If you or a family member is susceptible to pet allergies, there is one key question to ask before adopting that beautiful, energetic pup who you have your eye on: Are Golden Retrievers hypoallergenic?
The answer is no, Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. While this does not automatically mean you should not adopt a member of this breed, it is important to understand what it takes to minimize pet allergens so you, your family, and your pets can all live healthy lives together.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed a Lot?
One of the main reasons why this dog breed can agitate a person’s allergies is because Golden Retrievers do shed a considerable amount. Diet, health, genetics, and age can all affect the amount of hair that a dog sheds.
The spring and fall seasons are peak shedding periods, so you can expect to find even more loose hair around the home during these months. Even during the off-season, though, a Golden Retriever’s thick double coat will leave behind hair on a daily basis. For a person with serious pet allergies, the amount of dander carried by this massive volume of hair can be painfully irritating.
How To Manage Your Golden Retriever’s Shedding Hair
Maintaining consistent grooming practices is the best way to manage a Golden Retriever’s constant shedding. Use a fur brush to groom your pet on a daily basis. This will remove any excess or loose fur in a controlled and manageable fashion.
During the heavier shedding seasons, it can be worthwhile to use a specialized de-shedding tool that can more thoroughly remove loose hairs even from the dog’s undercoat. If you still notice dog hair around the house, consider additional daily grooming sessions or schedule a session with a professional pet groomer in your area.
Your pet’s diet can also have a direct effect on shedding volume. Make sure to provide enough Omega-3 fatty acids in your Golden Retriever’s daily meals, as these promote a healthy coat that will need to shed less often. Choose dog food products rich in these essential fats or supplement your canine’s meal plan with Fera Pet Algae Oil Omega 3-6-9.
How To Minimize Golden Retriever Allergens
Aside from managing your Golden Retriever’s hair and keeping their shedding under control, there are a few other ways to further minimize allergens if you or a family member has dog allergies.
Keeping the home clean is a constant yet worthwhile effort if you have a dog who sheds. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and wash your dog’s bedding on a regular basis. Consider replacing air filters around the home even more frequently than the recommended 3-month cycle.
You can also supplement your dog’s grooming routine with a high-quality shampoo that promotes healthy skin and revitalizes dry hair, leading to less shedding and reduced spread of allergens.
What Are the Symptoms of Golden Retriever Allergies?
Pet allergy symptoms manifest similarly regardless of dog breed, but they can be more pronounced when someone becomes exposed to such an allergenic dog as a Golden Retriever. Typical symptoms include:
- Sneezing or stuffy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat or mouth
- Skin rashes or hives
- Facial pressure or sinus congestion
Medical experts explain that pet allergy symptoms can also cause continuous fatigue and affect your day-to-day quality of life – if you have severe allergies that are not easy to treat, inviting an allergenic dog into your home is likely not worth the consequences.
For some, it is possible to relieve pet allergy symptoms with immunotherapy, air purifiers, or over-the-counter medication. If you or your allergic family member can use these methods to overcome allergy symptoms without too much trouble, it can be well worth the effort to add a reliable and cheerful Golden Retriever to your household.
Is a Golden Retriever Right for Your Family?
Golden Retrievers are affectionate, intelligent, and have an enthusiastic temperament that makes them easy to train. They require plenty of exercise, but that can make them appealing for families or individuals looking to improve their own lifestyles as well. They do have a tendency to bark, but effective training can lead to such immaculate behavior that they are even suitable as service dogs.
While the Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for families with kids, it is absolutely important that you make sure everyone in the household can tolerate the allergens. That goes double for kids, as dog allergies can be exceptionally dangerous for children, especially those who have asthma or who are prone to sinus infections.
Before welcoming a Golden Retriever into your family, consider requesting a dog allergy test from your doctor. If allergies are not an issue, and if your family can keep up with such a playful and high-energy pet, then a Golden Retriever can be a perfect fit. Otherwise, consider one of the many great hypoallergenic dog breeds instead.
What Dog Breeds Are Hypoallergenic?
If you need a hypoallergenic pet, then a Golden Retriever will unfortunately not be the right choice for your situation. However, there are several other breeds that possess the same qualities you might be looking for. There are some wonderful options that are hypoallergenic while also being just as intelligent, playful, and loyal as a Golden Retriever.
Some of these popular hypoallergenic dog breeds include:
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Labradoodles
- Goldendoodles
- Irish Water Spaniels
Some smaller dog breeds, like Poodles or Yorkshire Terriers, can also be great hypoallergenic choices if you are not adamant about adopting a similarly-sized dog to a Golden Retriever.
BaxterBoo Helps You Manage Pet Allergens
Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic, but unless you or a family member has a severe pet allergy, it is possible to overcome this with the right pet care supplies. At BaxterBoo, we provide a comprehensive shopping experience for pet families by offering grooming items, healthy diet options, and more, all in one place. Browse our catalog today and learn more about how your home can become a perfectly comfortable place for humans and dogs alike.
