If you want to own a dog, but you have allergies, you will have to choose carefully. You will have to get a hypoallergenic dog so that you do not experience adverse reactions when you share your home with a pet.
Hypoallergenic does not mean that a dog does not have hair. What it means is that the dog does not tend to shed. That means that the hair and dander that other dogs have will not be an issue for those who suffer from allergies.
In reality, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, as every dog will shed some allergens. But if you are an allergy suffer, some breeds may be better than others.
The Corgi
Though small, cute, and all-around beautiful dogs, corgi’s are not hypoallergenic. They may be small, but they can produce mass amounts of fur when it comes to shedding.
Because all dogs differ, if you have your heart set on a corgi, you should visit some in person. You will not know how you would react or how it would affect your allergies unless you spend some time around one.
Allergy sufferers have varying degrees of reactions to different allergens, so you can always test it out. If your allergies are minor, you may get lucky and not have an adverse reaction.
Can you visit Friends who have a Corgi?
If your allergies are minor, you usually find ways to cope. Many people take medication to suppress an allergic reaction before putting themselves in a setting where it may likely affect their breathing or cause itchy eyes.
But I Still Really Want a Corgi!
There are also steps corgi owners can take to eliminate some of the problems with pet dander.
1. Regular Brushing
Regular brushing will help to eliminate loose fur and dead skin cells. It is best to brush your corgi outside to keep the hair and dander in the house to a minimum.
2. Do not Bathe a Dog too Often
It is tempting to want your pet smelling clean and fresh, but frequent bathing can dry out your corgi’s skin. Since dry skin flakes more easily, it can be worse for those with allergies.
3. Use a Coat Conditioner
Wiping down your corgi with a coat conditioner will help as well. The conditioner will remove any loose dander. It also conditions the fur, which means it is healthier, and there will be less shedding.
4. Take Care of Floors with Dander Sprays or Powders
If you have a rug in the home and it is tough to get all the hair up, you can use a dander spray to help remove unwanted particles. Vacuum thoroughly first and then use an anti-allergen spray. Find a spray that can be used on all surfaces, so that you can use it on carpets, furniture, and curtains – anywhere that pet dander and fur may be attracted.
5. Use a HEPA Filter Vacuum
Use a vacuum cleaner that does not need a bag. That is the best way not to get dander and pet hair back into the house. When you empty a vacuum bag, particles fly everywhere, and that defeats the purpose of using a vacuum to eradicate allergens.
6. Run an air Cleaner with a HEPA Filter
If you have a corgi in the house and need cleaner air, this is an excellent way to go. Put it in the room where you and the dog spend the most time together. This could help to relieve allergy symptoms.
7. Do not Allow him in the Bedroom
As hard as it is when he looks at you with puppy dog eyes, you need a room that is just yours. If you have allergies to pets, the bedroom is the most logical place to make your own. You want to ensure you can get a good sleep without and allergic reactions that many sufferers have.
Keep your dog off the bed and even out of the room, so that you have a hair and dander free area.
8. Wash his Toys
Dried saliva may also cause reactions for allergy sufferers. Wash the dog toys frequently to get rid of allergens that may be on them.
If your allergies are more severe, it is good to wear a mask when you are doing any cleaning to destroy allergens.
If I still Suffer?
Unfortunately, if these measures do not help and you find your allergies are still bad, the corgi may not be the dog for you.
On the upside, there are several breeds of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic.
What Dog is for Me?
While the corgi may not be a good fit, some dogs are similar in nature to corgis.
Corgis have energy, and they are intelligent. They like to please their owner, and they are relatively easy to train. Corgis are also good in families with children, and they get along with other pets.
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is similar to a corgi in many ways, and it is hypoallergenic. They are similar to a corgi in that they are cuddly and affectionate.
2. Schipperke
The schipperke, like the corgi, becomes attached to his family. He is very loyal. This dog is hypoallergenic, and its coat requires very minimal care.
3. Beagle
The beagle has a short coat and does not shed much. This means that the dander on the fur is more likely to stay there rather than get all over the house. The beagle is loyal like a corgi, so he is a good companion dog.
The Final Take
If you suffer from allergies, the corgi may not be the best choice for you. But, since everyone is different, you can always test it out and see how you do.
If you have severe reactions with a corgi in the house and the tips for keeping hair and dander to a minimum are not working, it is a good idea to consider one of the similar breeds.
