If you're considering bringing a Pomeranian into your home, it's essential to understand that some people may have allergies to these adorable dogs. Pomeranians shed heavily, and their fur can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
The amount of shedding can vary depending on the season, with Pomeranians shedding more during spring and fall. This means that people with allergies may experience more frequent reactions during these times.
For people with severe allergies, even being in close proximity to a Pomeranian can cause symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
Pomeranians produce dander, a common allergen that can be found in the fur, saliva, and urine of dogs.
Causes and Prevention
Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander, saliva, and urine, which can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. These proteins are usually harmless, but the immune system reacts abnormally to them.
The allergen finds its way into the animal's fur, where it collects in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions. Pet dander can remain airborne for long periods of time and eventually find its way into your eyes or lungs.
To prevent dog allergies, it's essential to keep your Pomeranian clean and bathe it weekly in warm water. This reduces the amount of dog dander and saliva deposited throughout your home.
Here are some practical tips to prevent dog allergies:
- Bathe your Pomeranian weekly to reduce dander and saliva.
- Get a groomer to bathe your dog so you’re not exposed to the allergens.
- Wash the dog’s bedding weekly to remove excess dander.
- Use air purifiers throughout your home and avoid furnishings that collect allergens, like cloth curtains or carpets.
What Causes?
Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander, saliva, and urine, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. These proteins are harmless to most people, but can cause a sensitive person's immune system to react abnormally.
Different breeds produce different dander, so it's possible to be more allergic to some dogs than others. This means that even if you're allergic to one breed, you might not react as strongly to another.
The allergen eventually finds its way into the animal's fur, where it collects in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions. Pet hair itself is not an allergen, but the hair can hold dust and dander.
Pet dander can remain airborne for long periods of time and can eventually find its way into your eyes or lungs.
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Pomeranian Shedding
Pomeranians shed a lot, especially during seasonal changes, and this can be a challenge for owners with allergies. They have a double coat, which includes a soft undercoat and a longer outer coat.
The shedding process is natural, but it can spread allergens around the house. In fact, Pomeranians shed even more than usual twice a year, in the spring and autumn or early winter.
This is because their coat "blows" twice a year, releasing a large amount of hair and dander. To keep up with the extra hair, you may need to run the vacuum a few extra days a week.
There are also factors that can cause a Pomeranian to shed more than usual, including serious health conditions. If your Pomeranian is shedding extra hair, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Regular grooming is crucial to keep your Pomeranian's coat under control and reduce allergens. Brushing and bathing your Pomeranian regularly can help remove loose and dead hair, preventing it from spreading around the house.
However, even with regular grooming, Pomeranians are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. They shed, and this can trigger allergies in some people.
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Use Air Filters
Using air filters can make a huge difference when it comes to allergies. These filters are specially made to capture even the tiniest dander particles that are invisible to the human eye.
To find an option that's in your budget, browse Amazon or search your local department store. HEPA air filters are a great choice, as they're designed to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Regularly washing your dog's bedding can also help reduce allergens in your home. This should be done weekly to remove excess dander and prevent it from spreading.
Using air purifiers throughout your home can also help minimize allergens. This can be especially helpful if you're unable to keep your dog outside.
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Reducing Allergens
Regular grooming is a good way to keep allergens under control, as it removes loose and dead hair from the coat, so it doesn’t spread around your home. Consider having your pet professionally groomed if you're an allergy sufferer.
Bathing your dog weekly in warm water can reduce the amount of dog dander and saliva deposited throughout your home. This is especially important if you have a dog with a high shedding coat.
Washing your dog's bedding weekly can help remove excess dander and reduce allergens in your home. You should also consider using air purifiers throughout your home to capture even the tiniest dander particles.
If you have a small dog like a Pomeranian, you'll produce less dander, hair, and saliva than with a larger dog. However, it's still essential to groom frequently to prevent matting and reduce allergens.
Here are some simple steps to reduce allergens from your dog:
- Frequent brushing reduces the amount of hair and allergens that spread around your house.
- Bathing your dog once a week with a shampoo formulated for dogs can help reduce allergens.
- Keep your house clean and change the air filters frequently.
- Consider using a room air filter or purifier for even more protection.
- Vacuum and damp mop regularly to reduce dander and allergens.
- Keep one area of your home dog-free, such as your bedroom, to reduce exposure to allergens.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you suspect your Pomeranian has an allergy, it's essential to look out for common symptoms. These can vary depending on the cause, but may include itchiness, hives, swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps, and red, inflamed skin.
Some symptoms can be quite severe, such as anaphylactic shock, which can cause a drop in blood pressure followed by shock. It's crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
A veterinarian will first rule out any other conditions that could be causing your dog's symptoms. If allergies are suspected, they may propose allergy testing to determine the cause of the allergen. However, it's not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause.
Allergy testing can be complicated, but it's worth it to understand what to avoid to keep your dog healthy. Food allergies, for example, are often diagnosed using an elimination diet, where your dog is fed a single source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks.
If you notice changes in your Pomeranian's behavior or physical condition, it's best to make an appointment with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. They can help determine if allergies are the cause and develop a plan to manage them.
Here are some common symptoms of allergies in dogs:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
- Red, inflamed skin
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Chronic ear infections
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Constant licking
Treatment and Management
If your Pomeranian has allergies, the best way to treat them is to avoid the allergen altogether, but this may not always be possible.
To manage your Pomeranian's allergies, you'll need to work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the type and severity of the allergy, they may prescribe antihistamines, cortisones, medicated shampoos, or other treatments.
You can also try making lifestyle changes, such as changing your Pomeranian's diet or using dog-safe anti-inflammatory wipes or shampoos to provide irritation relief.
If your Pomeranian has a severe allergic reaction, get them to an emergency veterinary hospital as quickly as possible.
Here are some common medications and treatments that can help manage allergies:
- Antihistamines like Benadryl can help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Nasal corticosteroids like Flonase can reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
- Cromolyn sodium is an OTC nasal spray that may help reduce symptoms.
- Decongestants can make it easier to breathe by shrinking swollen tissues in the nasal passage.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help your body become less sensitive to the allergen.
Keep in mind that these medications and treatments should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, and it's always best to consult with a professional before starting any new treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a Pomeranian hypoallergenic?
To make a Pomeranian hypoallergenic, regular grooming and bathing with dog-specific shampoo can reduce allergen release, while frequent house cleaning and air filter changes help minimize allergen presence. Regular maintenance can make a Pomeranian a more suitable pet for those with allergies.
Sources
- The Spruce Pets (thesprucepets.com)
- Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org)
- Types of Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them (akc.org)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org)
- http://acaai.org/allergies/types/pet-allergy (acaai.org)
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/treatment/con-20028932 (mayoclinic.org)
- http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/treatments/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy).aspx (aaaai.org)
- Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic? Advice for Those With ... (nativepet.com)
- Is a Pomeranian Hypoallergenic? Vet Reviewed Facts & ... (dogster.com)
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