Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. If you suffer from dog allergies, there is a possibility that any dog, regardless of the breed, will trigger a reaction in you. That said, Scottish Terriers are considered to be more hypoallergenic than most other breeds, but all this means is that your risk of allergic reactions is lower. Let’s learn more about this.

What Triggers Dog Allergies in People?

Many people assume that dog fur is the culprit of allergies. Some have heard that the less hair a dog has, the less likely they are to cause allergic reactions. Dog hair is not what people are allergic to, though. Instead, a specific protein that is present in a dog’s skin, urine, and saliva is what triggers allergies. This protein is known as Can f 1 and is responsible for most pet allergies in people.

The protein is shed through a dog’s skin flakes or dander. The dander attaches itself to the dog hairs, and as those are shed around the house, the dander can wind up covering furniture, landing on surfaces around the home, or being inhaled. All dogs shed some level of dander.

Dogs that don’t shed much are considered hypoallergenic because less shedding means less dander spread around the house. Less dander means fewer allergic reactions. Scottish Terriers are low-shedding dogs, so they spread less dander than dogs that heavily shed, like German Shepherds. This doesn’t mean that you won’t ever have an allergic reaction if you own a Scottish Terrier, although it is possible. It simply means you will have fewer reactions and be more comfortable with a dog in the house. Also, the protein allergen is still present in their urine and saliva, even if they’re considered a hypoallergenic breed.

When dog dander is inhaled or dog saliva makes contact with your skin, your immune system will begin to attack the Can f 1 protein. The body will attempt to destroy the allergen, and your body can react the same as if you have a virus or bacterial infection.

Symptoms of a dog allergy reaction include hives, itchy skin, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, cough, postnasal drip, facial pressure, and congestion. If your allergy triggers asthma, you may experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

What to Do If You Have Dog Allergies

If your dog allergies are mild, meaning they don’t trigger asthma or make you unable to breathe when you’re around dogs, you may be able to live with a dog that is considered hypoallergenic if you take a few steps to protect yourself.

Wash your hands after petting, touching, or playing with your dog. You don’t want to accidentally rub your eyes or face and trigger a reaction.

If you must, dedicate one room of your house as a dog-free zone where you can go and get relief if your allergies are bothering you.

Brush, comb, and bathe your dog as necessary to reduce dander spread. Your vet may even suggest a certain shampoo to help reduce dander even more.

Vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces regularly to remove dander. Use a mop to wipe down walls. The less dander you inhale, the better you’ll feel.

Use an air purifier to clean and recycle the air in your home, removing dust, dander, and other debris before it has a chance to settle on your home’s surfaces.

Take medications to help your allergies, such as over-the-counter antihistamines. Ask your doctor which medicine would work best for you.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, but a Scottish Terrier produces less dander than many other breeds. They shed less, so the dander stays on them instead of winding up around your home. If you’re looking for a dog that won’t affect your allergies, you’d have better luck with a Scottish Terrier than a dog that sheds heavily.

You can still own a dog even if you’re allergic to them, provided that your symptoms are mild. Talk to your doctor about medication options. If you live with a dog already, do your best to keep your home environment clean and free of dog hair to reduce your symptoms.

If your dog does catch a skink, don’t worry—these lizards aren’t very appetizing, but they aren’t poisonous.

What are Skinks and Where are They Found?

Skinks are an extremely common family of lizards. Skink species tend to be small- to medium-sized lizards with small legs that love to burrow and dig into safe underground nests. They are found across most of the United States and on every continent except Antarctica. Some species of skinks also are common pets, especially the blue-tongued skink. These lizards make great terrarium pets because they are calm and easy to care for. Your dog might encounter skinks in the backyard or other natural areas.

Why Do Dogs Chase Skinks?

Dogs often have a strong prey instinct and will chase small animals. Skinks can be fast, wiggly, and brightly colored—just the kind of thing that gets dogs excited. Some dogs will “catch and release” small animals, but others will be interested in eating their catches instead. If your dog is a hunter, a wiggling lizard might look like an exciting snack and toy all rolled into one.

Dangers of Eating Skinks

Overall, skinks are pretty safe for your dog to eat. They aren’t poisonous, and they can’t cause serious harm to dogs. However, some skinks have parasites or bacteria, such as salmonella, that can cause mild harm to your dog. This might include vomiting and diarrhea, stomach pain, and other problems. If your dog does pick up a bug from a skink, it will likely pass within a day or two.

Skinks also have some defense mechanisms from predators. Many skinks will drop their tail to escape from predators, a relatively harmless defense. But if that doesn’t work, some skinks will bite back at whatever is attacking them. Their bite is usually not enough to break the skin, but if it does, you should clean the wound and watch for infection.

What Should I Do if My Dog Eats a Skink?

If your dog does eat a skink, you most likely don’t have to worry about it. Watch for signs of stomach distress such as vomiting or diarrhea. If symptoms persist for longer than a day or two, consider bringing your dog to a vet to make sure that it isn’t something more serious. Also, bring your dog in if blood is present in the vomit.

If your dog gets bitten by a skink and the bite breaks the skin, wash out the wound with clean water. You can also apply a non-stinging antiseptic to the wound to prevent infection. If signs of infection appear, go to a vet for treatment.

Last Thoughts

If your dog is a chaser, he might go after a skink at some point. Overall, chasing lizards should probably be discouraged. The off-chance of your dog getting sick is a good reason to avoid them. However, if your dog does eat a skink, don’t be too worried. They aren’t poisonous and aren’t likely to carry more bacteria than any other wild animal.

Despite the short coat of a Rhodesian ridgeback, they are not hypoallergenic. The good news is that ridgebacks don’t shed a lot and are easy to groom, which is positive news for allergy sufferers.

Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Good for Allergy Sufferers?

When your immune system is over-reactive, it releases a chemical called histamines, which triggers the body to push out allergens through your nose, eyes, and mouth, creating inflammation.

If you suffer from dog allergies, it is usually because of a protein that combines with the dog’s dander, urine, and saliva. Dander is dead skin cells that are released with the loose hair and are the most common culprit. This explains why allergy sufferers are only affected by certain breeds because some produce less dander. It is helpful to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and if you have your heart set on a Rhodesian ridgeback, you will be happy to learn that they don’t shed a lot, and mild allergy sufferers may be able to tolerate the breed.

How Much Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Shed?

The coat of a Rhodesian ridgeback is short, and they are considered minimal shedders. Like most dogs, the amount of shedding will vary with the seasons, but the amount of shedding is of no need for concern.

Rhodesian ridgebacks don’t shed as much because the hair’s lifecycle is shorter than other dogs. If your ridgeback sheds excessively or more than usual, it could be a sign of illness. This could be due to an imbalanced diet, using the wrong shampoo, stress or parasites, or more serious concerns such as hormone imbalance, tumors, or underlying disease. If your pup is experiencing excessive scratching along with changes in behavior, it’s best to consult your vet.

How Can You Minimize Your Allergic Reactions?

Even though the Rhodesian ridgeback is a minimal shedder, there may be times that your allergies can flare up. Here are some things you can do to minimize your reaction.

• Take time to groom your dog. Thankfully, Rhodesian ridgebacks are easy to groom because of their short coats. A brush once or twice a week with a short bristle will help reduce hair and dander, and an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth will also help remove debris and unwanted loose hair.
• Regular baths will keep your dog’s shedding low. Be sure to use a pet-friendly shampoo since harsh shampoos can dry out the skin and increase dander.
• Limit the amount of time your dog spends in the room where you are most. This way, you won’t be constantly surrounded by loose hair and dander. Try to keep your dog off your bed by providing them with their own comfy bed or dedicated chair.
• Invest in a high-efficiency air purifier to remove any airborne allergens.
• Clean and vacuum your carpets and rugs regularly or opt for a rug-free home if you have tiles.
• Wash your hands every time you pet or play with your dog. If you have dander on your hands and touch your face, it could trigger a reaction.
• Take your antihistamines regularly to help prevent and minimize the chances of an allergic reaction.
• Some allergy sufferers find that a saline nasal spray helps to clear the nasal passages
• Make sure your dog is getting regular exercise and is fed a proper diet to keep its coat healthy.

Conclusion

Rhodesian ridgebacks shed less frequently than many other breeds, but that doesn’t make them hypoallergenic. Knowing how your immune system reacts and the action you will need to take to minimize the chances of a flare-up before adopting a Rhodesian ridgeback is essential. If your allergies are mild or you can make minor lifestyle changes, you can enjoy the kind-natured and loyal dog as your companion.

So, before you decide to bring home a Xoloitzcuintli, make sure you know how to properly care for one to reduce the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction.

Causes of Dog Allergies

The main cause of dog allergies is dander, saliva, and urine. So, dog hair isn’t the main culprit for triggering allergic reactions. However, hair can help spread dander throughout the house.

Even if you have a hairless dog, like the Xolo, you can still get allergic reactions because you can always come in contact with dander, saliva, and urine. Therefore, you have a better shot at living with a dog by taking good care of its skin and coat rather than just choosing a hairless dog.

Tips for Allergy Sufferers Living with Xoloitzcuintles

Protect Their Skin

Since Xolos don’t have much hair, their skin requires special attention. They can’t have too many baths because their skin can dry easily. Any time you do give a Xolo a bath, make sure to use moisturizing and nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Using a moisturizer in between baths will help keep a Xolo’s skin healthy and prevent drying and flaking.

Since Xolos don’t have much hair, they get sunburned more easily than other dogs with thicker coats. They shouldn’t be outside for too long on particularly sunny days, and they should also wear sunscreen for dogs.

If you choose to clothe your Xolo during colder months, make sure to select clothes with soft and breathable fabric so that your Xolo’s skin doesn’t get itchy and irritated.

Feed An Appropriate Diet

Diet can also help keep a Xolo’s skin healthy. Dogs with food allergies can end up experiencing itchy and inflamed skin, which can cause Xolos to scratch and lick their skin. A limited-ingredient diet can help some dogs with food allergies.

If your dog just struggles with dry and itchy skin, you can also feed it a diet specifically made to support a healthy skin and coat. Fish oil supplements can also help nourish the skin. Just remember that if you’d like to significantly change your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian first.

Potty Train

Lastly, it’s imperative that a Xolo is completely potty trained if it’s going to live with an allergy sufferer. Since urine can trigger allergic reactions, it’s best for Xolos to learn to relieve themselves outside of the home. While pee pads can have deodorizers, they won’t completely eliminate the urine odor.

Also, if you have a Xolo that’s in the potty-training process, make sure to use cleaners with formulas that properly break down urine stains and eliminate odors. Enzymatic cleaners will be more effective than regular household cleaners in preventing allergic reactions.

Conclusion

There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. However, a Xolo may be a good dog for allergy sufferers. You just have to make sure that you’re on top of its grooming, diet and nutrition, and potty training.

Overall, creating a healthy lifestyle for a Xolo can have positive effects on its skin, which can prevent allergic reactions. So, with some work, a responsible and vigilant owner can make it possible for allergy sufferers to live with a Xolo.

But can an allergy sufferer live with a Norwich Terrier?