Today we are going to talk about whether Cockapoos are hypoallergenic or not. If you’re allergic to all things cute and fluffy, you’re not alone.
Around one-fifth of people are allergic to household pets such as cats and dogs, and contact can lead to symptoms ranging from coughing and sneezing to anaphylaxis.
Many people who are allergic to dogs seek out hypoallergenic breeds to help minimize symptoms throughout the day. If you’re a Cockapoo lover, you may be wondering: Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic? In general, Cockapoos are not 100% hypoallergenic. However, depending on the generation of Cockapoo you get, they will be mostly hypoallergenic. This is because Cockapoos tend to shed less fur than other dog breeds due to their Poodle parents.
Read on to learn whether Cockapoos make a good breed for people suffering from dog allergies. We’ll discuss whether Cockapoos are hypoallergenic and how to avoid allergy attacks as a dog owner.
Other articles you would like: Are Basenjis Hypoallergenic? and Are Cavapoos Hypoallergenic?
Table of Contents
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Pet allergies are a common problem for people across the globe, and reactions can vary widely in severity. The most widespread symptoms include:
- Swelling or irritation around the mucus membranes
- A runny or stuffy nose
- A consistent postnasal drip
- Coughing and sneezing
- Red, itchy eyes
- Hives, rashes, or breakouts
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylactic shock
Like all allergies, you need contact with an allergen to trigger a reaction to pets such as cats and dogs. In most cases, people are sensitive to fur and dander particles that they touch or inhale.
Compounds in pet urine and saliva can also cause an allergy attack. Households with pets often boast high concentrations of allergens unless cleaned regularly.Â
When allergens make their way into the body via airways or mucus membranes, it creates an instantaneous immune reaction.
Your body mistakenly identifies the foreign particles as a pathogen, such as a virus or bacteria.
It mounts the same type of immune response it would if you caught a cold or the flu, which is why allergies often boast many of the same symptoms as common illnesses.
Since cats and dogs are constantly shedding allergens such as dead skin and old fur, sensitive people will experience symptoms without respite in the presence of pets. Their reaction may even get worse with time.
When something is hypoallergenic, it is less likely to trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.
It sheds fewer allergens into the atmosphere, reducing the risk of severe reactions. If hypoallergenic materials do trigger symptoms, they will likely be milder than usual.
Unfortunately, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. All dog breeds spread allergen particles such as hair and dander to some degree, but some shed less than others.
A hypoallergenic dog is one with a coat that’s less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?
If you suffer from dog allergies, you may have heard that Cockapoos make a good choice of pet. Plenty of prospective owners wonder: are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?
For people considering adopting a Cockapoo, hypoallergenic qualities are often an important concern.
With more than 50,000 Americans suffering from allergies each year, many households contain at least one member sensitive to allergens such as pet dander.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, breeds like Cockapoos are less likely to trigger an allergy attack than other types of dogs. Cockapoos boast several features that make them a good choice for people with mild pet allergies.
Low-Shedding Coat
Dogs with straight hair are more likely to shed than dogs with curly hair. The weight of straight strands encourages hairs to fall from the follicle in greater numbers. Curly coats, on the other hand, tend to support their own weight and lock hairs in place.
Cockapoos have tight, curly coats similar to their poodle parent. Their curls not only make their fur irresistibly soft but also reduce the likelihood of shedding, even in warmer months.
Cockapoos are less likely to leave hair around the house, which in turn means they’re less likely to trigger a severe allergic reaction.Â
Less Dander
In addition to their low-shedding coat, Cockapoos are also relatively dander-free. As long as they have a balanced diet and healthy, hydrated skin, you’re likely to see limited dander around your home.Â
Keep in mind that Cockapoos are notoriously sensitive to allergies themselves. If they are allergic to something in their food or living space, you may start to see dry, flaky skin and increased dander shedding.
It’s best to talk to your vet to get your pet’s allergy and dermatitis issues under control. Treatment may be as simple as changing your dog’s diet, or it may require medical intervention.Â
Minimal Odor
When their fur is clean, Cockapoos are relatively odor-free dogs. They don’t release smells that may trigger a reaction in sensitive people or those with allergies. Cockapoos will also leave less of a scent lingering around your home.
If your Cockapoo gets dirty, you may notice some unpleasant smells wafting from their direction. Their curls easily trap dirt, debris, and bacteria that can lead to foul odors.
Cockapoos that are suffering from certain diseases may also emit strong odors. If you notice unpleasant smells coming from your Cockapoo even after a bath, you should schedule an examination with your vet.
How to Alleviate Dog Allergies
When it comes to allergy-friendly breeds, plenty of dog lovers ask the question: is a Cockapoo hypoallergenic?
Cockapoos are about as close as you can get to a hypoallergenic dog, but their fur, dander, and saliva can still cause a reaction in sensitive individuals. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of having an allergic reaction to your Cockapoo.
Keep a Regular Grooming Schedule
While Cockapoos have a relatively low-maintenance coat, they still need regular brushing. Doing so will keep their coats silky soft and reduce shedding.
You should groom Cockapoos around four to five times a week to prevent allergens from settling around your home. A well-groomed dog is less likely to trigger a reaction in people with dog allergies.
Clean Your Home Often
Keeping your home free of pet hair and dander can also make a difference in the severity of allergy symptoms.
It’s a good idea to vacuum every two to three days to remove hidden hair and dander that settles in your carpet, drapes, and furniture.
You should also clean laundry regularly to wash away any loose allergens. Regular dusting helps remove fur and dander from other surfaces.
Ventilate Your Home
Pet dander can easily become airborne, making its way into your airways and triggering a reaction. Keeping your house well-ventilated can reduce the number of allergens in the air and reduce your risk of an allergy attack.
You can keep windows open on breezy days or rely on an HVAC system to keep the air moving.Â
Use an Air Filter
If your home doesn’t have proper ventilation, you can remove airborne allergen particles by using an air filter. The best type of filter for allergens is a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter, as it’s designed to capture small particles.
You may also be able to reduce the risk of a reaction with a carbon filter, which helps to eliminate unwanted odors.Â
Set Up Pet-Free Zones
If you can’t seem to shake the sniffles when your pet is around, you may want to consider having a pet-free area in your home.
You can train your Cockapoo not to enter certain rooms to keep them as free as possible from hair and dander. You may also want to train your pup not to get up on the furniture to avoid allergens around areas such as the couch or bed.Â
Seek Medical Assistance
If all else fails, you can speak with your doctor to learn more medications that alleviate allergy symptoms.
There are a variety of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants that may be able to help. For a long-term solution, you can try treatments such as allergy immunotherapy.
Why Adopt a Hypoallergenic Dog?
If you have pet allergies, adopting a hypoallergenic breed can help to mitigate symptoms such as itching and irritation. A hypoallergenic dog offers a good compromise for pet owners with allergies.
Even if you aren’t sensitive to dogs, a hypoallergenic breed helps to protect other household members and visitors from experiencing allergic symptoms.
If you like to take your pet out in public, you may find it easier to bring a hypoallergenic breed into different venues. You’re less likely to trigger a reaction in nearby patrons, especially in an enclosed space such as an office or airplane.
Hypoallergenic dogs also boast the benefit of being fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. You only need to take most hypoallergenic breeds to the groomer about every three months to keep their fur trimmed and healthy.
Thanks to their low-shed coats, it’s also easy to clean up after most hypoallergenic breeds. They are naturally resistant to shedding, so you don’t have to spend as much time vacuuming fur from the couch or carpets.Â
How Do I Know If I’m Allergic to Dogs?
Most people who are allergic to dogs have an obvious reaction in the presence of pets. They feel itchy and uncomfortable, and may have difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling.
However, in some cases, symptoms can be mild enough that it’s difficult to tell whether an allergy is at play.
If you’re not sure whether you have a dog allergy, you can ask your doctor to perform an evaluation. There are several types of allergy tests that can tell you whether you’re allergic to pet allergens, including:
- Skin testing: Allergens are introduced to the skin either topically or with a small prick. A reaction such as swelling indicates an allergy.
- Patch testing: Patients wear a patch containing allergens for up to 48 hours to test for a dermatitis reaction. If their skin grows red or inflamed, it indicates allergies.
- Blood tests: Blood is drawn to test for specific IgE antibodies. The presence of certain antibodies can indicate whether your immune system recognizes certain allergens and the severity of your allergy.Â
If you suspect you might be allergic to dogs, it’s a good idea to get confirmation from a doctor. You can find out how severe your allergies are and create a treatment plan to mitigate uncomfortable symptoms.
Your doctor may also be able to offer medical solutions for more severe allergies.Â
Conclusion For “Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?”
If you’re looking for a breed that won’t trigger an allergy flare-up, you may be wondering: are Cockapoo hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. However, with their low-shedding coat and mild odor, Cockapoos are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other dog breeds.
They make a good choice for people who are sensitive to pet allergens. As long as you keep your home clean and your pet groomed, you’re likely to see fewer allergy attacks with a Cockapoo.
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For more information about the Cockapoo Breed, check out the video below:
