Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic? Tips for Pet Owners with Allergies

Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?

Pomeranians are popular small dog breeds admired for their fluffy coats and lively personalities. But are these cute furballs hypoallergenic for pet owners with allergies? While no dog is 100% non-allergenic, Pomeranians shed minimally and produce less dander than many breeds. This makes them more suitable for allergy sufferers compared to heavy shedders like Labs or Golden Retrievers.

What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?

All dogs produce allergens that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. However, the amount of allergens varies between breeds. Dogs are considered hypoallergenic when they shed very little hair and produce lower levels of dander and saliva proteins.

There are no dog breeds that are completely non-allergenic. But hypoallergenic dogs have coats that minimize shedding and may be better tolerated by those with allergies. Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers and Portuguese Water Dogs are typical examples.

Pomeranian Shedding and Grooming

Pomeranians have a thick double-coat of fur. The soft, dense undercoat combined with the longer outer guard hairs give them their distinctive puffy look. However, Pom fur does not shed excessively or require intense grooming.

Pomeranians are average shedders that blow their coats once or twice per year. During non-shedding periods, they lose only minimal fur. Frequent brushing easily manages loose hairs. Poms only need bathing every 1-2 months.

Their small size coupled with modest shedding makes Poms less problematic for allergies than heavy shedding breeds. Pomeranians produce lower amounts of dander and have less fur and saliva to trigger allergic reactions.

Pomeranian Dander Levels

Dander refers to microscopic skin flakes shed by dogs. This dander contains trace amounts of dog saliva and protein allergens. Dander particles become airborne and can be inhaled, triggering allergic reactions.

Hypoallergenic dogs like Pomeranians produce less dander compared to heavy shedding breeds. Their small size and minimal shedding leads to lower levels of dander in the environment. This creates less exposure risk for allergy sufferers.

Pomeranian Saliva Allergens

In addition to dander, allergic reactions to dogs often involve sensitivity to specific proteins present in their saliva. When dogs lick their coats, these proteins stick to the fur and dander. Grooming activities then release the allergens into the air.

Because Pomeranians are small dogs that don’t excessively groom themselves, they spread less saliva through shedding compared to larger breeds. Their shorter snouts and tongues also mean they tend to have lower volumes of saliva overall.

Benefits for Allergy Sufferers

While not completely non-allergenic, Pomeranians do offer some advantages for pet owners with allergies:

• Minimal shedding helps limit spread of dander and fur
• Small size leads to lower dander production
• Modest saliva volume compared to larger breeds
• Infrequent bathing needed due to clean coat
• Low maintenance grooming requirements

These traits make Pomeranians more suitable for allergy sufferers compared to heavy shedding, slobbery breeds like Newfoundlands or Saint Bernards that require frequent intense grooming.

Precautions for Allergy Sufferers

While Pomeranians produce fewer allergens than other dogs, sensitive individuals should still take precautions:

• Bathe and brush your Pomeranian regularly to control loose hair and dander
• Wash your hands after playing with your pet
• Vacuum and dust frequently using a HEPA filter
• Restrict your dog from bedrooms and upholstered furniture
• Consider allergy immunotherapy shots to increase tolerance

Working closely with your allergist can help identify your exact allergy triggers. They may recommend additional personalized avoidance and treatment strategies as needed.

Allergy Friendly Grooming Tips

Proper grooming is key for managing Pomeranian allergens. Recommended tips include:

• Brush regularly - Thoroughly brush your Pom’s coat 1-2 times per week to remove loose hairs before they shed.
• Bathe monthly - Bathe every 4-6 weeks to wash away dander, dirt and debris.
• Wash bedding - Clean your pet’s bed, blankets and toys weekly to prevent allergen buildup.
• Trim nails - Keep nails trimmed to avoid excessive scratching that spreads dander.
• Dry thoroughly - Always fully dry your Pom’s coat after baths to prevent mold or mildew.

Consistent grooming keeps your Pomeranian’s coat clean and minimizes loose hairs and dander. This helps reduce airborne allergens for sensitive owners.

Other Hypoallergenic Small Breeds

In addition to Pomeranians, other hypoallergenic small dog breeds may also be suitable if you suffer from allergies. Consider these low-shedding petite pups:

Miniature Poodle

Intelligent, energetic Poodles have a curly, non-shedding coat that produces minimal dander. Frequent grooming is needed to prevent matting.

Havanese

These affectionate Cuban pups have long, silky coats that shed minimally. Weekly brushing keeps loose hairs under control.

Maltese

Adorable Maltese dogs have a long, straight white coat needing daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies have a silky, hypoallergenic coat requiring regular trimming and brushing 2-3 times per week.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are petite long-haired dogs who shed very little thanks to their dense double coat.

Brussels Griffon

These small breed companion dogs have rough, wiry coats that rarely shed and produce minimal dander.

Breeds like Bichon Frise, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer and Portuguese Water Dog also make good hypoallergenic choices for allergy sufferers seeking small dogs.

The Bottom Line

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, Pomeranians shed less and produce lower amounts of dander than many breeds. This makes them less likely to aggravate allergies than heavy shedders like Labrador Retrievers or Saint Bernards.

Sensitive individuals should still take precautions like washing hands after contact, vacuuming frequently and restricting bedrooms. Proper grooming to control loose fur and bathing every 4-6 weeks also helps reduce airborne allergens.

Talk to your allergist if considering a Pomeranian to review your medical history. They can perform allergy tests and advise you on additional avoidance or treatment strategies as needed to live comfortably with your furry friend.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.