Since people are allergic to dandruff and not to the dog’s hair or fur, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs. Nevertheless, Shih Tzu is a great dog breed for people who suffer from allergies and look for a hypoallergenic dog.
This is due to her hair-like fur in contrast to the typical dog fur. But some people with allergies can still experience allergic reactions based on their sensitivity to a particular dog. Ultimately, it depends on the person and his allergies and not on the breed of dog in general. However, there are many steps you can take to keep the dandruff of your Shih Tzu to a minimum.
What causes pet allergies?
The first step to determine whether Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic is to understand what causes pet allergies. Many people make the widespread mistake that the dog’s fur is the cause of their allergies.
In fact, however, it is an allergen that occurs in the dandruff, saliva and even in the urine of pets. Therefore, there is actually no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
There are dogs that are less susceptible to allergies. But since all dogs have dandruff, saliva and urine, it is impossible to call a dog hypoallergenic.
Are Shih Tzu dogs hypoallergenic?
Even if there are no breeds that are completely hypoallergenic, there are certain breeds that are better suited for people with allergies. Since Shih Tzus have a hair-like fur and a double fur, it is common for the hair they she shed to get stuck in the second layer of the fur instead of falling on the carpet or furniture.
Since Shih Tzu’s hairs less than other dogs, there are not so many dandruff that gets into the air. Due to these properties, Shih Tzus are less susceptible to triggering allergies.
Tips for controlling allergies
People with severe allergies can be allergic even to the most allergy-friendly dogs. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that your allergies remain under control with your new Shih Tzu. The first step is to spend time with your potential new dog before you commit to taking him home.
A responsible breeder should allow you to return the dog if he triggers your allergies, and most animal shelters allow you to spend a lot of time with him before adopting your new four-legged friend. By spending time with your Shih Tzu before you bring it into your habitat, you eliminate the possibility of creating an unpleasant living environment for yourself and your new puppy.
Grooming tips
Since allergies are caused by animal hair, you should try to reduce the dandruff of your Shih Tzu to a minimum. You can achieve this by taking care of your Shih Tzu regularly. If you are the person with the allergy, it is best if you are not the one who carries out grooming.
Shih Tzus should usually be brushed every few days, but to minimize allergies, brush your dog daily. This helps to keep excess hair and dandruff away from the floor and furniture. In addition to brushing daily, you should keep the fur of your Shih Tzu short.
Although this breed is known for its beautiful, long hair, this hairstyle is much more difficult to care for. Make your life easier by having your Shih Tzu styled by the dog hairdresser with a traditional puppy cut.
The last care method you can use is bathing your dog. It is very important to note that your dog’s skin scales even more if it gets too dry.
Therefore, when bathing your Shih Tzu, you should use a natural, moisturizing shampoo. This helps to wash away dandruff and excess hair.
After shampooing, you should use a conditioner that moisturizes the fur and skin. This step is the key to moisturize your dog’s skin so that hair loss and dry skin do not occur.
Clean your house regularly
In addition to grooming, cleaning the house is also important to keep allergies at bay. This includes washing your dog’s bed linen, vacuuming and sweeping. Even if your house looks lightning clean as a result, it is about catching the dandruff before it infects the allergy sufferer.
To make cleaning easier, you should teach your Shih Tzu to always sleep in the same places. Although it goes without saying, you should also keep the Shih Tzu away from the person with the allergies’s room.
Is a Shih Tzu hypoallergenic?
Although some sources say that a Shih Tzu is hypoallergenic, there is no way to know that until the individual comes into contact with the dog. This is because the allergies of each person are different and it is therefore impossible to make a blanket generalization.
However, if you love Shih Tzus and are allergic to dogs, there is a good chance that this breed will be suitable for you. If you follow the regular care recommendations and keep your living space clean, it is possible that you can keep your allergies under control.