Irish wolfhounds are tall, muscular sighthounds that were used for hunting wolves. They are powerful, bold and independent dogs. Over time Irish wolfhounds have become one of the most peaceful and gentle dogs around. However, if you are looking into getting an Irish wolfhound you may be curious if Irish wolfhounds are hypoallergenic.
The Irish wolfhound is not hypoallergenic. Although Irish wolfhounds do shed their hair, though not excessively, the dander can cause allergies. It is important to note that these dogs give off relatively less dander than other dog breeds.
An Irish wolfhound has a double coat, consisting of a rough, scratchy outer coat and a soft undercoat. The Irish wolfhound does shed less when compared to many other dog breeds, and dander gets airborne when it attaches itself to falling hair. This low to moderate shedding makes it suitable for people who may suffer from mild allergies, but it may cause issues for someone with more severe allergies.
What Does It Mean For A Dog To Be Hypoallergenic?
A hypoallergenic dog is one that does not lose fur as much as other dogs do. This meant they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in someone who suffers from allergies to dogs.
A dog that loses very little to no fur means that dander attached to its hair is not released in large amounts. People who suffer from allergies may experience allergic reactions to dander.
However, it is hard to find an entirely hypoallergenic dog. People have different responses to dogs as it is not only the hair and dander that trigger allergic reactions.
Does Hypoallergenic Mean A Dog Is Allergy-Friendly?
The fact is that no dog, no matter how often it loses fur, is ever fully hypoallergenic. A hypoallergenic dog does not always indicate that it is allergy-friendly. It only highlights the fact that a dog is less likely to cause allergies. Any dog, however, will cause an allergic reaction depending on what allergens a particular individual is susceptible to.
When it comes to an Irish wolfhound, it’s not only the dander that may cause an allergic reaction but also its urine or saliva, and some people have a reaction to being scratched by the dog’s nails. This has the ability to evoke an allergic response in someone particularly sensitive to allergens.
Irish wolfhounds spread a particular protein in their skin and coat as they groom themselves. Regular bathing and grooming of your Irish wolfhound coat ensures that this protein is removed. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to groom an Irish wolfhound and only involves a slicker brush and finishing up with an undercoat rake. Doing this every week should do the trick.
The type of allergy a person suffers from and their sensitivity to that allergen will determine if an Irish wolfhound is a good dog for them. Before being exposed or interacting with an Irish wolfhound or any other dog, it is good that you consult with your doctor first to verify if it will be safe or not.
If I Don’t Suffer From Dog Dander Allergies, Can An Irish Wolfhound Be A Good Choice For Me?
Irish wolfhounds, like other dogs, have fur that carries allergens and may pass them to their owners, which triggers allergies. If you don’t suffer from dog dander allergies, an Irish wolfhound can be a good choice for you.
They shed relatively less compared to other dog breeds hence releasing less dander. However, you also need to understand that their shedding may be influenced by how well you take care of your Irish wolfhound.
Even if you are not affected by allergies caused by dog dander, grooming will still be necessary. When you keep your dog on a lousy grooming routine or nutrition plan, it might not keep their skin healthy and could encounter some increased shedding from your Irish wolfhound as well as increased dander formation.
The type of food you give your Irish wolfhound will also determine its health. Some foods have no nutritional value or the required right balance of nutrients. Good nutrition helps keep the Irish wolfhound coat healthy and shiny. Here’s quality food we recommend:
- A large breed puppy food specially made with an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth
- Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and teeth in large puppies
- Uses DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development for growing dogs
- High-quality protein helps your large pup build and maintain lean muscle
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust in a Hill’s-owned, TRUE GOLD certified zero waste facility
Last update on 2023-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leaving your dog’s skin dry also increases their shedding and dander formation, and Irish wolfhound shedding tends to happen two times a year, in the summer and the winter.
In winters, Irish wolfhounds may frequently shed as they make room for new hair to grow, which is thicker than what is falling off. This helps them keep warm. In summers, they shed the thick winter hair to enable thin hair to grow. Thin hair helps them stay cool.
It is crucial to understand which kind of allergies you suffer from before deciding that an Irish wolfhound is a good choice for you or your family.
How Can I Know If I Am Allergic To An Irish Wolfhound Or Any Other Dog?
Many people have a great attachment to their pets. You might be thinking of getting an Irish wolfhound or any other dog as a pet, or you already have but still don’t know if you are allergic to it or not. You might be allergic to dog dander, or your allergies might be affected by other factors apart from dander.
The most suitable and sure way to determine whether or not you are allergic to an Irish wolfhound or any other dog breed is to consult with your doctor. Going through your medical history and background will help you understand if you are allergic.
Allergic reactions to an Irish Wolfhound may involve:
- Sudden sneezing or a running nose.
- Coughing and shortness of breath.
- Nasal congestion resulting in facial pain.
- Sudden development of itchy and watery eyes.
- Skin rash.
Your doctor will also determine if you suffer from allergies, their primary cause and how severe you get affected. The doctor will also recommend the best ways to prevent and take care of yourself.
Dander might be your leading cause of allergies or the proteins from saliva and urine could be to blame.
Their moderate shedding and less dander formation may not trigger responses to someone who is not very sensitive. If you also take good care of your Irish wolfhound, excellent grooming and nutrition, you may not experience any allergy issues.
If you are allergic to an Irish wolfhound, but still insist on owning one, taking care of your health and having medication on hand can help lessen the chances of you suffering from allergic reactions. Having someone who is not allergic to your dog take care of it regularly also helps.
Other than just medication, it is possible that persons with mild dog dander allergies can undergo medical procedures to acclimate themselves to certain allergens if they must keep their Irish wolfhound.
Conclusion
The Irish wolfhound is generally kind and gentle, and they make great pets when adopted in the right family. They need a lot of exercise, and their high energy levels require space to run around.
Despite the fact that Irish wolfhounds are not hypoallergenic, they are still a good dog breed for people who suffer from mild allergies. Irish wolfhounds are a relatively low-maintenance dog breed. They don’t require extensive grooming, which is great if you suffer from dog allergies.
People Also Ask:
Do Irish Wolfhounds shed?
Irish Wolfhounds do shed, but not nearly as much as most other dog breeds. Irish Wolfhounds have a double coat consisting of a coarse outer coat with a soft inner coat.
