Cavapoo Dog Grooming & Clean Up
Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic? A Guide to Cavapoo Allergies
Rocky Kanaka
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The adorable mix between a poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavapoo is a delightful dog that fits right in among families with kids. But is this loveable pooch safe for kids with allergies?
Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?
Cavapoos are, in fact, hypoallergenic! Since they are poodle mixes, the Cavapoo inherits their poodle parent’s hypoallergenic coat. However, some people may still experience allergy symptoms around Cavapoos– no dog is perfect.
Image Via: Mia Anderson on Unsplash
What does Hypoallergenic Mean?
Let’s get into that. When we call a dog “hypoallergenic,” what does that mean? The Mirriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of hypoallergenic states that for something to be hypoallergenic, it needs to have “little likelihood of causing an allergic response.” In objects like beauty products and fabrics, we’ve got a pretty clear idea of what this definition entails: they won’t trigger allergies when people use them.
Is “Hypoallergenic” Really Even a Thing?
In dogs, however, the term gets a bit muddled, hence the “little likelihood” in our definition. No matter what, dogs will always produce small amounts of allergens because they are dogs! They have fur, spit, and go outside.
What Dog Breeds are the Most Hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, there are plenty of breeds that fit the bill. Generally, dogs are considered hypoallergenic if they produce small amounts of dander or are generally low-shedders. Many dogs with hair instead of fur, curly fur, or wiry fur are considered hypoallergenic. Some dogs, like the American Hairless Terrier, don’t have fur at all!
What Dog Breeds are the Least Hypoallergenic?
On the flip side, non-hypoallergenic breeds are usually heavy shedders and have two coats of fur. Dogs like huskies, corgis, and Shiba Inus aren’t hypoallergenic whatsoever.
What are the Symptoms of Dog Allergies?
If you’ve got dog allergies, your symptoms might look like a cold. When someone with an allergy encounters an allergen, their immune system responds by fighting back against it like a virus. For people with dog allergies, this looks like:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Red, itchy eyes
- Hives or a rash on the skin
- Watery eyes
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Stuffiness
- Aches and pains, especially around the face.
Factors that Contribute to a Dog’s Potential to Trigger Allergies in Humans
So, what causes dog allergies anyway? While most people think it’s fur, it’s actually protein compounds that appear in the dog’s dander, saliva, urine, and feces. These protein compounds are released into the air when a dog sheds, which is why many people think dog allergies come from their fur.
Tips for Dog Owners With Allergies
If you struggle with allergies around your Cavapoo, there are still some things you can do to alleviate your symptoms and avoid triggering allergies at home:
1. Clean Regularly
To start, a regular cleaning routine will help cut down on loose hair or fur lying around and thus loose dandruff. Vacuuming once a week and dusting your living space can help reduce airborne allergens in your home!
2. Brush Your Dog Frequently
Grooming your dog frequently will also help reduce the amount of fur they shed and maintain their skin health. Brushing your Cavapoo daily to remove loose hairs and spread around skin oils will help alleviate itchy, flaky skin, and weekly baths are essential for removing any excess dander in their fur.
3. Wash your dog frequently.
Not sure how often you should wash your dog? Take our short quiz to find out
4. Invest in an Air Filter
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that people with seasonal allergies and pet allergies use air filters to reduce the number of allergens floating around the home. HEPA filters are ideal for single-room spaces and are especially useful if you live in an apartment or dorm. If you’ve got a house with an air filtration system (like an HVAC), use an allergy-safe air filter with a MERV rating of 11-13. Your nose will thank you!
How to Reduce Allergy Triggers in Your Cavapoo
Outside of home and pup care, you can still do a couple of things as a pet parent to lower the chance of triggering allergies around your Cavapoo.
Speak with Your Doctor
If you’re experiencing mild allergy symptoms around a new pupper, over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl is really handy. If your symptoms are a bit more serious, consider speaking with your doctor for an allergy test and a prescription for allergy shots until you get used to being around your doodle.
Visit the Vet Regularly
Regular vet visits can also help you see how your Cavapoo’s health is doing. Dry, itchy skin and excessive shedding are often signs of underlying health concerns– if your fur baby is suddenly making you run for the tissues, there might be an issue with their food or skin health.
Related Posts
- Are Poodles Hypoallergenic?
- Finding the Perfect Hypoallergenic Dog for Your Family: Tips for Adopting a Dog That Won’t Trigger Allergies
- 55 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds You Might Be Able To Live With If You Have Allergies
- Cavapoo, Cavoodle, Cavadoodle, & Cadoodle: What’s the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We have answers! Check out our Cavapoo FAQ:
Are Cavapoos suitable for people with mild allergies?
Cavapoos are considered hypoallergenic dogs and are great pets for people with mild allergies.
Do Cavapoos shed a lot of hair?
Cavapoos shed a moderate amount of fur, but it tends to get caught in their curls. They need frequent brushing to remove loose fur.
Can I develop allergies to Cavapoos over time?
People can develop pet allergies over time, just as it’s possible for people to grow out of them as well. If you start experiencing allergy symptoms around your Cavapoo, talk to your doctor immediately.
Are Cavapoos recommended for families with young children who have allergies?
Cavapoos are excellent family pets, especially for families with kids. Plus, they’re hypoallergenic, making them an excellent match for kids with mild allergies.
Are there any specific grooming requirements to reduce allergens in Cavapoos?
Maintaining a healthy coat is one of the best ways to reduce allergens in your Cavapoo’s fur. We recommend using gentle, moisturizing shampoos during bathtime and brushing your pupper daily.
How often should I bathe my Cavapoo to minimize allergens?
It’s best to bathe your Cavapoo about once a week. Depending on your lifestyle, they may need more frequent baths, though. Take our quiz to see how often you should bathe your dog!
Are Cavapoos less allergenic than other designer dog breeds?
Yes! Although they have some stiff competition with designer breeds like the Maltipoo and Yorkshire Terrier.
Do Cavapoos require a special diet to reduce allergies?
Not necessarily, unless they have a food intolerance or food allergy.
How can I test if I am allergic to Cavapoos before adopting one?
To test for any potential allergies, visit your doctor and request an allergy test for a few things you may be allergic to. They can schedule an exam with an allergist to help you find out if you have specific allergies and how severe they are.
Can regular brushing and grooming help reduce allergens in Cavapoos?
Yes! Regular brushing and grooming removes dander, which is a major allergen in animals.
Are there any other factors besides a dog’s coat type that can affect its hypoallergenicity?
Not particularly. Coat-type covers a lot of categories, including:
-The existence of an undercoat
-Hair coats vs. fur coats
-Coat texture
-Coat length
Can hypoallergenic Cavapoos be bred with other types of dogs without losing their hypoallergenic traits?
Yes, depending on the breed. For example, if you breed a Cavapoo with a Corgi, their mix will have a different coat than the parent Cavapoo.
Are Cavapoos good for people with allergies?
Yes!
What is the most hypoallergenic dog?
There are tons of hypoallergenic dogs out there for dog lovers with allergies. Ultimately, a dog that best fits your lifestyle and care needs will be the most hypoallergenic for you.
Are Cavapoos high maintenance?
The definition of “high maintenance” varies from person to person. For some, a “high maintenance” dog needs lots of exercise; for others, a “high maintenance” dog may need weekly baths and frequent haircuts. Cavapoos sit in the middle of the scale for both exercise and grooming needs.
The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.
This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.
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2. Sundays Food For Dogs
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.
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3. We Feed Raw.
This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.
Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Works Cited
- Air Filters. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
- Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic? HelloBARK!
- Hypoallergenic Definition. Mirriam-Webster Dictionary.
- 55 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds You Might Be Able To Live With If You Have Allergies.
- How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? Take Our Quiz.
- Are Poodles Hypoallergenic?
- A Guide to Poodle Hair Care.
- Finding the Perfect Hypoallergenic Dog for Your Family: Tips for Adopting a Dog That Won’t Trigger Allergies.
- Just brushing your dog’s coat can help alleviate itchy skin.
- Your Guide to the Best Dog Shampoos.
- Waynick, Liz. Cavapoo: Dog Breed Characteristics and Care.
- W, Emily. All About Cavapoo. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
