are labs hypoallergenic? Truth About Lab Allergies

Labradors are a popular dog breed known for their friendly and playful nature. However, if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, you may wonder: ” Are labs hypoallergenic breeds?” The short answer is no. Labradors are not hypoallergenic. While they don’t shed excessively, they do produce dander and saliva, which can trigger allergies in some people.

Are Labs Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds? Hypoallergenic Means?

Hypoallergenic dog breeds mean that the specific breed is unlikely to cause any signs of allergy. So when someone asks, are labs hypoallergenic? They want to know if your lab can trigger dog allergy symptoms. Dog allergies are common, and some common allergic reactions are:

• Runny nose itchy eyes
• Continuous sneezing
• Congested nose
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty in breathing

If you notice these symptoms around dogs, getting a breed that will not result in such issues is better.

The Myth of “Hypoallergenic Dogs”

Before we dig deeper to know about the hypoallergenic Labrador, let us first try to understand what causes allergy in the first place.

 It is a common misconception that pet allergies are due to dog fur. This is not true, as the protein that results in allergies is present in your dog’s saliva, sweat, dander, and urine. 

The allergic reactions are triggered by an allergen called Can F1. Dogs often groom themselves, transferring their saliva to their shedding fur. Their dander can fall around your house. Moreover, if your dog uses soft bedding or has toys, these allergens can easily transfer to these places.

The Truth About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Every dog has that protein which can cause allergy symptoms. Technically, no dog can be called a hypoallergenic dog. People use the term hypoallergenic to highlight dog breeds that shed less. Or other dog breeds, which are completely hypoallergenic, like the soft-coated wheaten terrier.

Multiple studies probing into dog allergies have all shared mixed results. For example, some indicate that a “hypoallergenic lab” has lower protein levels in their saliva or sweat.

Others find no difference between a hypoallergenic dog and a non-hypoallergenic dog.  The third consensus states that there is a noticeable difference between every dog, even if they are from the same breed.

Does This Mean I Can’t Have a Lab?

Labrador retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs. They shed heavily during their shedding season. The Dog dander and pet hair will be aplenty at your home during the molting season

Several studies have shown differences between allergen levels within a single breed. Many factors influence the Can F1 production, like gender. Here are 10 dogs labeled hypoallergenic breed who you can check out:-

1. Poodle
2. Bichon Frise
3. Maltese
4. Yorkshire Terrier
5. Shih Tzu
6. Portuguese Water Dog
7. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
8. Chinese Crested
9. Kerry Blue Terrier
10. Irish Water Spaniel

Please remember that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, and different people may have different sensitivities to different dogs. If you’re considering getting a dog and have allergies, it’s important to spend time and see how you react before making a final decision. Regular grooming and cleaning can also help reduce the amount of dander and allergens in your home.

How To Manage Labrador Shedding?

Labs’ shed a lot. If managed properly, this heavy shedding can be better for pet owners with dog allergies. There are ways to minimize shedding and lower the spread of allergens in your home. Planning a good cleaning routine can significantly benefit you in dealing with labs.

Frequent Baths

You can control the shedding fur of your labrador retriever by frequent bathing, but you should not overdo it. Once every 2 months is fine for these non-hypoallergenic breeds.

Washing your lab too frequently can damage a lab’s thick double coat. It will strip all the natural oils from the labrador’s coat, keep it shiny, and protect it against harsh weather conditions.

Regular Brushing

Brushing helps you bond with your purebred labrador. A labrador retriever needs brushing once weekly. Do it daily if the dog sheds heavily. A furminator or a de-shedding brush is awesome for dog hair brushing.

Take them outside and brush their fur so the shedding hair and dander do not spread inside your home. If this causes an allergenic reaction, make another family member brush your dog.

Regular Vacuuming

An excellent cleaning regime is an ideal solution.

1. Vacuum your floors regularly, especially the rooms where your labrador retriever spends most of its time.
2. Clean and wash their bedding and soft toys regularly.
3. Allergens are present in the dog’s saliva and sweat.

Hence, if your pet uses a lot of soft toys, these allergens can quickly spread. If you are super allergy-prone, do not get a dog or a pet.

How can people with allergies manage?

There are different ways to manage allergies. Following the steps below will reduce the spread of allergens and, thus, allergies.

Use Medication

Many anti-allergic medicines are available to avoid allergic reactions. Meds are an excellent way to prevent allergies. Talk to your doc to see if you need to consume them regularly.

Designate Dog-Free Zones

Dogs shed a lot, spreading their saliva-coated hair. Create pet-free zones where your dog won’t be allowed. These places will not have hair, dander, or risk of you getting the allergen.

Avoid Dog Hair Traps

Labs shed loose hair throughout the year, and they can accumulate. Clean the dog’s body and the house. Limiting your lab’s access to certain places helps.

Groom Your Dog

Regular brushing and bathing of your dog to control shedding is a must. It removes all the dead hair and dead skin that can result in allergies. People with pet allergies should hire a professional groomer to groom their labrador regularly.

Manage Responsibility

Though these dogs are low-maintenance breeds, managing a dog all alone can be difficult. Share and manage the responsibility with someone so that all the prevention steps are taken without additional burden.

What About A Lab? Can’t You Own It If You Have Dog Allergies?

Studies show that labs have comparatively fewer allergens than larger breeds. Getting a lab will also depend on many other factors. For example, 

1. How much effort can you put in to reduce the allergens in the home? 
2. How often can you brush and bathe your lab? 
3. What changes are you willing to make to your home? 
4. Are you ready to take allergy medications? 

The decision is for you to decide if owning a lab is worth your effort.

Are Black Labs Hypoallergenic? Are Yellow or Chocolate Labs Hypoallergenic?

Labrador Retrievers, whether Black Labs, Yellow Labs, or Chocolate Labs, are not considered hypoallergenic. They may shed less than some other breeds. However, these dogs produce allergens via an animal protein in their dander and saliva, which can cause an allergic reaction.

The color of a Labrador’s coat does not affect its hypoallergenic properties, as allergens are not dependent on coat color. If you have allergies and are considering getting a Labrador, it is recommended to spend time with the breed to assess your sensitivity to their allergens.

Regular grooming and cleaning practices reduce the amount of dander and allergens in your home.

FAQs on are lab retrievers hypoallergenic

What Is The Most Hypoallergenic Dog?

The Labradoodle and Bichon Frise are the most hypoallergenic dogs. They have an easy-to-maintain body coat and are better.

Will I Become Immune To My Dog Allergy?

Some people report developing immunity; others grow from the regular allergy. But make your decision independent of this because you have sensitive immune systems.

Are Labs Ok For Allergies?

Labs shed their coats regularly and are not hypoallergenic. The allergens get collected on the dog’s dander and may affect people with allergies.

Are Labs High Allergy Dogs?

Labs have a double coat and shed year around. They can trigger allergies faster than other smaller breeds due to the hair and dander.

Are White Labs Hypoallergenic?

While labs are as hypoallergenic as a lab of any color, the coat color doesn’t determine the amount of Can F1 they would produce. 

Is a black lab hypoallergenic?

No, a black lab is not hypoallergenic.

Is a chocolate lab hypoallergenic?

No, a chocolate lab is not hypoallergenic.

Is a yellow lab hypoallergenic?

No, a yellow lab is not hypoallergenic.

Are hairless dogs less likely to trigger allergic reactions?

People with allergies can do better with hairless dogs like the american hairless terrier. However, it depends on the person’s immune system and the individual dog’s coat. Even hairless dogs can produce allergens.