American Bullies are quickly becoming one of, if not the most popular dogs in the world, including the USA. Many people want to own this loving ball of muscle. However, they bring them home only to find out later that they are allergic to dogs.
Are American Bullies Hypoallergenic?
The simple answer is NO; American Bullies are not a hypoallergenic dog breed because they do shed. But, this does not mean you cannot own the breed if you are allergic to them; you just have to be a little more careful.
Don’t worry; in this article, we will discuss in-depth the term “hypoallergenic” and how you can live with your pet dog even if you are allergic to them.
So, keep reading until the end!
Contents
What Does The Term “ Hypoallergenic Dogs” Mean?
“Hypoallergenic dogs” are breeds that do not shed or shed very little due to which they produce fewer allergens, making them an excellent option for people with pet dander allergies.
It is important to understand that No breed is entirely hypoallergenic (allergen-free), but some dogs may be less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people compared to other breeds.
One misconception is that pet hair causes allergies but It’s not the hair itself it’s the dander( dead skin of the pet) that sticks to it that causes allergies.
So, if you are a person that suffers from pet dander allergies you should go with the dogs that do not shed much.
The Reason Why American Bullies Are Not a Hypoallergenic Dog
As already discussed American Bullies aren’t classified as hypoallergenic dogs. Here are the following reasons that do not make them hypoallergenic breeds-
Shedding
The key reason American Bullies are not considered hypoallergenic is due to their shedding, spreading tiny particles called pet dander that can cause allergies.
Remember, all dogs shed a bit. What causes allergies is not the fur itself but the dander, tiny bits of skin.
Yes, American Bullies do not shed much compared to double-coated or long-haired dogs, but they do shed some hair throughout the year, which is enough to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.
There are also other factors that can lead to excessive shedding besides natural shedding:
- A poor diet can lead to excessive shedding, as the hair will not get the required nourishment.
- Stress or anxiousness can also cause your pet to shed excessively.
- Skin allergies can also cause your pooch to shed more than usual.
- Not grooming your pet dog properly can also lead to excess shedding of hair.
Dander production
Understanding that American Bullies aren’t hypoallergenic means taking a closer look at how these dogs make dander, the main cause of allergies. Dander is tiny bits of skin shed by animals like cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and others with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to them.
For American Bullies, their skin consistently produces dander, and having a short coat doesn’t reduce it. While giving them baths often can help a bit, it won’t get rid of the dander. Also, their saliva and urine, which contain allergy-causing proteins, can dry on their fur and flake off, adding to the allergens around.
So, despite your efforts, if you want a hypoallergenic breed, an American Bully isn’t the best choice.
Drooling
American Bullies tend to drool more than the average dog because they have loose jowls.
It’s crucial to understand that their saliva can contain strong allergens. When they lick your face to show affection, they might transfer these allergens to you.
They can also unintentionally spread these allergy-causing proteins around your home through drooling.
Moreover, the proteins in their saliva stick tightly to fabrics and surfaces, making them difficult to remove. So, even with thorough cleaning, allergens can linger, posing a continuous exposure risk for people with sensitivities.
Is the American Bully a Suitable Choice for Allergy Sufferers?
American Bullies are not the best choice, but they may not be the worst for people with allergies. You can own an American Bully even if you are allergic; you just have to manage their shedding, which I believe you can do as they are moderate shedders.
You just need to brush them to get rid of loose hair and dander.
It’s important to note that individual reactions to dogs can vary, and some people can be more sensitive to allergic reactions than others.
Tips to Live With American Bully Even If You Are Allergic
If you’re allergic but still wish to cohabitate with an American Bully, you must adhere to strict grooming practices for the pet.
Ensuring your home is vacuumed and cleaned frequently can significantly reduce allergens.
Additionally, establishing pet-free zones and using HEPA air purifiers will aid in creating a more suitable living environment for your condition.
Regularly groom the American Bully
To minimize allergic reactions, regularly groom your American Bully, focusing on thorough brushing to reduce dander and loose hair. Employ a high-quality bristle brush to effectively capture loose fur and mitigate the spread of allergens.
Bathe your dog periodically with a hypoallergenic shampoo formulated to soothe the skin and minimize dander production.
Maintain a consistent grooming schedule, as infrequent care can exacerbate the accumulation of irritants. During shedding seasons, increase the grooming frequency to daily sessions, if necessary.
Trim your American Bully’s nails to prevent scratching that may release more dander and hair.
Vacuum and clean the home frequently
Regular vacuuming and cleaning of your living space are essential in reducing pet allergens when sharing your home with an American Bully.
Utilize a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum to capture fine particles effectively. Prioritize areas where your dog frequents, including carpets and upholstered furniture, which can harbor allergens. Clean these surfaces at least twice a week.
Additionally, wash your pet’s bedding, toys, and any removable fabric covers regularly in hot water to eliminate dander accumulation.
Implement the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where you or your allergic family members spend significant time. This strategy minimizes airborne allergens, contributing to a cleaner breathing environment and lessening allergic reactions.
Create designated pet-free zones
Establishing pet-free zones in your home can significantly decrease your exposure to allergens and provide a safe haven for those with sensitivities to your American Bully’s dander. Designating specific areas such as bedrooms or a particular living space as off-limits to your pet helps to limit the spread of allergens.
It’s imperative to enforce these boundaries consistently to ensure that these zones remain uncontaminated by dander. Utilize barriers such as pet gates or closed doors as physical reminders for both you and your American Bully.
Maintaining these allergen-free zones requires discipline, but it’s a necessary step to coexist comfortably with your pet despite allergic reactions. Regular cleaning of these areas is also essential to minimize any potential transfer of dander from other parts of the house.
Install air purifiers with HEPA filters
While maintaining pet-free zones can significantly reduce allergen exposure, incorporating air purifiers with HEPA filters throughout your living space will further enhance air quality for those sensitive to your American Bully’s dander.
HEPA filters—High Efficiency Particulate Air filters—capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency, which includes pet dander, dust mites, and other common allergens.
To optimize their efficacy, select a purifier’s size appropriate for your room and ensure it operates continuously. Regularly replace the filters as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain peak performance.
Wash hands and face after interaction
After spending time with your American Bully, it’s crucial to wash your hands and face to remove allergens and minimize allergic reactions. This practice is an effective method to reduce the transfer of allergenic proteins, primarily found in the dog’s dander, and saliva.
Adhering to this hygiene routine limits the spread of these allergenic particles from your skin to your eyes, nose, or mouth, common sites of allergic symptoms.
To optimize this precautionary measure, employ thorough washing techniques. Use a hypoallergenic soap and warm water for your hands, and ensure you cleanse all surfaces thoroughly. For your face, utilize a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type.
These steps, performed consistently, can significantly diminish your exposure to allergens and enhance your ability to cohabit with your American Bully.
Consult with an allergist for personalized advice
Seeking the guidance of a certified allergist can provide you with tailored strategies to manage your allergies while enjoying the companionship of your American Bully.
An allergist will evaluate your specific sensitivities through diagnostic tests, such as skin prick tests or blood assays, to pinpoint the exact allergens causing your reactions.
With this information, they’ll devise a personalized management plan, which may include environmental modifications, medical therapies, or immunotherapy. Adherence to this regimen can mitigate allergic symptoms, facilitating a more comfortable coexistence with your pet.
It’s imperative to follow the allergist’s advice diligently and report any changes in your condition. By doing so, you’ll optimize your quality of life while maintaining a bond with your American Bully.
FAQ
What dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic?
As we have discussed, there are no breeds in the world that are 100% hypoallergenic. However, some breeds come close to being considered hypoallergenic, such as the Peruvian Inca Orchid, American Hairless Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, Poodle, Maltese, Barbet, Irish Water Spaniel, to name a few.
How many times should I brush my American bully to keep shedding at a minimum?
Aim to brush your American Bully at least once a week to remove loose hair, dirt, and dander. During shedding seasons, which typically occur in spring and fall, you may need to increase the frequency to a few times per week to help manage the increased shedding.
Final Thoughts
In summary, American Bullies aren’t hypoallergenic because they release allergens like dander and saliva. However, if you’re allergic but really like these dogs, you can reduce reactions by keeping your surroundings clean, using air purifiers, and sticking to a regular grooming routine.
It’s a good idea to talk to an allergist for personalized advice. Living with an American Bully and allergies requires careful management, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy their company without harming your health.