The Yorkie is one of the most adored breeds. They are adorable, sweet, easy to care for, playful, and affectionate. Aside from these obvious reasons, many prospective owners are drawn to Yorkies because of their purported hypoallergenic qualities. However, is this statement correct? Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic Dogs? The answer is yes; Yorkies are nearly hypoallergenic. In this article, we’ll look at what it means for a dog to be hypoallergenic, why Yorkies are great for allergy owners, and how you can reduce allergic reactions to pets. Now, Let’s get started!
Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic Dogs?
The short answer is yes. Instead of fur, Yorkies have fine, human-like hair. As a result of not shedding seasonally, Yorkies produce far fewer allergic reactions than other dog breeds.
While drool and saliva can cause allergic reactions, this is not a concern because these proteins only cause problems when they dry out and become airborne. Therefore, you should wash your dog’s toys regularly to prevent saliva buildup, and don’t let them lick you.
All of these factors contribute to many people believing that Yorkies are hypoallergenic, or at the very least, far less likely to cause allergies than other breeds. Nevertheless, Yorkies are hypoallergenic does not guarantee that you will have no allergic reactions.
Hypoallergenic Or Not – What Are The Factors?
Size
Yorkies are a small breed of dog which weighs about 7 pounds on average. Allergen exposure is directly proportional to a dog’s size. The greater the size of the dog breed, the more allergy-causing proteins are produced and released. Hence, Yorkies are more hypoallergenic than other breeds.
Dust, Dander, Dead Hair
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, two canine proteins, “can f1” and “can f2,” are involved in most dog allergies. When your dog sheds dead hair and dander, these allergens become airborne and enter your lungs. And do Yorkies sneeze? Sometimes, especially in cases of dry skin. However, Yorkies don’t produce nearly as much dander as other dog breeds, so it shouldn’t be a significant issue.
When it comes to dead hair, Yorkie’s owners continue to have an advantage. Many dog breeds have two coats: an undercoat and an overcoat, which they shed as new fur grows. These are the breeds that shed hair all over your house and will aggravate your allergies.
What’s more? Yorkies have hair, not fur, growing until it is cut. As a result, you should not experience severe allergic reactions from shedding. However, strands of Yorkie hair may come loose from time to time, especially if you attempt to brush out some stubborn tangles.
Finally, your allergic reaction could be owing to regular old dust. Yorkies live low to the ground, so their long hair can act as a broom, collecting dust, dirt, and even pollen from the outside world. If you don’t wash these particles away, your dog will spread them throughout your home. So, you need to know many things to keep them healthy before purchasing.
Read more: Parti Yorkies: What You Should Do to Keep Them Healthy
Saliva & Feces
Your Yorkie’s saliva and feces are two additional sources of “can f1” and “can f2”. Direct contact with poop should be easy to avoid. Still, whether your dog licks or you want to play fetch, it may be challenging to prevent contacting saliva. You don’t have to bother because the most damage is done when these substances dry out and particles become airborne. Moreover, they could pee in the house, so you should learn how to stop them from that reaction.
Fleas & Other Parasites
If your Yorkie has fleas and another parasite, you may experience a reaction. Parasites on dead skin cells, causing dry skin that encourages your dog to scratch. They cause an increase in the airborne allergens discussed above. You would also come into contact with the parasites, allowing them to cause an allergic reaction.
How To Recognize If You’re Allergic To Yorkies
So, how do you find out if you’re allergic to Yorkies? Play with a puppy the same way you solve most of the world’s problems. Firstly, find a friend or neighbor who owns a Yorkie at your local dog park and explain your situation. Next, visit the shelter, breeder, or pet store where you intend to get your puppy.
Most people will be delighted to let you play with their dog, especially if it is the same dog you intend to adopt. If you can spend an hour or so getting up close with a Yorkie, you should be able to tell pretty quickly if you’ll be able to live with one of your own.
Look for common symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Nasal congestion, including facial pain or earache
- Foggy or watery eyes
- Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose
- An itchy throat and postnasal drip
- Coughing, wheezing, or trouble with breathing
- Hives, rashes, or eczema where skin comes in contact with dog saliva
- Nausea or digestive problems
We do not recommend adopting a Yorkie as a pet if you have a clear and significant allergic reaction to them. Your attachment to the new puppy may lead you to believe you can live with your allergies. Yorkies, on the other hand, can live for 12 to 15 years, and your home must be a comfortable, welcoming environment for both of you.
However, most people would be okay because Yorkies rank high on the hypoallergenic scale. Also, it also a reaction that your dog licks too much, and there are also various reasons why your dog lick.
How To Minimize Allergy To Yorkies
Suppose you only have occasional or minor reactions. In that case, you may take action to reduce your allergies through careful housekeeping and regular grooming.
Here are six suggestions for reducing allergic reactions in your Yorkie.
Mark Your Territory
It would be best to consider restricting your dog’s access to certain house areas. Your bedroom, in particular, is not a good place for your dog to run free. It’s stuffed with fabrics, and you probably spend more time there than anywhere else in the house. If your Yorkie insists on sleeping in your vicinity, keep it off your bed and ensure that the inner air is well-circulated.
Maintain A Weekly Bathing Schedule
Generally, too much bathing or bathing incorrectly can cause your Yorkie to develop dry skin, which can aggravate your allergies even more. On the other hand, if your Yorkie begins to cause allergic reactions, it may be time to start a weekly bathing routine. This helpful suggestion will support your allergies by reducing the dust and other allergens in your Yorkie’s fur. So make sure you follow the best instruction for bathing a Yorkie. Furthermore, you could try them in a new environment, like a pool, and know if Yorkies can swim.
Cleanse Your Home Of Dead Hair
Because dead hair and dander are two of the most common causes of human allergies, ridding your home of these particles will significantly reduce allergic reactions. Therefore, vacuum or sweep and wash all surfaces where your pet spends time.
Keep Your Yorkie In A Puppy Cut
Although shorter fur will not reduce the majority of allergens produced by your dog, it will be much easier to brush and wash daily. Hence, reducing the dust and dander your Yorkie carries around the house.
Clean After Taking Your Yorkies Outdoors
Let’s clean your dog’s paws after walks and outdoor play with a damp cloth or paw wipe. Then, using a Yorkie pin brush, remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated in their coat while outside. It is reasonable in the spring when pollen counts are high.
You could also try blowing away the dust in your dog’s fur with a blow dryer set to cool and held at least a foot away. Make sure you do it on the back porch, garage, or somewhere else where the allergens will not bother you.
Get An Air Purifier
A good air purifier is an excellent solution, especially if you live in a city and are constantly exposed to poor air quality. Keep the cleaner in your bedroom while you sleep, but consider moving it to areas of your home where your Yorkie spends most of the day removing allergens at the source.
Related post: Best Harness For Yorkie
Conclusion
While no dog is genuinely 100% hypoallergenic, Yorkies come close, making them an ideal pet if you suffer from allergies. Start spending time with a Yorkie before bringing one into your home. Once you get it, groom your Yorkie regularly to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. We believe with the extra maintenance recommended in the article “Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic Dogs”, you can lead a happy life with your puppy.
