Before you adopt a dog, especially if you have severe allergies, it’s important to do ample research and speak with a veterinarian.
All types of dog breeds are potential options for someone with allergies, but there are dogs that may be considered “hypoallergenic” and others that might be good for someone with moderate allergies.
Join me as I take a look at Jack Russell Terriers, and whether or not they are hypoallergenic.
Are Jack Russell Terriers Hypoallergenic?
No, Jack Russell Terriers are not hypoallergenic dogs. They produce dander, a type of skin cell that is shed by all dogs when they breathe, leave hair behind when they shed their coats, and secrete oils from their skin glands.
What does hypoallergenic mean?
The word “hypoallergenic” refers to something that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But there are no dog breeds that are 100 percent hypoallergenic because, regardless of the breed, it only takes one or two allergy-causing proteins for an allergic person to react.
Living with a Jack Russell when you suffer from allergies
Allergies that occur because of a pet are known as pet allergies. These allergies are merely irritants among many other causes of allergies. Common causes of pet allergies include sensitive nasal membranes, skin, or hair, which will then react negatively to the presence of dander or saliva from the pets.
However, Jack Russells shed throughout the year similar to other breeds and it can be quite normal to find hair or dander on their bedding material, their clothes, and even around our home.
Therefore, we need to practice certain measures that will help us reduce our shedding and not aggravate our allergies.
Let’s go over some tips on how we can reduce shedding in Jack Russell Terriers at home for better symptoms during allergy season.
1. Scrubbing and vacuuming
I personally recommend that you vacuum your entire home every time your dog sheds. This is extremely important as we want to remove almost all of the dead skin cells, dander, and other allergens that are found on the carpeting and upholstered furniture before they can be inhaled or come into contact with our body.
It’s also very important that we clean hard floors and carpets, especially those frequented by our pets. This will help us get rid of dander and other allergens right away so that they don’t have the chance to accumulate in our home.
2. Bathe frequently
Bathe your Jack Russell once a month. This will help to remove dead skin cells as well as other materials that can cause allergies, such as dander and saliva from the dog’s skin glands.
Bathing also helps to remove excess dirt, which we know for a fact can have a negative impact on someone who has allergies.
3. Change bedding frequently
We want to take into account that during allergy season our Jack Russell Terriers require more frequent changes of bedding than normal because of their excessive shedding.
If your dog already sleeps on a bed that is washable, this will be very helpful to you, especially during allergy season. If not, then be prepared to provide your dog with clean bedding as often as every week when it comes time for a change.
4. Consistent grooming and cleaning
Groom and clean your house regularly regardless of the time of year so that you can get accustomed to these activities throughout the year.
This will not only improve the quality of your life and lower your stress levels, but it will also make you more capable of handling allergens in general during severe allergy seasons such as summer and fall.
5. Choose the right toys
Jack Russell Terriers love to play with toys, but your clingy dog might just have a special attachment to one of them that you’ll want to clean more often than others.
For example, my Jack Russell Terrier loves his squeaky toy and takes it everywhere with him. Therefore I make sure that I wash his favorite toy whenever he needs a bath.
6. Purchase natural dog products
When it comes time to buy dog food, make sure you visit the store and choose what is called “hypoallergenic” or “prescription-only” for your Jack Russell Terrier.
This means that it will be carefully formulated to contain less protein, which is the most common source of allergies in dogs. Therefore you’ll have fewer allergy symptoms during allergy season.
Conclusion
We all know how much we love our Jack Russells, but this doesn’t mean that we should have to suffer from pet allergies year-round. We can take some simple measures to improve our quality of life by reducing shedding in our Jack Russell Terriers at home, as well as minimizing contact with other allergens that are found in common household products.
You can still enjoy your Jack Russell during allergy season by practicing some of the tips outlined above.
