Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the population in the United States is allergic to dogs. And so it is fair to ask if any dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. A lot of people have stayed away from owning a French Bulldog for one reason: they are afraid that they will have an allergic attack if they get one. If you love Frenchies but fall within this range, then this Frenchie blog is for you. Here, you will get precise answers on whether you can still have the Frenchie dog breed or not.

What does Hypoallergenic means when it comes to pets?

If you have had a pet for a while you've come across the word 'hypoallergenic' especially with respect to your pet's food. But what does the word really mean?If a person, animal, or thing is hypoallergenic, it simply means that such person, animal, or thing is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, hypoallergenic dogs are safer for those who suffer from allergies. An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts in a hyperactive manner in response to something harmless.

For dogs, allergies can be as a result of a protein found in their saliva and skin cells. These proteins can form into allergen particles that accumulate on their skin and fur.Dogs generally shed loose and dead hair, as well as skin flakes which is called dander. This forms a sort of delivery system for the allergens. Contact with these allergens can make an allergic person go into a bout of sneezing, itching, make them break out in a rash, or make their eyes watery.

Why You Need a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed

Dogs are great companions, and French Bulldogs are especially adorable because they are small, friendly, and lovable. They are also very easy to care for. They are happy to be in the presence of people and strive to be the life and soul of the party.

Hypoallergenic dogs are perfect for those who love dogs but suffer from allergies. Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, you want to protect your friends and loved ones around you, who may have allergies. That's because they won't be able to relate cordially with your pet if their skin breaks out in a rash every time your beloved pet comes close.The solution to this is getting a hypoallergenic dog!

Is there anything like a Completely Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic breed. Even if a dog sheds very little fur, the pet's saliva can still cause a severe allergic reaction in very sensitive people. If you or someone you know suffer extreme allergic reactions, it is important to speak to a doctor before you make a choice for a pet. Frenchies are small, have short hair, and need low maintenance, but lovers of the affectionate breed think them to be hypoallergenic. Are they?

Are French Bulldogs Hypoallergenic?

A French Bulldog, or any dog for that matter, is not really safe to have in your home if you or your loved ones suffer from severe allergies. Allergens are present in all dogs’ saliva, and all dogs shed their hair, including cute little breeds like Frenchies. 

How Hypoallergenic are French Bulldogs? 

Frenchies shed a moderate amount of hair, even though they're short-haired. At least twice a year, they shed fur heavily. This is usually, late Spring, and late Fall when they lose their undercoat. They also shed more hair if they're put through poor living and hygienic conditions or if they have a deficiency of vitamins in their diet. 

Skin inflammation is a common skin problem among French Bulldogs. They have sensitive skin that’s prone to inflammation, especially because of their skin folds. 

Here are some reasons why you should exercise some caution if you’re severely allergic and want to get a cute little Frenchie: 

• Frenchies, like some dog breeds, shed a small amount of hair. But they have seasons when they shed a considerable amount that can aggravate allergies. 
• French Bulldogs have hair that is short and tough and so it's easier for dander to get caught in their hair. And because they crave attention and like to steal it whenever they can, they can easily spread allergen-laced hair that will cause allergic reactions in people.
• French Bulldogs are not shy about slobbering. Dog saliva, fur, urine, and dander contain specific proteins. Contact with these can cause sensitive people to have allergic reactions. Frenchies may produce different levels of dander at different times of the year, but their drooling can be relatively consistent. Their drool can cause allergic reactions even faster than their hair.
  

If you are susceptible to allergies, having a Frenchie won’t kill you. But they can cause allergic reactions that can be quite uncomfortable, and even painful. So is having a Frenchie worth it? That is a question only you can answer but you know what our answer would be!

I am Allergic, but I Still Want to Have A Frenchie!

As a popular saying among Frenchie lovers goes, “to know a French bulldog is to love one.” If you suffer from allergies but you already own a French bulldog, not to worry. You don’t have to give up your pet. There are ways to take care of and love your furry little pet without suffering aggravating allergic reactions. Here are some tips to observe:

• Regular Grooming: This is necessary in order to get rid of skin flakes and other irritants on your dog. This will help reduce allergic reactions.
• Regularly brush your Frenchie’s coat with a medium bristle brush. To reduce allergic reactions when cleaning your Frenchie, wear a mitten or glove and a face mask.
• Keep your Frenchie’s facial folds clean. Trim the Frenchie's nails regularly.
• Quality Feeding: Feed your Frenchie with quality dog food. Food that contains enough vitamins will reduce incidences of shedding. Check with your vet and learn what human and dog food is safe for your Frenchie. 
• Healthy Hygiene: If you allow your Frenchie in your bed, regularly wash your sheets and clean other items that your dog comes in contact with. You may put a T-shirt or other clothing on your dog. This will help reduce the amount of dander that you come in contact with.
• Use hypoallergenic clothing on your French Bulldog - Frenchie pajamas will minimize shedding and allergies with you and also your dog.
• Finally, if possible, spend some time with your Frenchie before fully adopting them. This is so that you can study the peculiarities of your prospective pet and discover a way to reduce your allergic reactions. Your allergies may go haywire with one and may be reduced to just a sniffle with another. 

You do not want to spend time and money adopting a pet and then come home to find that you cannot live with the allergic symptoms they trigger. Regardless of these tips, you still need to be careful if you suffer from dog allergies. Take your time when making your choice of a pet, knowing that you'll have to live with the effects of your decision. Do careful research, and speak to your doctor before getting any dog.

Ask us any Frenchie related question, we are here to help.

We'd love to share our love, interest, and enthusiasm for all subjects relating to French Bulldogs with you. You'll find articles on our blog that can help you solve whatever problems you may experience with your furry little friend. Sign up for our Frenchie Blog. Whether you're a dog owner or just someone who loves them, we guarantee that you'll find interesting and valuable information on our website relating to the Frenchie dog breed.