Dreaming of adding a beagle to your family but worried about those pesky allergies? You’re not alone. About 10 to 20% of people experience allergic reactions to cats and dogs, leading many to wonder if certain breeds, like beagles, are hypoallergenic.
Here’s are the facts: beagles, like all dogs, aren’t 100% hypoallergenic. Whether it’s a purebred beagle or any other breed, there’s no such thing as a completely allergy-free dog, no matter what anyone claims.
Are Beagles Considered a Hypoallergenic Breed?
Are you wondering if beagles are a hypoallergenic breed? The short answer is no. Beagles aren’t hypoallergenic.
They shed quite a bit, although not as much as heavy shedders like German shepherds, which means they don’t fit the criteria for a hypoallergenic dog. Even the American Kennel Club doesn’t include beagles among breeds that are less likely to trigger allergies.
There Are No 100% Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Source: Dogster
There’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic breed. Despite what many believe, it’s not your beagle’s fur that triggers allergies. The real culprits are proteins—specifically Can F 1 and 2—found in every dog’s skin, saliva, and urine.
This means all dogs, beagles included, produce allergens. Even dogs labeled as hypoallergenic don’t really produce fewer allergens.In fact, a study showed that homes with dogs marketed as hypoallergenic had similar allergen levels to those with non-hypoallergenic breeds.
Can You Live With a Beagle if You Have Asthma?
Asthma can often go hand-in-hand with sensitivities to dog allergens, especially the proteins found in dander. When asthma is triggered by a dog allergy, your immune system is reacting to these proteins.
Source: J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract.
That said, having asthma doesn’t automatically mean you’re allergic to dogs. For some, it’s not an allergy but rather an increased sensitivity to irritants like dog hair and dander floating in the air. Asthma doesn’t make you allergic to dander; it just makes it harder for you to tolerate the irritation that comes with breathing in those tiny particles.
Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction, you may very well be able to have a beagle in your family.
Allergies Don’t Stop People from Owning Beagles (or Other Dog Breeds)
Discovering that you’re allergic to your beagle (or any dog) can be disheartening, but it’s important to understand what triggers your reaction. How you react to these allergens (such as dander and fur) can vary significantly.
For some, it might just be a bit of sniffling and sneezing, while for others, it could lead to severe asthma attacks. This reaction can intensify if you’re also exposed to other allergens like pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, or mold.
But if your symptoms are manageable rather than being a danger, there are plenty of ways to cut down on indoor allergens and ease your discomfort. Here are five steps you can take to reduce those pesky symptoms:
- Establish an “Allergy-Free” Zone – Designate a specific area in your home, ideally the allergic person’s bedroom, as a pet-free zone. Keep your beagle out of this space entirely. To further minimize allergens, use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner and cover mattresses and pillows with impermeable covers.
- Optimize Your Home – Place HEPA air cleaners throughout your home and avoid furnishings that trap dust and dander, like cloth curtains, blinds, and carpets. Regular, thorough cleaning is essential—wash couch covers, pillows, curtains, and pet beds frequently to prevent allergen build-up.
- Bathe Your Beagle Weekly – Reducing dander, which is shed skin cells, can help lower allergen levels. Bathing your beagle once a week is good practice.
- Pinpoint the Allergens – Don’t rush to blame your beagle for all allergy issues. Ask your allergist for a specific test to determine if pet dander is the culprit. Many people are sensitive to multiple allergens.
- Explore Allergy Treatments – There are several treatments available if you’re allergic to your beagle. Consider options like immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nasal sprays, or antihistamine pills.
While being allergic to dogs can seem like the end of your dream to own a beagle, it doesn’t have to be. Millions of families find ways to minimize allergic reactions and enjoy a joyous relationship with their pet.
