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Are you looking to adopt a dog or puppy to spread some cheer in your home? That’s great! However, if you or someone in your family is allergic or asthmatic, you probably want to know whether certain breeds are hypoallergenic.
You are certainly not alone! Around 3 in 10 Americans experience an allergic reaction to pets. Sensitive individuals can still become pet parents and hypoallergenic cats and dogs offer them that opportunity.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
The “hypoallergenic” is commonly used in cosmetics. Such products are designed especially for people who have a tendency to develop allergies or asthma attacks.
Similarly, a hypoallergenic dog is one that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Certain breeds, like the poodle, have been characterized as hypoallergenic by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?
To answer your question briefly, no. The Jack Russell Terrier is not a hypoallergenic dog. They tend to have a moderate level of shedding and are unfortunately not named on the hypoallergenic breed list by the American Kennel Club.
Despite this, Jack Russell Terriers are friendly, energetic dogs. These affectionate furry companions are one of the best dogs an active family can hope for.
Therefore, if you are a person with mild or moderate allergies, then you may consider adopting Jack Terriers. You may simply have to take extra measures to prevent allergies.
What Causes Allergic Reactions?
The common cause of dog allergies is dander. These are microscopic pieces of dead dog skin that attach themselves to the pooch’s hair. These particles can drift to the ground or through the air and enter your nose, causing an allergic reaction.
The dander is almost like human dandruff and it depends on how much of the stuff a particular dog sheds that determines how hypoallergenic the dog is.
Jack Terriers with rough and wiry coats do not shed as much dander (the skin flakes are more prone to stay stuck in the wiry hair). Unfortunately, this also means that you need to brush your dog more regularly!
Jack Terriers with smooth coats shed more often. However, they only need to be brushed once a week or so.
Tips To Minimize Allergies
If you are mildly allergic to dogs, then there is still hope for you to adopt a Jack Russell Terrier. You can use the following tactics to eliminate or reduce dog allergies from your home:
- Brush your dog regularly: Brushing the hair will not reduce the shedding. But it can cut down on dander. Brush your dog outside.
- Vacuum regularly: One of the best ways to keep the room clean of pet hair is to vacuum it on a regular basis.
- Use an air purifier: Using an air purifier can remove the suspended dander and pet hair from the air.
- Wash your hands: In order to avoid any allergic reactions, avoid touching your face when playing with your furry friend. Also, make a habit of washing your hands regularly.
- Minimize carpeting: Dander can easily stick to carpets, making it difficult to vacuum later. Therefore, it is best to replace carpeting with tiles.
- Keep the couch potatoes off the couches: Dander loves couches and the latter are difficult to vacuum. Thus, keep your pets off the couches as much as possible.
- Forbid their entry into the bedroom: As unpleasant as it sounds, this is to prevent dander from getting on your bed and interfering with sleep.
- Talk to your doctor: The doctor may suggest over-the-counter medications that can manage your allergies.
How to Reduce Shedding
- Brushing
Brushing your Jack Russell often will not eliminate shedding altogether, but it will certainly reduce it. It is best to brush the pooch outside. A rubber brush is generally recommended.
- Reduce bathing
While it may sound gross and unhygienic, it is one of the best methods to reduce shedding. Regular bathing can dry out the dog’s skin. Dried-out skin will shed more frequently. Also, use a good quality pet shampoo to keep the skin moisturized.
- A Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet is necessary for the pooch. The diet of the dog directly affects its body. Therefore, you should consult with your vet and provide the best diet possible to reduce dry and flaky skin.
Conclusion
Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic dogs. Regardless, they make wonderful family pets. Even if you suffer from allergic reactions to dogs, you can still adopt one. There are many tips and tricks you can rely on to reduce allergens to the point where it no longer controls your life.