Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic? [A Vet Explains]

Do any of you know if Pitbulls are hypoallergenic? Are they as good as Bichon Frise for those with allergies? Are they worth the cost to adopt one and minimize allergens in your home?

In this article, we will explore these questions and more. We will also talk about how to minimize allergens in your home so that even if you don’t want a dog at all, you can still enjoy living there!

So, are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic? Pitbulls are not hypoallergenic, they produce a moderate to a high amount of the most common dog allergens such as urine, dander, saliva, and fur, and even though they don’t have double coats but they shed all year long and can produce lots of saliva.

What makes a dog hypoallergenic is a lot more than that so to know what makes a dog hypoallergenic or how to live with a dog that is not hypoallergenic such as Pitbulls if you have allergies.

This article has been reviewed and edited by a vet, but it doesn’t replace your own vet. Please see your vet for specific and trusted advice. This site DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and all the information provided here is meant for informational purposes only.

What Makes A Dog Hypoallergenic?

To start off, let’s talk about what makes a dog hypoallergenic. To be considered completely or totally hypoallergenic, the American Kennel Club requires that dog breeds must produce less than 15mg of dander per cubic meter of air.

You can see why people want to know how they might be able to live with a dog such as the Pitbull.

But even though this is something we consider when we talk about whether or not dogs are hypoallergenic, there’s more than just dander or fur that makes a dog hypoallergenic or not so there are no guarantees even if you do own an allergy-friendly breed.

People can become allergic to pet dander (similar to human dandruff), saliva, urine, and hair.

When exposed to these chemicals, our bodies may misinterpret certain proteins, known as allergens, as a hazard.

To defend us, our immune system generates antibodies to those molecules.

When we’re exposed to those proteins a second time, our immune systems respond by creating an allergic reaction.

The immune system will be activated, resulting in the production of histamine.

Histamine produces sneezing and mucus production, which help us to fight the invading protein.

The symptoms we associate with an allergy are caused by the reactions responsible for our discomfort.

It’s the proteins to which you’re reacting. That’s why, even though a so-called hypoallergenic dog may not cause an allergic response, it can still do so. By the way, I have a full guide on how bad are Pitbulls for people with allergies here that you should check out.

The Shedding

Many dogs suffer from hair loss, which is known as shedding.

Some dogs shed continuously, while others shed only once a year during the undercoat.

While not all dogs have an undercoat, those bred for colder climates are more likely to have a second layer of fur to retain heat.

The undercoat is usually soft hair, while the outer hair is generally more rigid.

Dogs shed their warm winter coats for cooler spring and summer months during seasonal undercoat shedding.

However, while removing your dog’s hot hair may be beneficial for you, it may irritate you as well.

Other items, including dust mites, pet dander, and even food particles that have fallen onto the carpet or been vacuumed up from furniture cushions may all cause allergic reactions.

If your dog drools constantly or has frequent accidents in the house, allergy symptoms are very likely to develop.

The Allergens

The harmful protein that causes health problems for pet owners is also found in a dog’s saliva and urine, dogs can acquire more of it from their owner than from another canine.

It’s most probable that your body is reacting negatively to dander when you have an allergic reaction to your dog.

This is a greater concern than merely dog hair clinging to your black pants since it’s commonly carried on your dog’s fur.

The Dander

What exactly is dander, and how does it work? In addition to shedding hair, your dog generates dead skin cells as well. Dander is the small flecks that make up this term.

This quickly attaches to carpets, bedding, clothing, and furniture to induce pet dander allergy symptoms in owners such as a fever, runny nose and sneezing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

The most hypoallergenic dog breeds are those that shed the least and have non-shedding coats that barely leave hair around your home.

An irritant response, on the other hand, is not the same as an allergic reaction. Irritation does not stimulate the formation of antibodies in the same way an allergy does.

If you’re sensitive to dog hair, a dog that sheds less would be beneficial.

Why Are Pitbulls not Considered Hypoallergenic?

Now that you know what makes a dog hypoallergenic, let’s talk about the Pitbull.

There are many reasons why people believe Pitbulls are not considered to be hypoallergenic but they’re wrong!

The truth is that all dogs produce allergens and no matter how “hypo” or small the percentages are, all dogs produce allergens.

So, here are the reasons why Pitbulls are not considered Hypoallergenic.

The reason Pitbulls aren’t considered hypoallergenic is that they usually shed and leave behind dead hair to create dander.
And the other reason why people would say this about them is because of their saliva production which can be seen when they lick themselves or just by looking at them. But you have to know that all dogs produce saliva and it’s not just Pitbulls, do think about the other breeds also!
The reason why people believe they are not hypoallergenic is because of their size since they are not many large hypoallergenic dogs, all of them happen to be small or medium-sized breeds.

Poodles, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Yorkshire Terriers are all examples of dogs considered totally or almost totally non-shedding which means they don’t produce many allergens.

But, even though these breeds do not produce much dander and are considered to be hypoallergenic there is no guarantee that someone with allergies will have absolutely no symptoms when they’re around them or in contact with their fur/hair.

It all depends on the person’s level of sensitivity to allergens since some might have a severe reaction, while others might only sneeze once or twice.

The dander that comes from these dogs is actually allergens because they produce saliva which helps them digest their food better and makes their coats shiny.

It also contains pheromones to mark territory so you can imagine what a big amount of dander they produce.

So, even though these breeds are good for those with allergies it doesn’t mean that the symptoms will disappear completely and not just decrease either.

Also, if you’re allergic to dog hair then Pitbulls might cause some problems because as we said before they do usually shed.

The reason why they are not considered to be hypoallergenic is because of their size, lack of grooming, and saliva production.

If you’re looking for a dog breed that will cause the least amount of problems with your allergies but whose coat won’t bother you then it’s best if you choose one that doesn’t shed or is on the non-shedding breed list.

And for those who are looking to buy a Pitbull, it’s best if you choose one with short hair and that doesn’t produce too much saliva so they won’t be considered hypoallergenic but will still do their job of protecting your family.

How To Limit The Pitbull Allergens in Your House

As we have seen, Pitbulls are not hypoallergenic by nature but there are some things you can do to help reduce the allergens in your house.

Groom Your Pitbull Frequently

Groomed dogs shed less often. While you can’t change how much they shed, you can certainly control it.

Brushing and washing can significantly assist in reducing the inflammation caused by allergies in dogs. Even though Bruce is a Pitbull, I still take him to the groomer every two or three months!

They can bathe him and give him a good scrub down that cleanses his skin and removes all loose, dead fur from his body, which will not fall in my home.

Brushing your dog’s hair has a similar effect on both petting and grooming, as it removes dead hair and dander.

Limit Your Interactions With Them

Your Pit Bull, like many other dogs, is likely to give slobbery kisses. While the affection is charming, the shared saliva also implies that both parties are allergic to some things.

Also, if you have children in your house then it’s best that they don’t touch them too much so there won’t be any skin contact since saliva can cause allergies on its own even when mixed with certain proteins from other dogs.

It’s wise to avoid loving licks, especially around your face. With a few more toys and snacks, you can demonstrate your affection.

Always Keep Your Home Clean

It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom clean, but you don’t want it to be your only living room.

However, vacuuming the house on a regular basis can help a lot with your allergies. in fact, your allergy can get so bad because of the hair on the carpet so maybe you should replace it with hardwood.

If you still have some carpet in your home because you don’t have the time to replace all of the floors, so a good vacuum is important for you.

Never Let them Sleep in The Same Place As You.

I wouldn’t recommend letting your dog sleep in with you or even sleep in the same room as you, The most significant advantage of a dog door is that it allows your pet to get in and out without waking you up.

While an allergy sufferer, the resulting insomnia hours-long exposure to allergens while you sleep can leave you waking up with cold symptoms.

While establishing limits may begin with some complaining at the door, eventually, your dog will get used

Fortunately, you don’t have to eliminate all common spaces with your dog. After all, Pit Bulls don’t do well sleeping outside when the weather is either too hot or too cold, so having one implies putting up with some common ground in the house.

Instead of sleeping with your dog in your bedroom, provide them with their own area in the living room.

Place a dog bed beside the couch so that your dog may rest and hang out with you while you engage with the family or watch TV.

This also reduces the number of clean-up chores you have to do.

Always Wash Your Hands

Always wash Your hands after petting your pitbull or having any interaction with them because the allergens can easily be transmitted from their coat, urine, or even saliva to your skin, and depending on how allergic you are the affect may vary.

It may cause redness on your skin, or it may just lead to runny nose and watery eyes, so just to prevent any of the symptoms be one step ahead and always wash your hands after any kind of interaction with your Pitbull.

Help Them With Improved Diet For A Better Coat

Omega-3 fatty acids can help your dog’s dander and dry skin decrease. Omega-3 is derived from fish oil and other fish-based products.

The Omega-3 component is also beneficial for arthritic senior dogs suffering from joint issues since it reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Get An Air Conditioner

Since dander and saliva are two of the most common airborne allergies, it’s important to consider your home’s air quality.

Pit Bulls shed and distribute dander as spring approaches, as the weather warms up.

However, this is also when you begin to run your air conditioner on a regular basis. The mixture frequently results in clogged air filters.

The air filter in your air conditioner must be replaced every three months if you live in a home without pets. The time limit drops to two months when you include a cat or dog. When you add pet allergies into the equation, the air filter needs to be changed every month.

Also, if you’re a dog lover then it’s best to own more than just Pitbulls since they produce allergens all throughout their lives so even when there are no puppies in your house anymore those loose hairs will still be there.

If you want to own more than one dog then it’s best if they are a different breed since that way the allergens produced by each won’t mix and will reduce the amount of dander in your house which is definitely better for people with allergies.

Take An Allergy Medication

The final modification is likely to be a trip to your doctor’s office. This change is about you, not your dog or home.

When it comes to allergies, more powerful relief may be required than cleaning up or washing your hands on a regular basis.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about pet allergies, with answers.

Although veterinarians don’t understand much regarding food allergy in dogs, they have seen several cases similar to yours.

Food allergies are common among pets and affect both cats and dogs, although there are various symptoms that can vary on a case-by-case basis. If

If your allergies are strong and you can’t handle a dog such as the Pitbull then you should probably consider one of these dog breeds.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For People With Allergies

When it comes to reducing shedding and dander spread, single-coated dogs or those with no hair are advantageous.

It’s also advised that allergy-sufferers choose breeds with less of a tendency to drool, such as poodles and older canines with lots of accidents.

Because of their hypoallergenic nature, some of the finest hypoallergenic dog breeds are:

The Afghan Hound

The American Hairless Terrier
Bedlington Terrier
Chinese Crested

Giant Schnauzer
Lagotto Romagnolo
Miniature Schnauzer

Coton De Tulear
Bichon Frise
Irish Water Spaniel

Maltese
Kerry Blue Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer

Poodle
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Peruvian Inca Orchid

Portuguese Water Dog
Spanish Water Dog
Xoloitzcuintli

Standard Schnauzer

How To Know If You Are Allergic To Your Pitbull?

A dog allergy can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The severity of the condition varies greatly. In those with low sensitivity, symptoms may not appear for several days after contact.

Here are some signs that you are allergic to your Pitbull.

Rash on the chest, face, or neck.
Swelling and itching around the eyes and nose.
Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes of the exposure to your Pitbull.

redness of the skin after being licked by your Pitbull.
Severe Asthma attack (only in someone who has asthma)

However, if you have children and wanna know if they are allergic to your Pitbull, here is an extra sign that only occurs in children.

Children with dog allergies are more prone to eczema, which is painful skin inflammation. Eczema is an uncomfortable inflammation of the skin that causes redness and flakiness.

However, if you don’t want to raise a newborn around a dog to make sure that they don’t develop an allergy, well, you are wrong.

A number of studies have been released in the past several years, including one published in the Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyTrusted Source.

They have discovered that exposing a newborn to a pet does not raise the risk of developing allergies or asthma. It could actually delay the development of allergies and asthma in children.

Helpful Resources

Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds?

What makes a dog hypoallergenic?

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Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic? [A Vet Explains]