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Golden retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a golden retriever if you’re allergic to dogs.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What a hypoallergenic dog is (and why most people misunderstand the true meaning)
- Whether or not you can have a golden retriever if you have allergies
- The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to getting a dog when they have allergies
- How to prevent dog allergies in babies
- And much more
Let’s dive in!
What Is A Hypoallergenic Dog
Most people have an incorrect understanding of the term “hypoallergenic.”
“Hypo” means low, so a hypoallergenic dog is one that releases a low amount of allergens.
Now when someone is allergic to dogs, they’re allergic to a protein found in dog’s dander, saliva, and urine.
Dog dander is flakes of skin, which are mostly released on the fur when a dog sheds.
So when we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, it essentially means dogs that don’t shed very much, so it doesn’t cause too bad of a reaction in people.
3 Hypoallergenic Dog Myths
Here are three popular myths that most people get wrong about hypoallergenic dogs:
Myth #1: Hypoallergenic dogs mean you won’t have any allergic reactions to them
“Hypo” means low, not zero.
So hypoallergenic dogs can still cause allergic reactions, but they’re known for being less severe or even unnoticeable.
Myth #2: People are allergic to dog fur
People are actually allergic to a protein found in dog dander, urine, and saliva, not the dog’s fur.
However, dander is often transmitted via shedded fur, so it’s an understandable mixup.
Myth #3: If you’re allergic to dogs, you’re allergic to all dogs
Just because you’re allergic to one dog, doesn’t mean you’re allergic to all dogs, which brings us to the next point…