21 Dogs and Cats That Are Best For Allergy Sufferers

Being an animal-lover and finding out you have a dog or cat allergy can be pretty disappointing, but some people refuse to let an allergy diagnosis keep them from finding a new furry friend. Instead, they turn to breeds that are supposedly “hypoallergenic.” The only issue? There is actually no such thing as “hypoallergenic” dog or cat breeds!

The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dogs

According to the Mayo Clinic, even though a lot of people think pet allergies are caused by fur, the actual source of our allergies is a protein that’s found in the saliva and urine of dogs and cats. This protein sticks to the dander on pets, then sticks on everything else around them.

The “hypoallergenic” dog breeds that we hear so much about are breeds that either shed very little, or don’t shed at all, which means there is much less of that protein flying around to be allergic to. If you’re an animal-lover, the Mayo Clinic recommends looking for a smaller, nonshedding breed, opting for carpet-free floors (or washing your carpet often), bathing your dog weekly, and keeping pets out of your bedroom. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier is also a great idea.

The Best Breeds of Dogs and Cats for Allergy Sufferers

When it comes to felines, most people with cat allergies are reacting to the Fel d 1 protein in cat saliva. Both Siberian and Balinese breeds have less of this protein and may be a good option for people who love cats but are also allergic to them.

As for dogs, the American Kennel Club has a list of breeds that are known to shed very little and are therefore good options for someone who wants a dog despite their allergy symptoms. Some of the breeds they recommend are:

Afghan Hound
American Hairless Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Chinese Crested
Coton de Tulear
Giant Schnauzer
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Lagotto Romagnolo
Maltese
Miniature Schnauzer
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spanish Water Dog
Standard Schnauzer
Xoloitzcuintli

Head on over to the American Kennel Club to learn about the personality of each of these dog breeds, and see which one fits yours!

Dealing With Allergy Symptoms

If allergy symptoms have you fighting just to get through the day, you need a solution that actually brings relief. Flonase contains the number one prescribed allergy medication¹ for a reason; it relieves your worst allergy symptoms — like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and runny nose — as well as nasal congestion² and helps you get back to living your regularly scheduled, busy life!

¹ IMS Health Monthly TRx Allergy Market for the 12-month period of 1/31/18 through 1/31/19 for the most prescribed allergy medicine of fluticasone propionate
² vs. single-ingredient antihistamines, which do not treat nasal congestion