Pomeranians have beautiful fluffy coats of fur made up of a soft thick undercoat and a longer more tough outer coat. With all that fur do Pomeranians have a lot of dander?
Pomeranians like all dogs produce dander. Although they produce dander they are not known as the biggest offenders in the canine world. Pomeranians are small in stature which reduces the amount of dander that’s possible, if you implement some dander-reducing strategies you can manage the dander in your home.
- What Is Dander
- Do All Animals Have Dander
- Is Dog Dander Harmful to Humans
- What Happens When Someone Is Allergic To Dog Dander
- Ways To Decrease Dander And Allergens
- Which Dogs Have The Least Amount Of Dander (27 Dog Breeds)
- What Dog Breeds Have The Most Dander (30 Dog Breeds)
- Final Thoughts
- Other Articles You May Be Interested In
What Is Dander
Dander is particles of skin that are shed from animals that have feathers or skin.
Dander can be big enough to see with your eyes or tiny microscopic pieces that are not visible to the human eye. Dander looks like tiny flakes of dust or dandruff.
Do All Animals Have Dander
All warm-blooded animals produce dander.
Some animals don’t produce as much as others do. The amount of dander that an animal produces is based on their size and the type of fur or feathers that they have.
If you are severely allergic to pet dander consider getting a reptile (snake, frog, lizard, or turtle) or an aquarium full of fish as a pet.
Is Dog Dander Harmful to Humans
Even if you can not see the dander with your own eyes, those with allergies can still be affected.
It’s estimated that 10% of the Population may be allergic to animal dander.
Pet dander contains a protein that can cause allergic reactions. This same protein is also found in the saliva and urine of these animals.
Since the protein that causes allergies is also found in the saliva and urine of the animals those with allergies have to deal with a triple threat.
The dander (skin cell shedding) falls off of the dog where ever it goes (floor, furniture, clothing, vehicles) and onto your hands when you touch your dog.
Your dog bathes itself by licking. Those groomed areas are now doubled in potency between the dander and the saliva. You also have the love and kisses that you can receive from your furry friend to contend with.
When your dog empties its bladder the urine and proteins will often stick to your dog’s skin and can come in contact with you or your home.
What Happens When Someone Is Allergic To Dog Dander
Many people believe that it is the dog’s fur that causes an allergic reaction when in actuality it is the protein particles in the dander, urine, and saliva.
When someone is allergic to dog dander and they inhale the dander their immune system thinks it is being attacked.
People that are allergic to the protein in dog dander, urine, and saliva their bodies misidentify the proteins as dangerous invaders. The person’s body creates antibodies specifically for the protein which will mass-produce when the protein enters the body again.
Many people will experience a wide variety of symptoms as a response.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Runny Nose
- Eczema
- Wheezing
As uncomfortable as these symptoms are a prolonged allergy attack can cause more severe health problems including ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, or asthma.
Ways To Decrease Dander And Allergens
There are many things you can do that will help reduce the amount of dander in your home and the allergic response that you or your family members may have.
- Vacuum Often (with a HEPA filter)
- Get rid of carpets – dander can get trapped in carpets along with other allergens
- Bathe your pet regularly
- Brush your pet regularly
- Keep your pets out of the bedroom
- Start at-home immunotherapy
- Take over the counter medications
- Diet – switching your pet’s food may improve the quality of their skin and fur
- Add supplements high in Omega 3 and Omega 6
- Keep your dog’s coat short (unless it’s a dog with a double coat like a Pomeranian, you can damage the dog’s coat if you cut it too short)
- Clean your bedding and pets bedding often
- Use an Air purifier
- Create “allergy-free” areas where the dog is not allowed
Will Removing The Carpets In My Home Reduce My Allergies
Removing the carpets in your home can help reduce your allergy symptoms. Carpets hold onto pet dander, dust, dust mites, pollen, and food crumbs.
Removing the carpet will reduce the number of allergens that you have in your home which, will help reduce your allergen response.
How Do I Clean My Home To Reduce Allergens
Vacuuming your home often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will reduce the number of allergens in the home.
Clean any fabric surfaces often including your bedding, curtains, and furniture.
Does Having An Air Purifier Reduce Allergens In The Home
Air purifiers help remove dust, dander, mold, and pollen from the air.
Removing these allergens can greatly improve the life of someone with allergies or asthma.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has produced a guide about selecting air filters for your home.
How Should I Groom My Dog To Reduce Allergies
Grooming your dog regularly including bathing and brushing can greatly reduce the number of allergens that are being left around your home and on your clothing.
If your dog has a coat that is suitable for cutting short (unlike the double-coated Pomeranian), it’s best to keep your pup’s coat trimmed short.
Can Changing My Dogs Diet Reduce My Allergies
Some dogs have food sensitivities and allergies that can cause them to itch. The more itching a dog does the more dander that gets in the air, on surfaces, and in your body.
Changing a dog’s food can help reduce your dog’s dander.
Some supplements like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids can help improve the condition of your dog’s fur and skin so it will flake less and produce less dander.
What Is Immunotheraphy For Pet Allergies
Immunotherapy is a series of serum injections or allergy shots that contain small amounts of allergens. Over time the body will build up immunity towards the allergens and stop triggering an allergic response. This therapy can take up to 3 to 5 years to complete.
To receive this therapy a certified allergist with complete some tests to identify what specific allergens trigger the allergic reaction in the person. The therapy will be personally tailored to their specific needs.
What Over-The-Counter Medications Are Available For Pet Allergies
Corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants are the most common over-the-counter medications that can provide some relief to an allergy sufferer.
What Are Nasal And Oral Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages. They can be used to treat congestion, sneezing, itchy, and runny noses. Some examples are Flonase and Rhinocort.
What Are Anti-Histamines
When an allergen enters the body and sets off an immune response, the body produces histamines.
Histamines cause inflammation, and other common allergy symptoms like sneezing, running nose, itchy and watery eyes.
Taking an oral antihistamine like Zyrtec or Claritin can help block the histamine reaction.
Can I Use Decongestants For Allergies
Decongestants help reduce the swelling in your nose and can relieve congestion. Examples are Sudafed and Allegra-D.
Over-the-counter medications do not eliminate the allergic response they only help alleviate the symptoms. It’s best to use over-the-counter medications as a temporary treatment and look for solutions that will eliminate or reduce the allergens around.
What Natural Remedies Help With Pet Allergies
Saline sinus rinses can help with relieving nasal and sinus symptoms.
Supplements that include Rosmarinic Acid may help with allergy symptoms. Studies have shown that Rosmarinic Acid has a significant anti-inflammatory effect.
Using essential oils may help with your allergy symptoms. Lavender and Lemon essential oils have been known to have anti-histamine properties. Peppermint and Roman Chamomile are known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Create A Pet Free Zone In You Home To Reduce Allergens
Having rooms in your home that are “allergy-free” helps reduce the overall amount of pet dander in your home and gives you a place to go when you need relief.
Which Dogs Have The Least Amount Of Dander (27 Dog Breeds)
While all dogs produce dander some are known as “low-dander” dogs and produce less than others. Here are the top 27 “low-dander” dogs.
- Poodle
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Schnosier
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Bedlington Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Afghan Hound
- Logotto Romagnolo
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Affenpinscher
- Basenji
- Havanese
- Komondor
- Puli
- Shih Tzu
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Italian Greyhound
- Airedale Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Akita
- American Eskimo
- Corgi
Mixed breeds that include one of the above breeds can also be low in dander production.
Depending on your sensitivity towards pet allergens one of these breeds may make a wonderful companion for you and your family.
What Dog Breeds Have The Most Dander (30 Dog Breeds)
Some dog breeds are more likely to trigger an allergic response compared to others. Here are the top 30 dogs that are bad for allergies.
- St. Bernard
- Basset Hound
- Doberman Pincher
- Siberian Husky
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Pekinese
- Pug
- Cocker Spaniel
- Boxer
- Dashound
- Springer Spaniel
- Great Pyrenees
- Akita
- Boxer
- Chow Chow
- Cocker Spaniel
- Bloodhound
- Alaskan Malamute
- Boston Terrier
- Newfoundland
Final Thoughts
Pomeranians will produce dander just like any mammal. Even if you are sensitive to the proteins that are in pet dander it is still possible to have a Pomeranian as a companion.
Speak with your doctor and veterinarian about that the best strategy to combat the impact of allergens. Medications for you or your pet along with diet changes, cleaning, and an allergy-free zone may create a perfect home for you and your Pomeranian to live in harmony.
