Many potential pet owners with allergies take precautions when they consider adopting a cat or dog. Rottweilers are an excellent breed to consider for a variety of reasons.
Veterinarians often state that no breed of dog is truly hypoallergenic.
But some are less prone to producing symptoms due to less shedding than other breeds.
Is Rottweiler Fur Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, rottweilers are not hypoallergenic.
While they’re better hounds to keep around than ultra-furry dogs, rottweilers can trigger severe allergies because of their saliva and pet dander, primarily during shedding season.
Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a naturally hypoallergenic dog. Hypoallergenic dogs are marked as such because they don’t shed as much, leaving pet dander around the house.
Dogs labeled hypoallergenic have thinner, hairlike fur, and the dander doesn’t stick to the hair as much as it would on a furrier dog.
Since rottweilers shed fur, they are not hypoallergenic. Rottweilers may be short-haired, but their moderate shedding can cause allergic reactions as pet dander sticks easily to the hair.
Rottweilers shed minimally year-round, but mainly in the fall and spring.
Are Rottweilers Bad for Allergies?
Rottweilers aren’t hypoallergenic, but that doesn’t mean that they are overall bad for people with allergies.
Rottweilers are ideal because they shed less than other breeds and tend to have lower pet dander levels.
If a rottweiler triggers allergies, they tend to be milder on average.
If your pet allergies are mild, it’s possible rottweilers won’t even cause a reaction.
Rottweiler Allergens
Rottweilers can trigger allergies in one of two ways: pet dander/fur and saliva.
Pet dander is one of the top causes of allergies, particularly during heavy shedding periods.
Saliva is a common source of rashes on the skin, which occurs when your dog licks you or handles their food and water bowls or toys frequently used.
Pet Dander
Pet dander, like dandruff, is a common source of allergic reactions. Dander is mainly comprised of tiny pieces of skin shed by an animal.
They often float around in the air for a long time before settling, making it easier to breathe in.
The effects of dander are worse with increased shedding, where they stick to furniture, clothing, flooring, and many areas around the home.
Pet fur travels quickly, making it difficult for a family member to avoid allergic reactions if they suffer from your dog’s dander.
Every dog has a form of pet dander; the only difference is whether a dog’s fur sheds with dander sticking to it.
Dogs labeled hypoallergenic have thinner strands that don’t attract pet dander, while thick fur like a rottweiler is a haven for pet dander to stick to and travel.
Since Rottweilers don’t shed as much as furrier breeds, this is less of an issue for allergies than other breeds, but it’s still something to be aware of if your pet allergies are worse.
The Impact of Rottweilers and Shedding
Rottweilers don’t typically shed much, though there are times when they lose more fur than usual.
Shedding occurs at a moderate pace, which is more than normal when your pup is young and experiences new fur growth, which causes the previous coat to shed.
This process also occurs in the spring and fall, when most dog breeds grow a new fur coat to adapt to weather changes.
As rottweilers age, their fur thins out, and they may shed a bit more because they are losing hair more regularly.
Other factors contributing to a rottweiler’s shedding include their health, genetics, nutrition, and environment.
To determine how likely your dog is prone to shedding, inquire with the breeder to see if your puppy’s parents shed heavily. Genetics plays a significant role in how much your dog sheds.
There are two primary genes that dogs carry, which indicate they shed: RSPO2 and MC5R. While rottweilers have both genes and shed like other breeds, this varies from one dog’s family to the next.
On average, shedding is not as severe, which means less dander traveling in your home.
Transmission of Dog Saliva
Similar allergy-causing proteins found in pet dander are also found in dog saliva, and rottweilers are no exception to this.
There are more allergens in a dog’s saliva than there are in pet dander, making it more dangerous to those with bad allergies.
You can control allergic reactions by avoiding direct or indirect physical contact and careful monitoring.
Don’t let your dog lick you, and use proper training techniques to ensure it won’t leave saliva in unwanted areas of the house.
Using gloves to clean or disinfect toys and food dishes is also an excellent way to avoid direct contact with your puppy, though you must practice this consistently to be effective.
Fortunately, this reaction is easily manageable with proper care and handling your dog and its items with caution.
Lessening the Impact of an Allergic Reaction
Consider creating an allergy-free space in your house where animals are not allowed. Install HEPA air filters that effectively cleanse the air of small particles like pet dander.
Excessive shedding often causes problems with pet dander buildup. Fortunately, you can help minimize shedding by feeding your dog the proper nutrients.
A healthy diet is paramount to ensuring your dog has all the nutrition they need from birth to old age.
Many store-bought varieties of dog food may not have the vitamins and minerals required for your rottweiler.
For this reason, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for recommended brands for a balanced diet.
A healthy exercise regime and good quality food with adequate protein will help prevent excessive shedding throughout their life.
Protein is one of the top requirements for a dog’s diet and should encompass between 25-28% of what they eat.
Rottweilers, and dogs in general, require protein for building muscle tissue, increasing energy for exercise, and keeping shedding at an average level, reducing the impact of dander and other allergens.
Senior dogs move and clean themselves less, which means dander accumulates and spreads throughout the home.
Professional grooming services can make a significant improvement and minimizes the impact of fur and dander.
Spaying Your Female Rottweiler
Female Rottweilers tend to shed more than males, especially when they go into heat or become pregnant, which changes their hormone levels.
For this reason, spaying your female pup is not only an excellent way to improve their overall welling but also to reduce the likelihood of excessive shedding.
Grooming Your Dog
When dogs groom themselves regularly, they decrease the potential for dander to build upon their fur.
If your rottweiler is generally healthy and grooms often, you’ll have fewer issues with pet dander.
Brushing your dog’s coat is essential, as this will reduce the effects of shedding.
This practice is necessary during periods where your dog sheds more than usual, and the risk of leaving hair around your home will increase.
Daily grooming is only necessary when your dog sheds more than usual, though grooming is best done once every two to three days.
Even though rottweilers have short hair, bathing them at least once a week will ensure pet dander doesn’t build up.
When you brush your dog’s coat, it’s important to avoid performing this procedure around anyone who may be allergic.
If it’s available to groom your dog outdoors or in a separate room or area of the home, this is ideal and will reduce the effects of shedding.
Grooming your dog’s coat activates the natural oils in their skin, which helps prevent dry skin.
A well-moisturized coat prevents the accumulation of dander and reduces allergic reactions.
Are You Allergic to Rottweilers?
An allergy test is a simple and effective way to establish your reaction to various factors, including dogs.
Many people experience a reaction to dogs, and for this reason, it’s crucial to find allergies you may have before you consider adoption.
The main culprit in causing allergies from dogs is dander, which accumulates on the fur from saliva and skin cells and forms proteins that cause adverse reactions.
Some individuals suffer from allergies to various animals, while others may experience reactions to a specific breed.
The types of tests available vary, with some determining which kind of animal you are sensitive to, such as dogs or cats, or if your reaction results from a specific breed or type of furry animal.
In some cases, tests reveal a particular strain of protein found in a male or female dog as the source.
Are Rottweilers Suitable for Pet Owners with Allergies?
The rottweiler breed is an excellent, well-rounded dog to consider for your home as a loyal, intelligent companion.
When it comes to deciding on a dog to adopt for a home where allergies are a concern, the main question you need to ask is: what are the worst dogs for allergies?
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, rottweilers are less prone to excessive shedding in general and are easy to care for to reduce the severity of symptoms.
Rottweilers are a good-natured and determined breed, making an excellent addition to any household and a great pet for everyone.
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