If you have pet allergies, you might wonder if French bulldogs are hypoallergenic. Whether you own one or plan to adopt one, you might ask: Is the French Bulldog hypoallergenic?
As one of the most popular dog breeds, the French Bulldog frequently appears near the top of the American Kennel Club’s list. Although they are beloved, they are not considered hypoallergenic and aren’t very good for allergy sufferers.
You don’t have to worry yet – a French bulldog may still be (safely) in your future. Let’s examine this breed’s shedding habits and how you can ease allergy symptoms.
French bulldogs are not hypoallergenic. They tend to cause reactions in people with pet allergies, and there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed of dog. Pet dander causes allergies, not dog hair itself. Even dog breeds with no hair can trigger allergies in very sensitive individuals.
What is a Hypoallergenic dog?
Hypoallergenic dogs are less likely to cause allergy symptoms in people allergic to dogs.
Typically hypoallergenic dogs shed less than most breeds. Some of them might be hairless. They are a smaller breed, shed less hair, and carry less dander. Furthermore, they produce less saliva, and their saliva contains a lot of allergens.
You Can Also Read: Are Golden Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
Cause of Allergy in French Bulldogs
Dogs that shed little tend to leave less dander around the house for those of us with dog allergies since dander attaches to pet hair. Low shedders leave less dander around the house to react to.
This means you won’t experience classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and hives if you have a low-shedding breed. French bulldogs are considered moderate to heavy shedders despite having very short hair.
How Hypoallergenic Are French Bulldogs?
Even though they’re short-haired, French bulldogs shed a moderate amount of hair. Their fur sheds twice a year heavily. This usually occurs in the late spring and fall when they lose their undercoats. Additionally, they shed more hair when living in poor conditions and not eating enough vitamins.
French Bulldogs have sensitive skin prone to inflammation due to their folds. This makes them vulnerable to skin inflammation.
If you’re severely allergic and want a cute Frenchie, you should exercise some caution:
- French bulldogs shed a small amount of hair, but they have seasons when they shed significantly, which can irritate allergies.
- It is easy for dander to get caught in French Bulldogs’ short and tough hair, and since they like to steal attention whenever they can, they can easily spread allergen-laced hair that causes allergic reactions.
- It is not unusual for French Bulldogs to slobber. Dog saliva, fur, urine, and dander contain proteins that may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Although Frenchies produce varying amounts of dander throughout the year, their drooling can be fairly consistent. Their drool can cause allergies even faster than their hair.
The truth is, having a Frenchie won’t kill you. But they can cause allergic reactions that can be uncomfortable and even painful. So what do we think about the Frenchie?
How Much Do French Bulldogs Shed?
During the year, your Frenchie will shed moderately – you will probably notice dog fur on your carpets and furniture and possibly on your clothes after a play session.
A French bulldog’s coat consists of a topcoat and an undercoat. The undercoat sheds in spring and autumn, leaving more allergen-laden hair behind.
You will need to groom your pet more during these periods of heavy shedding (more on that later). However, allergy sufferers will probably have a difficult time during these times.
Related Post: Do Golden Retrievers Shed?
Having allergies and living with a French bulldog
Don’t despair if you can’t resist owning a French bulldog regardless of your allergies (we can’t blame you!) or if you already own one.
You can give your immune system a little break in addition to taking over-the-counter allergy medication or getting prescription allergy medication from your doctor.
If you have allergies, here’s how you can live with a French bulldog:
Regular Grooming
In addition to containing loose fur, brushing your French Bulldog every few days can help reduce the risk of allergy flare-ups. You might want to brush your dog more frequently in spring and autumn to prevent irritation and infections. During these seasons, your dog will shed more.
A bathing routine for your dog is also an important part of grooming. Your dog will probably do fine with one bath every one to two months, but you should ask your veterinarian for more information. In addition to keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, bathing removes dander-laced hair that could otherwise cause allergies in your house.
Buy dog shampoo from your local pet store or Amazon.com — human shampoo is too strong for your puppy’s sensitive skin. When bathing your Frenchie, please pay special attention to the folds in his face, as grime can accumulate there. However, don’t get shampoo in his eyes.
With Native Pet’s Yak Chews, you can reward your dog after a bath with a tasty, stink-free, mess-free hard cheese chew.
Quality Diet
It reduces overall shedding when you feed your dog a well-balanced diet containing the right amount of vitamins and minerals. To make your dog’s coat smooth, shiny, and low-shedding, omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important. If you aren’t sure your pet’s current diet is cutting, ask your vet for suggestions.
If you own a dog then you can read Can Dogs Eat Digestive Biscuits?
Lifestyle Changes
As cute as it may be, if you suffer from severe allergies, you should avoid sleeping with your Frenchie. This will add more dog dander to your environment. Consider wearing a properly-sized T-shirt over your dog’s body to contain some of that hair if you insist on cuddling him in bed.
Those with allergies might also benefit from setting up high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers throughout their homes. These devices capture even tiny particles, such as your dog’s dander, preventing them from reaching you.
Cleaning
To control your allergy symptoms, it is also important to vacuum and clean regularly if you own a French bulldog. Ensure you wash your bed sheets and linens regularly to eliminate dander.
You can also use hypoallergenic mattresses, sheets, and pillowcases. Ensure your dog’s bedding is washed regularly since dander can build up.
Medication
To reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups of occasional dog allergies, you can probably take over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl, nasal sprays and other products.
The only treatment for severe allergies is an allergy shot. Allergy shots work by gradually desensitizing your immune system to an allergen. There are allergy shots for pet dander allergies, too.
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean When It Comes to Pets?
When it comes to pet food, you’ve probably heard the word ‘hypoallergenic’ many times. Hypoallergenic, on the other hand, means that an animal, person, or thing is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Hypoallergenic dogs are, therefore, safer for allergy sufferers. An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts hyperactively to something harmless in response to an irritant.
Dogs can develop allergies due to proteins found in their saliva and skin. Generally, dogs shed loose hair and skin flakes, known as dander. These proteins can form allergen particles that accumulate on their skin and fur.
An allergic person can sneeze, itch, break out in a rash, or water their eyes after coming in contact with these allergens. This forms a sort of delivery system for the allergens.
Why You Need a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed
French Bulldogs are especially adorable since they are small, friendly, and lovable. They are also very easy to care for. They love people and strive to be the life and soul of the party.
Dogs with hypoallergenic skin are perfect for people who are allergic to dogs. Even if you do not suffer from allergies, you should protect your friends and family who may. Getting a hypoallergenic dog solves this problem because your pet won’t be able to relate to your pet if its skin breaks out in a rash every time it comes close.
Tips To Minimize Allergies from your Hypoallergenic French Bulldogs
Fortunately, you can do a few simple things to minimize your allergies if you’re allergic to your dog.
- It’s important to bathe your dog once a week if you have allergies, even if they’re hypoallergenic. Here’s how to bathe a French Bulldog.
- Wash your dog’s skin with mild dog shampoo to eliminate any dander.
- Have your carpets deep cleaned regularly? Remove all carpets from your home and install tile or wooden floors instead.
- Invest in an air purifier: An air purifier will filter out any dander in the air, which will help to reduce allergies.
- Medications can also suppress allergies and prevent allergic reactions if your allergies flare up badly. Ask your doctor for allergy medication.
- Keeping your home allergy-free requires washing your linen and your dog’s bedding at least once a week.
- Don’t let your dog on your furniture or bed if you have allergies.
- You can have a Frenchie if you suffer from allergies, but other dogs are better suited to allergy sufferers.
- The importance of good hygiene and grooming in reducing allergies in the home cannot be overstated.
It is possible to find the perfect dog for your family that will allow you to live an allergy-free life if you are willing to put in the time.
FAQs
French bulldogs aren’t hypoallergenic — they’re likely to cause reactions for pet allergies. And there is technically no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. Dog hair does not cause allergy symptoms but is a protein in pet dander.
Dander tends to get caught in French Bulldogs’ hair because it is short and tough. French Bulldogs are not shy about slobbering because they crave attention and like to steal it whenever possible, so they can easily spread allergen-laced hair that causes allergic reactions in people.
Conclusion
Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, the French Bulldog comes close. You can further minimize any allergies by taking some preventative steps and investing in an air purifier. So we have answered your question to Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic. If you have questions that weren’t answered here, feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to help!