common cause to trigger reactions or asthma.
As mentioned above, it’s best practice to keep your pup off furniture or carpets. Keep a doggy gate to prevent them from jumping onto your couch and definitely keep them away from your bedroom.
There are also a number of over-the-counter allergy antihistamines and decongestants that help allergy sufferers manage their symptoms and live with their allergies. Talk to your doctor or allergist about which one is right for you.
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- How Big Do Samoyeds Get? (Plus Size Info for Mix Breeds)
Mike is the Founder of Familylifeshare. Mike is well-knowledged in marriage, parenting, dogs, blogging and committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with his readers. Know more about Mike from here.
