Don’t mistake the Cane Corso as a hypoallergenic breed. No one type of dog fits this category and the American Kennel Club confirms this. No matter how big or small the dog is, the truth is that no canine is 100% non-allergenic.
If you do a quick research on the internet, you will find several breeds hailed to be “hypoallergenic”, but this is just a gimmick started by some breeders to capitalize on this specific feature. In the case of the Cane Corso breed, most people agree that anyone who experiences mild to severe cases of allergies must thoroughly consider all pros and cons before ultimately getting a dog such as this one for themselves.
Do Cane Corsos Shed a Lot?
This Italian Mastiff breed sheds at a low to moderate rate. Still, considering his huge size, the amount of dander he will let go of constantly can be a problem for people who have allergies. Don’t be fooled by how short his fur is because no matter where he goes, he will leave off a trail of loose hair. If you take a closer look at where he usually lays and rolls in, you can pick up individual strands that can quickly trigger someone’s allergy.
If you ask when a Cane Corso stops shedding, the sad answer to that is there is no break in his hair growth process. You can think of it as a never-ending cycle sensitive owners must deal with every day throughout the dog’s life. You are lucky if you end up with a Corso that sheds so little, but extreme precaution needs to be taken if you happen to have one that sheds off its coat at a moderate level.
Prepare yourself even more once the spring and fall seasons start. Most dog breeds will experience a shift in their shedding rate and the Cane Corso is no exception. His body’s mechanism starts to adjust at the approaching temperature, therefore, what happens is to either replace his thick winter coat with a light summer one during the spring or to shed off the old, light coat with a warm jacket as the fall season ends.
Why Are Cane Corsos Not a Hypoallergenic Breed?
Simply because Cane Corsos produce certain allergens that disrupt the immune system of a sensitive person. Their bodies have a constant production of proteins that end up in their dander, saliva, and urine. So, aside from the shedding rate of this breed, the real and main culprit is no other than the allergen his body contains.
A person who has pet allergies will have a range from mild to severe reactions depending on how his body will react to the foreign substance, which is usually harmless proteins. Those who have no idea that they are allergic to dogs are highly at-risk upon contact with a dog such as a Cane Corso. However, since different breeds produce different dander, outcomes may vary. One thing is certain though if you have a Corso at home and you are allergic and that is your health can come to the point of it being compromised if no measures are taken.
Can a Person Who Has Allergies Have a Cane Corso?
You may be worried about having pet allergies yet you want to have a Cane Corso so badly or you already have this magnificent breed and realized too late that you are allergic. The good news is that people with pet allergies and dogs can live together!
Of course, the way you live with a Corso will be different compared to your neighbor who is highly tolerant to dog dander. You or a family member who sneezes non-stop around pets simply have to be diligent at employing house rules to limit allergies.
Proven Ways to Reduce Allergy Reactions Brought About by Cane Corso Shedding
Since Cane Corsos are not a hypoallergenic breed, you already know what to expect. He will release dander at different levels depending on the season and that can cause you to suffer. There is no need though to bring him back to the breeder or give him up at your nearest rescue shelter because there are ways you can consider doing to limit your exposure to allergens.
Manage your Cane Corso’s shedding by following these tips below:
- Brush your Cane Corso at a regular schedule. This will help remove all loose and dead hair. Collecting this through a Hertzko Slicker Brush is better than making him shake off his fur and see all hairs flying everywhere! Use a face mask as a safety precaution and do this outside in your yard or garden.
- Bathe your dog. In washing your Cane Corso, I highly recommend that you use a mild canine shampoo like what most owners use, the Shed Defender Shampoo for Dogs. This will not dry up your dog’s skin and we all know what happens if it does- more uncontrollable shedding! Wear a pair of gloves as you bathe him or ask a family member who has no allergies to do it for you.
- Add in supplements to your dog’s diet. Supplements that are high in Omega 3 or 6 like Zesty Paws can bring out a huge difference in your Cane Corso’s coat. Similar to using the right grooming tools and products, the same solution must be followed in feeding him so there will be less dander produced.
- Wipe his coat. Believe it or not, but you can help significantly reduce protein allergens in your dog’s coat by wiping it down using Burt’s Wipes. Dogs know how to groom themselves, unfortunately, what comes along with their saliva are the allergens sensitive owners dread.
- Use a HEPA air filter inside your home. Filtrete Air filters reduce the presence of airborne particles by up to 99.97%. Guaranteed that that includes danders and other sorts of allergens that can affect your immune system. Install one that is complementary to the size of the room for effective results.
- Use the vacuum often. Start a habit of turning on and using a Filtrete Vacuum. Cleaning is better than sitting on a couch with a red nose and watery eyes, for sure! The more often you use your vacuum, the less dander and allergens stay present in your home.
- Wash your hands often. We sometimes can’t resist touching and petting our pets, more so if it’s a Cane Corso. We don’t recommend you do this, but if ever you had direct contact with him, NEVER touch your face without going to the sink first. Wash your hands with soap and clean water then dry them thoroughly.
Which Gender Is Better For People Who Have Pet Allergies?
Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston said that 30% of people who have dog allergies only react to one specific protein that’s found in the dog’s prostate. Both male and female Cane Corsos shed at a certain rate, but given how much you adore this dog despite being hypersensitive, many suggest that you go for a neutered male pup or a female Cane Corso.
