No, Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not hypoallergenic at all. In fact, no dog breeds don’t shed. All canines experience the process of shedding off old hairs and having them replaced with new ones. However, some dogs release less hair than others which is why breeds such as the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog do not trigger allergy symptoms to owners who are hypersensitive.
Does that mean it is impossible to own your dream Tibetan Mastiff? No, not entirely. There are just some steps and precautionary measures you have to consider to ensure your or your family’s health is not put at risk. This article will give you all that you’d need to know!
Top 3 Myths About Hypoallergenic Dogs
Now, it is important to acknowledge the common misconceptions people have about the term “hypoallergenic”. For some, they think that those dog breeds labeled as such don’t shed at all, but how true is this? We will debunk the top 3 major myths and replace them with the right information. Here we go:
#1 Myth: That Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Release Hairs
Commonly, we would associate “hypoallergenic” with the word “zero”, but the right equivalent of this is “low”. Hypoallergenic dog breeds have a low shedding rate compared to others. However, they still can trigger dog allergies, but they are usually not severe.
#2 Myth: That Fur Is What Causes Dog Allergies
Dogs produce a certain protein called Fel D1 which is responsible for disturbing someone’s immune system if inhaled. Dogs regularly produce this and it can be found either from their dander, urine, saliva, and even fur.
It is understandable to mistake fur as the culprit. After all, this is one major transmitter of the protein allergen. When dogs groom themselves, their saliva sticks to their coat, and the hairs that need to be released are already coated with the Fel D1.
#3 Myth: You Are Allergic to All Dogs if You Have Dog Allergies
If you have had a certain dog breed before that gave you nightmare-ish dog allergy symptoms, do not conclude that all other dogs will give you the same experience. You just have to carefully choose which breed to go for that sheds at an incredibly low amount.
How Much Do Tibetan Mastiffs Shed?
Even though the impression his coat type would give us is that he would be a notorious shedder, the contrary is true. He sheds very little hence why his grooming needs would only require once a week of brushing off his entire coat and a 6 to 8 weeks frequency in bathing.
However, even though most of the time, the Tibetan Mastiff seems low on coat maintenance, there will come a certain period wherein he will have to take off his entire coat. This happens once a year during the shedding season. This should tell you to ready your grooming kit all the time and it has to be easily accessible to combat all dog hairs that could end up sticking in your furniture, drapes, and even on your clothes.
Brushing him will need to be done more often and the same applies with baths. Even if you increase the frequency of taking care of his coat, opt for products that are not harsh to prevent his skin and hair from drying and to avoid irritations that may cause itching and balding.
Is It Possible to Own a Tibetan Mastiff Even if You Have Allergies?
Yes, it is possible to own a Tibetan Mastiff even if you have dog allergies. But, you have to be very careful with this venture since this could put your health at extreme risk if, later on, it is found out that your dog allergies can be very severe.
So, why is it still possible to own a dog despite your present medical condition? It could be that you have owned a different breed before and now that you are going for the Tibetan Mastiff which is a low-shedding dog, there can be a good chance that he won’t give you the same experience.
The case would be different if the dog you used to have was a Tibetan Mastiff, but don’t lose hope, especially if you are loyal to this breed. Allergy symptoms can be manageable as long as you are committed to change your lifestyle and follow what your doctor recommends you to do.
You can ready OTC drugs in case signs and symptoms kick in or deal with allergies permanently through allergy shots. We’ll discuss them further below:
Over-The-Counter Medications
- Antihistamines include Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin. They relieve itching, sneezing, and runny noses.
- Decongestants will help it easier to breathe by shrinking tissues that are swollen in the nasal passages.
- Nasal Corticosteroids like Nasonex help control allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Leukotriene modifiers are medications given only if you cannot tolerate corticosteroids or antihistamines.
- Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps reduce symptoms or prevent them from developing.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots or immunotherapy is a process wherein the doctor exposes you to the animal protein (Fel D1) that triggers allergic reactions. Over time, the allergist will increase the dosage until your body gradually builds up tolerance against the allergen until no reactions show after contact with the protein. This is more suitable for people who have severe allergic reactions and such is a long-term treatment that’s worth investing for.
What to Do to Avoid Dog Allergies
As mentioned, it is possible to bring home a Tibetan Mastiff. However, you have certain responsibilities to do to make your relationship with your dog a successful one without jeopardizing your or your family member’s health. Here’s what you can do:
To Yourself
- Designate particular clothes you’d need to wear if you spend time with your Tibetan Mastiff.
- Use protective gear when brushing or bathing him.
- If possible, ask someone else to groom him.
- Wash your hands and arms after direct contact.
- Do not touch your face often.
To Your Dog
- Bathe your Tibetan Mastiff regularly.
- Avoid bringing him to rooms where you hang out often.
- Don’t forget to brush his coat thoroughly and regularly.
- Limit his space in the house. Create boundaries so you can somehow control his dander and hair fall.
To Your Home
- Vacuum your house at all times.
- Invest in high-quality air filters.
- Never let your dog get into your bedroom.
- Keep the dog off the couch.
- Avoid using carpets or fabrics where dog fur can easily stick on.
Can a Baby Not Develop Dog Allergies?
Yes! Babies who grew up with household pets such as cats and dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff are less likely to develop allergic diseases compared to those who grew up with none. This is according to the study found in the issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The study further suggests that children living with animals are exposed to higher levels of endotoxins. The exposure forced their immune system to develop a distinct pattern of response that would eventually make them less allergic when they have direct contact with their beloved pets.
