Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic? A Guide to Managing Allergies with Your Doxie

Rocky Kanaka |

Mar 29, 2023

Do you find yourself sneezing up a storm around your friend’s dachshund? Or maybe you’re looking into getting one yourself, and you’ve got to know how your allergies will react to your new furry friend– whatever the case, we’ve got your back when it comes to doxie shedding. Here’s everything you need to know about dachshunds and dog allergies, starting with the big question: are dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Are Dachshunds Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, dachshunds are not hypoallergenic. We’ll get into the ins and outs of why they aren’t hypoallergenic below:

What does Hypoallergenic Mean?

To start, let’s go over what “hypoallergenic” actually means. Miriam-Webster defines it as “having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.” Allergies are a significant part of many people’s lives, and roughly 30% of Americans are in some way allergic to dogs and cats alone!

Is “Hypoallergenic” Really a Thing?

When talking about “hypoallergenic” things, people usually refer to clothing, fabrics, and furniture. Fabric can trap and hold common allergens, so hypoallergenic fabrics don’t trap these common allergens.

The definition gets a bit stretched in animals, and that’s where the “little likelihood” comes in. All animals shed fur or skin and produce dander, so while a dog or cat can be considered hypoallergenic, they still might trigger allergic reactions in people with serious allergies.

What Dog Breeds are the Most Hypoallergenic?

Dog lovers with allergies, don’t fret– there are TONS of dogs out there that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. We go more in-depth about hypoallergenic dogs in our comprehensive list, but generally speaking, hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to have the following traits:

They have hair instead of fur
Their hair/fur is curly or wiry
They are low shedders
They have only one coat of fur/hair

Some hairless dogs, like the Xoloitzcuintli, are also hypoallergenic, but these dogs naturally produce low amounts of dander. Not all hairless dogs are hypoallergenic.

What Dog Breeds are the Least Hypoallergenic?

In terms of the biggest allergy-causing dogs, heavy-shedding dogs or dogs with double coats, like corgis, huskies, and shiba inus, are the most likely to trigger allergies in humans. When dogs shed, they leave their dander behind, a major allergen in humans.

What are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?

If you’re unsure whether or not you’ve got pet allergies, we’ve got you covered– allergic reactions come in many different forms, but for people with pet allergies, the symptoms are pretty straightforward. If you experience the following symptoms around animals or pollen, you may have allergies:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose, the roof of mouth, or throat
Postnasal drip
Cough
Facial pressure and pain
Frequent awakening
Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes

People with asthma who have allergies may feel tightness in the chest and shortness of breath as well.

Factors that Contribute to a Dog’s Potential to Trigger Allergies in Humans

So, what are the things that cause pet allergies in humans? While dander is a major cause of pet allergies, it’s actually the proteins in the dander that cause allergies. You’ll find these proteins in more than just dander; they also exist in dog saliva, feces, and urine. In addition, dog fur can catch and hold onto other allergens like pollen, which may worsen allergy symptoms.

When people with animal allergies touch or inhale an allergen, their immune systems treat it as a dangerous foreign substance (like a cold!). The immune system then releases immunoglobulins to attack and remove the allergens, as though they would a virus. This is why allergy symptoms and cold symptoms are so similar!

Tips for Dog Owners With Allergies

If you’ve got a Dachshund of your own and struggle with allergies, there are plenty of ways to manage your allergies. There are three main ways to do so:

Groom Regularly

A regular grooming routine is essential to reducing how much your dachshund sheds. Frequent, if not daily, brushing, regular baths, and trips to the groomer are essential for controlling shed fur and reducing the amount of dander your dog produces. Not sure how often you should wash your dog? Find out here.

Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning regularly is another vital part of managing dachshund shedding. Vacuuming and dusting regularly will remove loose hairs from furniture and your floors. Don’t forget to wash your blankets, too!

Consider an Air Filter

To help reduce the amount of fur and dander in the air, consider using an air purifier or allergen-catching air filter to trap hair throughout the day. Replacing filters frequently is essential to managing allergens, so always check the recommended replacement timeline on your filter’s instructions.

How can I Reduce my Allergy Triggers to a Dachshund?

The best way to reduce allergy triggers to a dachshund is by either not being around them or spending more time around them to get used to the particular doxie. However, there are also some other things you can do as well:

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re not around doxies 24/7, taking allergy medication can help reduce allergy symptoms. If you’re around dachshunds more often, speaking with your doctor to brainstorm allergy solutions may be your best choice. Your primary care physician can prescribe allergy shots to help reduce allergy symptoms.

Keep an Eye on Your Dog’s Coat Health

Your doxie’s coat health also significantly affects how much they shed. Keeping your dachshund well-fed and properly groomed is one of the best ways to reduce and manage shedding. More frequent bathing than is convent

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We’ve got you covered with our most frequently asked questions about dachshunds and allergies:

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.

Are long-haired dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Long-haired dachshunds tend to shed more than short-haired doxies so they might cause more allergy problems for someone with dog allergies.

Are mini dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Mini dachshunds aren’t hypoallergenic, but they do shed less because they’re smaller!

Are wire-haired dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Wire-haired dachshunds aren’t hypoallergenic but shed far less than other types of dachshunds. They’re the best option if you’re looking for a low-shedding doxie!

Do Dachshunds shed a lot?

Dachshunds are moderate shedders, and how much they shed depends on their coat length. Generally speaking, the longer the coat, the more fur there is to shed.

What causes pet allergies?

Dander is the most common cause of pet allergies. It comes from loose, dead skin cells that are shed throughout the day.

Can people with allergies keep Dachshunds as pets?

People with allergies can definitely keep dachshunds as pets! You just need some patience and a good cleaning routine.

How can I reduce my exposure to pet allergens?

Regular cleaning and using allergen-reducing air filters is the best way to reduce exposure to pet allergens around the house.

What are some hypoallergenic dog breeds?

Dogs with hair instead of fur, like poodles, Maltese dogs, and afghan hounds are hypoallergenic. So are dogs without hair or fur, like the hairless terrier and Xoloitzcuintli. Check out our list of hypoallergenic dog breeds for more great pups!

Can regular grooming help reduce pet allergens?

Yes! Regular grooming can help keep your dog’s skin healthy and well-moisturized.

What are some common allergens found in pet dander?

Pet dander sometimes carries other allergens like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen.

Are there any medications or treatments that can help alleviate pet allergies?

Over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl can help with minor pet allergies, while doctors may also prescribe allergy shots for severe cases.

Can Dachshunds cause asthma attacks?

Dachshunds can cause asthma attacks in people with severe asthma.

Can children with allergies keep Dachshunds as pets?

Children with allergies can live with dachshunds– you’ll have to maintain a regular cleaning schedule and keep your doxie away from their beds and clothes.

How can I prepare my home for a Dachshund if I have allergies?

Creating allergen-free spaces for yourself and installing anti-allergen air filters is a great way to prepare for bringing home a non-hypoallergenic dog.

What are some non-allergenic pets?

Animals without hair or fur are the best non-allergenic pets. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish are all considered hypoallergenic.

Can allergy shots help with pet allergies?

Allergy shots can help with pet allergies but require a doctor’s prescription.

What are some common allergens found in dog saliva?

Dog saliva also contains proteins commonly found in their dander– the leading cause of pet allergies in humans.

How often do I need to groom my Dachshund?

You should bathe your doxie at least once a week and brush them daily.

Are Dachshunds suitable for people with allergies?

Dachshunds aren’t the best dog for people with allergies, but they aren’t the worst either.

What is the best way to clean up pet hair and dander in my home?

Dusting and vacuuming frequently can help remove pet dander in your home.

What is the best food for your dog?

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.