No, Cavaliers are not considered to be hypoallergenic. Some people who are allergic to dogs may not have a reaction to Cavaliers. No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Cavaliers are considered a good choice for people with allergies because they produce less dander than other breeds. Dander is the primary allergen in dogs. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel produces less dander than other breeds, but they are not hypoallergenic.
The Cavalier King Charles is a small breed of dog classed in the toy group. They were bred in the United Kingdom and are popular pets in the United States. The average life span of a Cavalier is around 10-12 years. They are considered a healthy breed but can suffer from some health problems such as mitral valve disease and syringomyelia.
There are other breeds in this group similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. You can read my article on the topic here.
Why Is The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Not Hypoallergenic?
There are several reasons why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not considered hypoallergenic. Here are seven reasons:
They Produce Dander
Dander refers to the tiny scales that come off a dog’s skin. These scales are made up of dead skin cells, saliva, and urine. Dander is the primary allergen in dogs and can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. This dander causes allergy by direct contact with allergens, inhalation of allergens, and ingestion of allergens. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels produce less dander than other breeds, but they are not hypoallergenic.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shed’s Hair
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed hair year-round. Although they produce less dander than other breeds, they still shed hair, which can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. This hair can cause allergy by direct contact with allergens, inhalation of allergens, and ingestion of allergens. You can read more about shedding in my post: Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Shed?
They Have a Doggy Odor
All dogs have a doggy odor. The oils in their skin and hair are the cause of it. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a stronger doggy odor than other breeds. This odor can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs.
They Can Cause Sneezing and Nasal Congestion
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can cause sneezing and nasal congestion in people who are allergic to dogs. Cavaliers and most dogs produce allergens, including dander, hair, and saliva, which causes nasal congestion.
They Can Cause Itching and Rashes
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can cause itching and rashes in people who are allergic to dogs. As we wrote in the topic, nasal congestion, Itches, and rashes are caused by the allergens they produce, including dander, hair, and saliva. Your Cavalier can even start biting him self. Read more about it in my article Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bite?.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
A hypoallergenic dog is a dog that does not cause a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. No dog breed is considered 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Here are the factors that make a dog hypoallergenic:
Production of Less or no dander
Dander is the tiny particles that come off of a dog’s skin. Dogs that produce less dander are more hypoallergenic than dogs that produce a lot of dander. The dander from a dog’s skin can cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. It can also cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma.
Less Saliva
Saliva contains proteins that can cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. Saliva can also cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. Dogs that produce less saliva are more hypoallergenic than dogs that produce a lot of saliva.
Less dense fur
Dogs with a less dense fur coat are more hypoallergenic than dogs with a dense fur coat. Dogs with a less thick fur coat do not shed as much hair as dogs with a denser fur coat. Less shedding means there will be less dander in the air.
Hairless Breeds
Some people are not allergic to hairless breeds of dogs. This is because hairless breeds do not produce dander or saliva. The only downside to hairless breeds is that they can get sunburned very easily.
Non-shedding dog breeds
Some breeds of dogs do not shed their fur. These breeds are considered to be hypoallergenic. The downside to these breeds is that they need to be groomed more often than breeds that shed their coat.
Dogs that are Clean
Clean dogs are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. Dogs that spend a lot of time licking their fur can produce more saliva, which can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs. Dogs that do not lick their hair as often are less likely to cause a reaction. Here you can read more about why dogs lick.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Shed?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sheds like any other dog. They are not considered a hypoallergenic breed, but they may cause less of a reaction in people who are allergic to dogs than other breeds. Compared with other dogs, Cavaliers groom themselves less and do not tend to lick their coats as much, producing less dander. They also have a less dense coat of fur, which means they shed less hair. These factors make them a better choice for people who are allergic to dogs.
Can I Still Get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel If I Am Allergic To Dander?
Yes, you can still get a Cavalier King Charles spaniel if you are allergic to dander. Here are ten tips to help you manage your allergies:
Groom Your Dog Regularly. Regularly grooming your dog can help remove loose hair and dander. It involves brushing your dog’s fur and cleaning their ears and paws. You will need to purchase a good quality dog brush, a flea comb, and some dog shampoo to do this correctly. You will also need to use warm water, a towel, and a cup. When grooming your dog, make sure that you brush their fur in the direction of the hair growth. This will help remove more dander.
- Vacuum Your Home Regularly Regularly Vacuuming your home helps remove any loose hair or dander that may be in the air. Make sure to vacuum all surfaces in your home, including the furniture, floors, and walls. You may also want to consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. This will help trap more allergens in the vacuum cleaner. To clean the vacuum cleaner, you will need to remove the filter and wash it in warm water. This will remove any allergens that may be trapped in the filter.
- Use a Dehumidifier Dust mites are a common allergen that can cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. The allergens from the dog will also attach to the dust mites, which will increase your response. Dehumidifiers can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air and will help decrease the amount of mold and dust mites in your home.
- Keep Your Dog in a Kennel If you cannot keep your dog in another room, you may want to consider keeping them in a kennel. The kennel should be kept clean to help prevent the build-up of allergens. This will help decrease the number of allergens they are exposed to. Make sure to clean the kennel regularly and wash the bedding in hot water. Dirty kennels can cause reactions in people who are allergic to dogs.
- Use Air Conditioning Air conditioning can help reduce the number of allergens in the air. It will also help keep your home cool during the summer months. If your dog releases a lot of allergens, the air con will help reduce the number of allergens in the air. When this is not possible, you may want to consider using a room air purifier.
- Wash Your Dog’s Bedding Regularly Washing your dog’s bedding regularly can help reduce the number of allergens in your home. You will need to use hot water and soap to clean the bedding. Drying the bedding in a hot dryer will kill any allergens that may be present.
- Dust Your Home Regularly Dusting your home regularly can help remove any allergens that may be present. You will need to use a duster and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clean all of the surfaces in your home.
- Keep Pets Out of the Bedroom If you are allergic to dogs, you may want to keep them out of the bedroom. This will help decrease the number of allergens you are exposed to while sleeping. You may also want to consider using an air purifier in your bedroom.
- Take Allergy Medication If you have an allergy reaction to your dog, you may want to consider taking allergy medication. Allergy medication can help reduce the symptoms that you are experiencing. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the best allergy medication for you.
- Avoid Getting into Contact with Your Dog Avoid contact with your dog to prevent allergic reactions. Avoiding contact helps reduce exposure to allergens. If possible, you should keep your dog outside when it is not raining. You may also want to consider using a dust mask when you are around your dog. This will help prevent you from breathing in the allergens.
- Wear Mask and Gloves When Cleaning Up After Your Dog If you are cleaning up after your dog, you may want to consider wearing a mask and gloves. This will help prevent you from breathing in the allergens. You should also avoid getting allergens on your skin. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up.
Important note do not shave a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I have an article about it here.
How Can I Reduce The Reaction To Dander And Take In A Cavalier King Charles?
There are a few things that you can do to reduce the reaction to dander and take in a Cavalier King Charles.
- Use a air purifier. An air purifier removes allergens from the air and reduces your reaction. The best air purifier for allergies will have a high CADR rating, which means that it can remove many allergens from the air.
- Vacuum Regularly. Regular vacuuming can help to remove allergens from your carpets and furniture. Make sure to vacuum every week and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove as many allergens as possible.
- Bathe Your Dog Regularly. Bathing your dog regularly can help reduce the amount of dander they produce. Make sure to use a shampoo designed for pets and rinse them off well to remove all the soap. Though this is not a real permanent option. Bathing a dog often is not good for his skin. So do thing careful about this option.
- Keep Your Pet Out of The Bedroom. If you are particularly sensitive to allergens, it might be good to keep your pet out of the bedroom. This will help to reduce the amount of dander in the air.
- Medicate If Needed. Suppose you are still experiencing a lot of reactions to dander. In that case, your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce the reaction. Talk to your doctor about what the best option for you is.
- Reduce contact. If all of these measures fail, you might need to reduce contact with your pet. This means less time spent playing and cuddling, but your pet will still be a part of your family.
The important thing is to find what works best for you and your pet.
Conclusion
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an excellent option for people who are looking for a pet but are allergic to dogs. They are a low-allergen breed, and most people do not experience a reaction to them. There are a few things that you can do to reduce the reaction to dander and take in a Cavalier King Charles. A couple of such measures are:
- Using an air purifier
- Vacuuming regular
- Bathing your dog regularly (Not the best option, though. Bathing often is not good for a dog).
If you are still experiencing a lot of reactions, your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce the reaction. You might also need to minimize contact with your pet.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great option for people who are looking for a pet but are allergic to dogs. They are a low-allergen breed, and most people do not experience a reaction to them.
You can read more about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in my article: What to Know About The King Charles Spaniel, Quick Facts