Great Danes are a great addition to any family. They are loyal, protective dogs that have a gentle and loving nature.
But theres much more to these lovable dogs. Many people are curious about hypoallergenic dogs.
Read on to learn all about their shedding and factors that contribute to allergic reactions.
Why Great Danes Are Not Hypoallergenic
Great Danes do not have hypoallergenic symptoms.
The dogs can produce a lot dander. Therefore, if someone with severe allergies stays near the dog, itll trigger their allergy.
Pet dander is tiny flecks of skin that animals shed. Its found on their skin and fur and is what causes people with pet allergies to react.
Because their hair is short, Great Danes don’t shed much fur.
However, dander is still present in their skin and coats in large quantities. Indeed, this higher dander production makes them non-hypoallergenic.
There is no way to reduce the amount of animal dander that they produce as a part of their fur or skin. However, regularly bathing the dog and brushing its fur helps minimize dander.
What Makes A Dog Hypoallergenic?
Dogs are not hypoallergenic if they have a history of allergies.
A common misconception is that hypoallergenic dogs shed very little and have no dander. However, all dogs shed and have dander. Although Great Danes shed very little, they are not hypoallergenic.
Saliva is another thing you should consider.
My reaction is a bit different when my dog licks me. Its not severe, but I do get a rash. Some people may be allergic to urine. It is impossible to control the fact that all animals secrete saliva and urine.
This means that what many people think is hypoallergenic might not be the right choice. What you should focus on is getting a dog that sheds less. Doing so will significantly improve your reactions.
Therefore, instead of investing in a dog thats considered hypoallergenic, first assess how sensitive you and your family members are to dander, saliva, and urine.
How Much Do Great Danes Shed?
Although Great Danes shed, it is not as much as other dog breeds. They have shorter coats, which is a primary reason why they dont shed as much as other dog breeds.
Every dog is bound to lose their hair when they scratch, play, or do other things.
The fur grows continually, replacing the old hairs. New hair will grow, get old eventually, and more fur will grow. This cycle continues throughout a dog’s life.
Sometimes, Great Danes may shed too much.
Should that happen, chances are theres something wrong. This could be due to poor nutrition or allergies. Sometimes, it could indicate a more serious problem such as stomach ulcers and digestive tract problems.
It is important to pay attention to the eating and playing habits of your dog.
If excessive shedding is persistent, consult your veterinarian.
As the weather gets warmer, Great Danes shed more in spring.
If you live in an area that is always hot, it’s likely that they will shed more than in cooler climates.
Factors That Contribute To Pet Allergies
There are two primary things dogs produce that trigger allergy:
1. Pet Dander
Pet dander can be found on dogs’ coats. And, unfortunately, its something you cant control.
The dander particles are spread into the air by the dog’s contact with objects and scratches. These particles can cause allergic reactions in pets who are sensitive to them.
Great Danes are more allergic to dander than other breeds.
2. Saliva
People can become allergic to bacteria found in saliva from dogs, which can lead to serious health problems.
Although Great Danes dont necessarily contribute saliva allergens, some people may be affected by their saliva. It can also be irritating.
How To Control Triggering Allergies In Great Danes
Do you have a slight allergy to dogs, but are willing to pay the price.
The good news is, there are a few things you can do to control triggering the allergies, including:
1. Bathing The Dog
Regularly bathing your Great Dane will help to keep its hair in check and prevent excessive shedding.
Bathe your dog at least once every six weeks using dog shampoo.
However, this frequency can vary depending on the dogs level of activity. If your Great Dane spends most of the time indoors, you can go up to eight weeks without bathing them.
It is important to note that excessive bathing is not good for your health. It strips a dog of its natural skin oils, leaving the skin flakey and itchy.
This causes the dog’s skin to scratch and rub against surfaces, spreading more hair.
Therefore, bathe the dog but dont overdo it.
2. Brushing The Dog Regularly
In the spring, Great Danes will shed more than usual. Therefore, to reduce the amount of hair shed that youll have to collect, brush the dog regularly.
You can brush the dogs fur daily or once every two days. It all depends on how much hair your dog sheds and how severe your allergies are.
A rubber brush is most suitable for this purpose.
It gently pulls out hair gathered on the dogs topcoat. Avoid wire brushes as they tend to scratch the dogs skin, producing more dander.
3 Vacuuming Regularly
It is important to keep your home clean for your family’s overall health.
Vacuuming will help remove the dander stuck on all those hard-to-reach places, lowering the likelihood of an allergic person coming into contact with the same.
Invest in a powerful vacuum and try using it once a week. Youll be surprised to see how beneficial this will be for both you and your pet.
4 Washing Your Hands
Your allergic reactions to furry friends will be reduced if you wash your hands after every play time or after petting them.
It is possible to irritate the same areas as they are by not washing your hands after you have pampered.
Seriously, washing your hands is the best thing to do after enjoying some precious time with your Great Dane. If you dont, you might have to hit the shower to get rid of an itch.
5. Do Not Limit The Use Of Your Bedroom
Granted, you love your pet. Allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can cause severe allergic reactions.
The dog will scratch and rub themselves to reach an itch, shedding hair and dander right into your bed. This will no doubt get these irritants right into your eyes and nose.
This can be prevented by making your bedroom unaccessible. Teach your Great Dane how to get out of bed.
Consider closing the bedroom door at all times. Doing so will help your dog to realize that they are not allowed in the bedroom.
In return, the amount of dander and hair finding its way into your bedroom will be limited, safeguarding your health.
6 No Dogs On The Couch
It is a good idea to make the bedroom unaccessible, but it is not enough.
You can also teach your pet to stay off the couch in order to reduce the amount of dog hair and dander you come into contact. You won’t have to worry about whether the couch is safe from animal dander.
When you stick to these rules, it helps the dog understand the boundaries set, and theyre able to distinguish what is right and what isnt.
A little reward for adhering to keeping off both the bedroom and couches will help instill good behavior.
7. Check On The Dogs Nutrition And Keep It Hydrated
Dogs that eat poorly are more likely to shed. You might consider switching to a higher-quality food if your Great Dane sheds excessively.
Omega 3 fatty acid rich olive oil, fish and supplements.
These foods keep dogs’ coats healthy and beautiful. If your Dane is not allergic to such foods, consider including them in the diet, starting with smaller quantities.
A dehydrated dog will shed more. It is important to ensure that your dog has enough water.
That way, your dog can have a drink anytime they feel thirsty.
Conclusion
Great Danes are lovable dogs who thrive with people and enjoy the company of children.
As weve learned, theyre not a hypoallergenic breed. Therefore, If you suffer from severe allergies, its best not to have this dog as a pet.
However, mild allergies can be treated with an allergy medication.
This loving dog is worth it. You and your family can enjoy quality time with your furry family member with very little to no allergic reactions instigated.
