Are Pugs Hypoallergenic? – The Basics
When talking about Pugs, we love to say that they’re perfect; but we stop when the question “are Pugs hypoallergenic?” is asked. The sad truth is that, even though we love Pugs, they are not hypoallergenic – they are actually kind of blacklisted for allergic people regarding dogs. Still, there’s more to know about why this breed causes allergies. In this article you’ll learn:
- What causes dog allergies?
- If there’s a way of living with a Pug while being allergic – spoiler alert; of course!
- And more interesting stuff that an allergic Pug lover should know.
If like us, you’ve fallen in love with those black, pearly eyes – even though you’re allergic – don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Are you ready to make your way through allergies and your love for Pugs? Let’s get started!
American Kennel Club – AKC
Why are you allergic to dogs?
Allergic people don’t often get along with dogs or cats (yeah, they’re having a rough time) mostly because both creatures generate dander. Dander is simply dead skin that falls through and along with their coat when they shed; almost equivalent to the effect of dandruff in humans. Of course, the more hair a dog sheds, the worse the effect of allergies in contact with those hairs. So, when talking about hypoallergenic dogs, this translates directly to how much hair does a dog shed.
Still, even if a dog doesn’t shed at all, they wouldn’t be 100% hypoallergenic because what causes allergies comes from their skin. Of course, some of them shed way less than others. So, are Pugs hypoallergenic? In the case of Pugs, they are double coated in most cases, with some black pugs being single coated. Even so, they’re highly susceptible to temperature changes, making them shed a lot all year round. They’re classified as heavy shedders, even though their hairs are not long or particularly thick.
If you suffer from extreme allergic reactions, we recommend that you check this list of the AKC about the best hypoallergenic breeds you can get.
If you suffer from mild allergies or just maybe a runny nose occasionally, you can still have hopes to live and love a Pug. Keep reading!
How to live with a Pug if I’m allergic?
I’ve found myself in your place, and all I can tell you is; don’t lose your hope! There are a few methods and easy steps you can take to live with a Pug while having allergies. This can only work if you have mild allergies; still, you should consult your doctor before even considering the idea of getting a Pug. With that being said, here are the steps and actions you need to take:
- Brush your Pug: The main key we mentioned in our article on how to keep your Pugs clean between baths and how to lessen their shedding is clear again; you need to brush your Pug every day. To avoid their hair getting stuck everywhere they go, sit or lay – and of course, your clothes! –, you’ll need to brush them thoroughly every single time. You can check that article to know how to do it properly. This helps 100% of the time!
- Clean your house! Cleaning your house constantly helps a lot to diminish the accumulation of dead skin and hair. This will keep allergies at bay. Make sure to wear a mask though!
- Clean your Pug’s stuff: His bed, toys or simply all the things he touches.
- Get yourself some anti-allergy medicine: Your favorite countertop medicine against allergies always helps a lot whenever you feel it coming. In those cases, stay away from your Pug for a while, and take the medicine to mitigate the effects more efficiently.
Finally, keeping your Pug clean at all times is also another great way of avoiding allergies. We must warn you that all of this takes a lot of time and effort, which is why you don’t see a lot of allergic Pug owners around. Still, for us is more than worth it because we love our pets. If you think you can handle all of this, you could try to have a Pug at home.
Are Pugs Hypoallergenic? Other important TIPS!
There are a few interesting tips that are often overlooked when living with a Pug. If you’re reading this, you’re probably allergic or know someone who is. Still, you’re not the only one who’s allergic; the Pug you’re allergic too is also allergic to himself!
Pugs are basically allergic to themselves, as they’re allergic to their own dander and hairs, along with other things that might stick to their coats and spread when they shed, like pollen. And this is a general thing with Pugs, even if they’re not allergic to anything else. That’s why you’ll have to pay attention to a few more things:
- Their diet: a good diet for Pugs filled with healthy fats and nutrients is vital to keep their hair and skin strong and healthy. If they happen to have food allergies or simply a bad diet, they will have brittle hair, which will cause even more shedding. Check out our selection of foods and healthy fat supplementation to avoid this!
- Their exercise routine: as we said if they have pollen, dust or anything that may cause allergic reactions in their coat, the effect of your allergies will be worsened. That’s why you have to keep your house clean and check any environment where you exercise and play with them before doing so.
- Get rid of fuzzy things! Fuzzy toys, carpets, bedding, sheets, and more can trap a lot of dust and dander in them.
- Avoid warm places: If you live in a warm place, don’t get a Pug. Warm places make them shed even more! They are better in places within the 10°C to 15°C thresholds.
- Get yourself Pug-handling clothes: use specific clothes to be around your Pug. Wash them and keep them separate from the rest of your clothes to avoid filling the rest with hairs.
- Pug-free zones: Make some place of your house forbidden to Pugs. Your own Pug-free fortress of solitude will help a lot if there’s not a trace of the little, cute, and hairy creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions – Are Pugs Hypoallergenic?
No! You must ask your doctor if you would be able to get any dog whatsoever if that’s the case.
No! Shaving a Pug will cause him to be uncomfortable and cold, and wouldn’t make a difference. As we said above, dander comes from their skin, not directly from their hair.
Even though most of them do shed less, we wouldn’t describe them as less or more hypoallergenic than other Pugs. They generate, like all dogs, dander. Still, they don’t distribute it as much through shedding, which is a slight advantage.
Conclusion
So, are Pugs hypoallergenic? No, they are not! If you’re severely affected by dog allergies, getting a Pug is something you can do only under your own risk.
If, and only if, you’re not severely affected by allergies, you would be able to live a happy life with a Pug. Still, as we said above, this requires more care, preparation, and constant effort to work. Just as the idea of getting a Pug, this requires a little bit of thought and consideration. If you firmly believe that Pugs are for you, then go ahead. We believe that, too, even though we sneeze for no apparent reason when we cuddle with our Pugs. We promise you that you’ll still love those hugs.
Are you ready to live with a Pug?
