Do you suffer from allergies but desperately want a furry face to bring some love and joy into your home? Finding the perfect pet to bring into your home can seem like a daunting task. You want something that is loving, adorable, and fun but also won’t leave you sneezing or constantly wiping away tears.
So, are German Shorthairs bad for allergies? In short, it depends. German Shorthairs do shed, and their fur can trigger allergic reactions in some people. However, they have a low dander and an easy-to-maintain coat. Plus, these pups are very intelligent and loyal companions, so they make a great pet choice for people with less severe allergies.
Read on for a closer look at German Shorthairs and allergies. We’ll share some helpful tips to help make sure your dream pup won’t give you a runny nose!
What Does Hypoallergenic Mean: At a Glance
Hypoallergenic is a term that describes certain breeds of animals that produce fewer allergens than the average dog or cat. All pets shed fur and skin, which are potential allergens, but hypoallergenic pets have coats that are designed to reduce the amount of irritants they put into the air.
While there’s no such thing as a truly allergy-free pet, there are some breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. German Shorthairs are among these breeds, as they possess a low dander and an easy-to-maintain coat. This makes them great companions for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
When looking for a hypoallergenic pet, the main thing to consider is their shedding levels.
Pets that shed less often tend to produce fewer allergens, and so do pets whose coats don’t contain long fur fibers, which can become lodged in carpets and furniture if not properly maintained. German Shorthairs have short hair and minimal shedding, making them perfect for those with allergies or asthma.
Is the German Shorthair Hypoallergenic?
The German Shorthair is not hypoallergenic since it has a double coat. The outer coat is wiry and water-resistant, while the undercoat is dense and soft. This double layer of fur traps allergens such as dander and saliva in the fur and spreads them into the air when the dog is excited or shedding.
Despite this, GSPs are still a great choice for people with less severe allergies. They have a low dander compared to other breeds like golden retrievers, poodles, and schnauzers, typically considered more hypoallergenic. Their short coats also require less maintenance than longer-haired dogs like collies or Akitas do, making it easier to keep up with their grooming needs without exacerbating allergies.
Additionally, German Shorthairs are intelligent dogs that make loyal companions for those who suffer from allergies. They’re known for being gentle and good-natured but also have a playful streak that can be enjoyed by anyone looking for an active pet to bring joy into their home.
Another thing that makes these dogs suitable for people with asthma or allergies is their lack of odor. German Shorthairs don’t give off much of an odor unless they haven’t been bathed recently. This makes them much easier to live with than some other breeds, which may produce strong odors even after bathing and brushing on a regular basis.
Overall, German Shorthairs aren’t totally hypoallergenic due to having a double coat that traps allergens within the fur—but they can still be good companions for those with less serious allergies as long as proper grooming practices are followed. With their low dander levels and minimal shedding, they can make an excellent addition to any home.
How to Avoid Triggering Allergy Symptoms With a German Shorthair
If you’re considering adding a German Shorthair pup to your home, here are some tips for avoiding triggering any allergy symptoms:
Regularly Brush and Groom
Regularly brushing and grooming your GSP can help avoid triggering any allergy symptoms. Grooming is important to keep the coat clean of debris and allergens, as well as keep the fur manageable and free of tangles. Brushing helps to remove dead hair and dander, reducing the amount of pet allergens that can be released into the air.
You should brush your pet at least once a week and aim to groom them even more frequently if they’re prone to producing high levels of dander or saliva. When brushing them, make sure to get underneath their fur since this is where most of the dander accumulates. This will help keep it from being released into the air when you’re near them or touching their coat.
Bathing is also important for preventing allergies from getting triggered by your pet’s presence. Bathing your GSP at least once a month with a hypoallergenic shampoo will help reduce the amount of allergens produced by their coat. Make sure to let them dry fully before allowing them back inside, as wet fur will produce more allergens than dry fur does.
Wash Your Hands After Petting Your Dog
Your hands are the main point of contact with your German Shorthair, and washing them regularly can help keep pet allergens at bay. Petting your pup releases saliva and dander into the air, which can be a trigger for those with allergies or asthma. Washing your hands after being near your dog helps to remove any traces of these allergens and prevents them from entering the air and triggering symptoms.
It’s important to wash your hands regularly, not just when petting your GSP but also in between pets. During this time, if you’ve touched anything that may have come in contact with pet furs, such as furniture or bedding, then you should wash up before picking up another pet. This will ensure that no unwanted fur has been transferred onto your hands from these surfaces.
In general, it’s best practice to wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds every time you interact with any pets or surfaces that could contain pet fur. Not only does this help prevent triggering allergy symptoms, but it also helps protect yourself against bacteria and other germs commonly found on animals’ fur.
Contain Pet Hair and Dander
As much as possible, try to contain pet hair and dander that may be released into the air when interacting with your German Shorthair. This means vacuuming regularly and washing your hands after playing or petting your GSP.
Vacuuming can help pick up pet hair, dander, and other allergens in the home, reducing the amount of these particles that are left in the air. If you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter, this can be even more effective at trapping these particles and keeping them from entering the air when you’re near them.
It’s also important to launder bedding regularly if you let your GSP sleep in the bedroom. Allergens like dander and saliva can become trapped in bedding over time, making it essential to wash them frequently in order to keep these particles from becoming airborne when you’re around them. Use a hypoallergenic detergent and make sure all bedding is completely dry before letting your pet back onto it.
Consider Getting Medications
If you’re still suffering from allergies despite following the above tips, then it might be time to consider getting medications. There are several over-the-counter medications available that can help reduce the symptoms of allergies, including antihistamines and nasal sprays.
It’s always best to speak to your doctor before taking any medication in order to ensure it is right for you and won’t interact with any other medications you may be taking. In addition, they may suggest an allergy shot or a series of shots that could desensitize your body to pet allergens over time.
Even if these treatments don’t completely eliminate your allergy symptoms, they can still reduce them significantly and make daily life easier when living with a German Shorthair.
Conclusion
So, are German Shorthairs bad for allergies? If you have serious allergies, then it may be best to avoid a German Shorthair altogether. But if your symptoms are manageable, then you can certainly have a GSP in your life as long as you’re taking the proper steps to reduce pet allergen exposure.
With the above-mentioned tips, you can enjoy life with your German Shorthair without feeling too burdened by allergies.
