Good afternoon, many will be interested in understanding their health and their loved ones, and I will tell you my experience, and we will talk about Spitz allergy. Most likely, some details may differ, as was the case with you. Please note that you should always consult with highly specialized specialists and not self-medicate. Naturally, you can quickly find the answer to the simplest questions and diagnose yourself. Write your questions/suggestions in the comments, and together we will improve and supplement the quality of the material provided.
Why do allergies to Pomeranian hair occur?
People who are allergic to Pomeranians believe that the cause of the allergy is the dog's fur. Yes, you may be allergic to it, but this is not the only reason why the body reacted sharply to contact with the animal. So, the cause of an allergy can be:
- wool, as it carries lint, dust, pollen and mold;
- waste products of ticks that live in the upper layer of the skin of animals;
- scales from exfoliated animal skin;
- dog saliva, dander, urine and skin secretions;
- individual intolerance to the hair of a dog, and like all dogs, a specific breed or one single animal.
Training.
To prevent the Spitz from barking often, they train the dog from the first days of its appearance in the house. This will eliminate unnecessary reactions to saliva, and guests will be happy with an obedient and cute dog. Air purifier. A necessary element to combat allergies.
Remember that allergies also apply to animal food. Always choose quality products, follow simple hygiene rules, and your beloved pet will live next to you for many years, giving you true pleasure.
Spitz skin and coat diseases, their treatment and prevention
The most important thing in the prevention of any allergy is proper care of the animal from the first days of its life. The health of his pet depends only on the owner of his four-legged friend. Most cases of an allergic reaction can be eliminated by following simple recommendations:
- do not feed allergenic foods;
- constantly carry out prevention against worms;
- use exclusively hypoallergenic products in hair care;
- Keep household chemicals away from the animal
- Check and clean your ears regularly.
To all this you can add frequent walks and active games in the air, and the use of products of exclusively natural properties.
How to identify and prevent a reaction?
If you decide that a Spitz is right for you, but allergies are a concern, you should adhere to the following rules when breeding:
- Clean the room regularly (dry and wet).
- Limit the movement of pets to one spacious room.
- Brush the coat daily.
- Bathe dogs at least once or twice a week.
- Use air purifiers and humidifiers.
Symptoms of possible allergies include:
- wheezing, cough;
- redness and itching of the eyes, tearing;
- sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose;
- rash and redness on the skin.
If you notice such manifestations in yourself, you should consult a doctor and make sure that the cause is in dogs. Sometimes pets carry pollen and other substances on their fur, which cause a similar reaction.
If the cause turns out to be a Pomeranian Spitz, an allergy to wool or saliva, then you may have to undergo a course of treatment and double your care efforts.
The most common diseases of Japanese Spitz dogs
A predisposition to a disease does not mean that every Japanese Spitz will get it. Closely monitor your pet's condition and activity. If you see something wrong in your pet's behavior, it is best to contact a veterinarian.
The Japanese Spitz dog breed is known to be quite healthy.
- They are prone to luxating kneecaps.
- They may have a runny nose from time to time, and their skin can become dry if they are washed too often, so it is important to only bathe your Japanese Spitz when necessary.
Owners should monitor their pet and visit veterinarians regularly to identify and address any health problems in the early stages.
Is it possible to coexist with a Spitz without developing allergies?
Determining the presence of an allergic predisposition to a Spitz is very simple - a few hours in close proximity to the dog is sufficient time to detect a reaction. If after the allotted time no irritation or sensations occur in the body, the Pomeranian is ideal as a faithful life companion.
Any manifestation of allergic symptoms should be an immediate cessation of this communication. But the desire to make friends with this breed prevails even over questions of life. For this purpose, a whole set of rules has been developed that can reduce allergic manifestations to a minimum, which will allow even an allergy sufferer to keep a Pomeranian Spitz in the house.
Note: trained Spitz dogs are practically not a source of allergic reactions in their owners. Calm behavior involves less allergen spraying into confined indoor spaces.
Dog training helps to discipline the pet and limits its stay on soft surfaces used by the owner. By reducing dominance through training, Spitz dogs stop barking constantly, which reduces the amount of their salivary secretion released into space.
The symptoms of allergic reactions caused by dogs have a whole range of individual, pronounced manifestations - itching, frequent runny nose and shortness of breath, redness of the skin near the eyes and the eyeballs themselves may occur. Sometimes the human body perceives pets too aggressively, which manifests itself in a strong increase in temperature.
None of the varieties of our four-legged friends are absolutely hypoallergenic; the Pomeranian Spitz also does not fit this exception.
Pomeranian allergy and its features
An allergic reaction can be transmitted to a child’s body at birth, but there is also an acquired type of allergy to dogs. With congenital transmission, the reaction manifests itself immediately after birth in the form of rashes, increased temperature and other negative consequences.
An acquired allergy can lurk in the body for years, and as a result of exposure to a certain individual tracker - an activator - it begins to actively manifest itself.
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To confirm an allergic reaction, you should undergo a special examination, based primarily on anamnesis and accurate tests. After a positive answer, the patient is prohibited from any kind of interaction with the dog.
Are Pomeranians allergic or not?
The Pomeranian breed can cause allergic reactions in the following ways:
- Classic allergy to wool.
- Thick, dense wool can be a carrier of other allergens - ordinary dust or pollen.
- Skin mites found in fur are also dangerous causative agents of inflammatory reactions. Particularly harmful are specific proteins - tick waste products that end up on the pet's fur.
- Even Pomeranian dandruff or its salivary composition can cause an inflammatory reaction in humans.
The small-sized Spitz is not completely hypoallergenic, since inflammatory reactions to saliva and fur will always occur in a small percentage of people. However, in comparison with other four-legged pets, the chance of developing an acquired allergy directly to the dog is quite minimal.
Allergies to Spitz are most often developed through foreign organisms and secretions found on its fur. And since the dog’s hair is quite long, it is possible to reduce this negative impact of the street on the sensitive human body through systematic regular combing.
Simple truths that will help avoid an allergic reaction:
The Pomeranian's body, like any other living creature, is prone to various diseases, one of which is an allergic reaction. Allergies in a Spitz can be caused by:
- Food;
- Insects;
- Substances inhaled with air;
- Objects in contact with the skin of the Pomeranian Spitz;
- Medicines.
If you identify characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction, it is important to seek help from a veterinarian.
The Pomeranian Spitz requires good care; you can read how to properly care for your pet here, including the need for timely medical care, even if such a seemingly minor pathology as an allergy is detected.
Allergies in Spitz - symptoms and causes
You can understand that your pet has an allergy by the following signs that appear in the dog, regardless of the type of allergen:
- Skin itching;
- Redness of the skin, its peeling;
- Runny nose;
- Watery and burning eyes
If allergy therapy is not carried out in a Spitz, the pet will experience the following symptoms:
- Pustules;
- Bloody ulcers;
- Chronic ear infections.
With some types of allergies, including respiratory ones, symptoms may develop, the occurrence of which requires immediate contact with a veterinary clinic. These signs include:
- Hard breath;
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Anaphylactic shock.
An owner who wants to understand how allergies manifest in a Spitz should remember that the pet can experience all of the above symptoms, as well as some of them.
The cause of an allergy is an allergen that affects the body from outside or inside it, and causes a protective reaction of the immune system. Depending on the cause, allergic reactions are divided into several types.
Food allergies in Spitz
An allergic reaction in a dog can occur due to an incorrect diet; our other article will tell you how to properly feed a Spitz. Often, allergies are a consequence of feeding low-quality dry food containing a large amount of dyes, various flavor enhancers and additives. An excessive amount of protein can also cause allergy symptoms in Spitz dogs.
An allergic reaction can occur not only to industrial food, but also to natural food. Particular care should be taken when introducing foods that belong to a high risk group into the Pomeranian menu:
- Dairy products;
- Eggs;
- Soy;
- Meat;
- Corn;
- Food containing yeast;
- Wheat;
- Fish.
An allergic reaction can also be caused by a mixed feeding method. If an animal has a food allergy, you need to identify the product that served as the allergen and remove it from the menu. However, the danger lies in the risk of swelling of the larynx and face of the Pomeranian, so you should be especially careful about the pet’s condition.
Interesting fact
There have been cases when, when a pet appeared in the house, one of the family members experienced symptoms of an allergic reaction. When it appears, doctors simply prohibit all communication with the dog. And the reason may be hidden in such a reaction to the animal’s food.
To stop the disease you just need to change the brand of finished food.
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Spitz dogs are quite popular among domestic dog breeds due to their cute toy appearance.
When getting a fluffy pet, the question immediately arises: can a Spitz allergy develop in the family?
Unfortunately, Spitz dogs, just like numerous other dog breeds, may well become a source of allergies.
Contact allergy in a Spitz
This type of allergic reaction occurs after direct contact with an allergen. For example, a collar, owner’s clothes, bedding, carpet, etc. Symptoms often occur if these household items contain harmful dyes or if they were not rinsed enough after washing. If a Spitz often comes into contact with such an object, then in addition to a rash and itching sensation, the animal may begin to develop weeping eczema, and the part of the body in contact with the allergen may swell.
There have been situations where Pomeranians developed allergies from contact with grass, signs of which include swelling of the pads on their paws and the appearance of cracks on them, as well as the appearance of a rash and itching in the abdominal area.
Origin of the breed
German Spitz are one of the oldest breeds. It is believed that their ancestors were turf dogs that lived in Central Europe 2.5 millennia ago.
The beginning and formation of the German Spitz took place in Germany in the 18th century. Spitz breeding was carried out en masse, and each region had its own variety of the breed: Wolfspitz, Grossspitz, Midtelspitz, Kleinspitz, Zwergspitz.
The surge in popularity came in the 19th century, when the Spitz could be seen in almost every rich home. The animals were incredibly expensive and were considered like jewelry. The first breed standard was adopted in 1891, at the same time the first club of German Spitz lovers was created.
In Russia, Spitz dogs became popular only in the early 2000s, so there are not many nurseries where you can buy a purebred puppy.
Why do allergies to Pomeranian hair occur?
The Pomeranian Spitz is a decorative breed, the popularity of which is increasing every year. Miniature dogs that look like fluffy bear cubs are loved by both adults and children. But future owners and breeders are often interested in whether there is an allergy to Spitz dogs.
There are no dogs that can be called completely hypoallergenic.
The Pomeranian Spitz, to which allergies also sometimes occur, is no exception. But this does not mean that you will have to forget about breeding this breed.
First you need to understand what a dog allergy is. The reaction occurs not only to fur, but also to dandruff, skin particles, and saliva. In addition, some breeds shed more heavily, and this does not always depend on the length of the coat.
As for Pomeranians, people with allergies should only get them if they are provided with high-quality care and regular brushing. Despite the presence of a chic silky “fur coat”, this breed is classified as conditionally hypoallergenic, since Spitz:
- they shed little;
- have a coat that is easy to care for;
- practically do not suffer from dandruff;
- are small in size.
If you decide that a Spitz is right for you, but allergies are a concern, you should adhere to the following rules when breeding:
- Clean the room regularly (dry and wet).
- Limit the movement of pets to one spacious room.
- Brush the coat daily.
- Bathe dogs at least once or twice a week.
- Use air purifiers and humidifiers.
Symptoms of possible allergies include:
- wheezing, cough;
- redness and itching of the eyes, tearing;
- sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose;
- rash and redness on the skin.
If you notice such manifestations in yourself, you should consult a doctor and make sure that the cause is in dogs.
Sometimes pets carry pollen and other substances on their fur, which cause a similar reaction.
If the cause turns out to be a Pomeranian Spitz, an allergy to wool or saliva, then you may have to undergo a course of treatment and double your care efforts.
Usually, prevention and treatment measures are sufficient, although there are also severe cases in which nothing helps get rid of the symptoms. There is only one way out: reduce the time you spend with your pets. Fortunately, this rarely occurs among Pomeranian breeders.
The Pomeranian is a small dog that leads an active lifestyle.
This breed has long hair and those who want to get one mistakenly believe that there can be no allergies to such dogs. But this is not so, and the article discusses the causes and ways to eliminate allergic reactions to Pomeranians.
In fact, it doesn’t matter whether a dog has short or long hair—any breed can cause allergies. Allergy sufferers, asthmatics and young children are especially at risk.
Therefore, before getting a dog, you should get tested by an allergist. But if you got a dog without preliminary testing, then you definitely have an allergy if these symptoms are observed after contact with the animal:
- cough;
- wheezing;
- dyspnea;
- suffocation;
- inflammation and redness of the eyes;
- sneezing;
- nasal congestion;
- runny nose;
- skin rashes in the area...
Breed standard
Currently, the breed standard approved by the FCI in 2013 is in force. Despite the existing growth varieties, the breed has common exterior characteristics:
- The head is medium in size, wide at the back, gradually tapering towards the nose. The nose is most often black, but with a brown color it is brown.
- The eyes are round or oblong, dark. Eyelids black or brown.
- The ears are straight, erect, with pointed tips.
- The jaws are well developed. Scissor bite.
- The neck is wide, the scruff is convex.
- The body is proportional. The sternum is deep, with a pronounced anterior section. The croup is short, the stomach is tucked.
- The limbs are toned and muscular. The paws are rounded, with dense pads.
- The tail is lush, mobile, tightly fitting to the back and forming a double ring.
The coat is thick, straight, supported by a dense undercoat. Most of the fur is on the front of the body and neck, thanks to which the collar can be compared to a lion's mane.
As for height and color, it all depends on the type of breed:
- Wolfspitz - zoned gray color, height - 43-45 cm;
- Grossspitz - black, white, brown colors, height - 42-50 cm;
- Middle Spitz - white, brown, black, red, height - 30-38 cm;
- Kleinspitz - varied colors, height - 23-29 cm;
- Miniature Spitz - any colors are allowed, height - 18-22 cm.
White color is the rarest, and such Spitz dogs are much more expensive than their black or red counterparts.
Symptoms of the disease
It is difficult to immediately determine whether you are allergic to Spitz fur. A person needs to stay in the same room with a dog for about two hours.
The following symptoms will indicate the existence of a Pomeranian allergy:
- feeling of irritation in the nose, constant sneezing, runny nose;
- itching, tearing, redness of the eyes;
- skin rash, dryness, peeling;
- cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
- in rare cases, vomiting, diarrhea.
What is the source?
An allergy to dogs has symptoms such as itching, shortness of breath, runny nose, redness of the skin and eyes, and in some cases a sharp increase in temperature. There are no completely hypoallergenic dogs, and the Pomeranian is no exception. But each person is individual and allergies do not occur in everyone. In this article we will look at what causes an allergic reaction and whether there are ways to avoid it.
Allergies to dogs can be either congenital or acquired. If in the first case the allergic reaction appears immediately, then in the second it can become an unpleasant surprise. After checking the allergy tests, if they are positive, doctors prohibit any contact with dogs.
Many people are mistaken in believing that allergies arise from animal fur, but this is not the case. The coat of the Pomeranian Spitz is just a carrier of irritants such as dust and pollen from flowers. Skin mites can also cause allergies, or more precisely, their metabolic products in the upper layer of the skin - a specific protein. A dog's dandruff and saliva can also cause the disease.
Source of the disease
What can cause a Pomeranian allergy?
An allergy that manifests itself when interacting with animal hair, feathers and dander is called epidermal allergy .
A special protein is formed on the skin of dogs, resulting from the activity of ectoparasites and pathological processes in the upper layers of the epidermis. Also, the source of an allergic reaction can be saliva, urine and pet excrement. Animal allergens tend to be transmitted through the air. These irritants cling to small dust particles and remain in it for a long time.
Allergies to dogs can manifest themselves in the following types:
- allergic rhinitis : sneezing, nasal discharge, itching and nasal congestion;
- allergic conjunctivitis : itching, lacrimation, puffiness, redness of the eyes;
- bronchial asthma : dry cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or suffocation;
- urticaria : itching, skin rashes.
All pets can cause an allergic reaction, which can be congenital or acquired. And sometimes, a person does not suspect for many years that he has it until a pet appears in the house. It is advisable, before getting a dog of a certain breed, and in particular a Spitz, to communicate with him more often: with friends, in a kennel or visit an exhibition. If there is an allergy, it should usually appear within two hours.
Is a Spitz hypoallergenic?
Due to its small size, the Pomeranian brings in fewer allergic irritants from the street. It also produces little specific protein. But being a dominant dog, the Pomeranian barks a lot and produces a lot of saliva, which can cause an allergic reaction.
Another advantage of the Pomeranian is that it has long and fluffy hair, so during seasonal shedding, dead hairs are retained on the dog. They can be removed by brushing the Pomeranian.
Important Rules
To understand whether a person is allergic to a Pomeranian, you need to be near him for a couple of hours. If after this time no symptoms of an allergic reaction have appeared, then the Pomeranian is suitable as a pet.
If a reaction does occur, then it is necessary to stop all communication with the dog. But if the desire to have such a pet outweighs the risk of an allergic reaction, then you need to follow several important rules, thanks to which you can minimize this risk:
- cleaning;
- prohibition for pets on sofas and beds;
- bathing the dog;
- brushing the dog;
- treating your pet for dandruff if present;
- training;
- purifier installation.
Let's look at each point in more detail. To reduce the risk of allergies in the owner of a Pomeranian, it is necessary to regularly clean the house. Preferably every other day or maximum two days. Clean the surfaces of the floor, sofas, armchairs and everything else with a vacuum cleaner. Do wet cleaning of furniture surfaces. When your Pomeranian starts shedding seasonally, you need to clean it daily. It is also necessary to ventilate the room daily.
Your Pomeranian should not be allowed to lie on any soft surfaces in the house. Especially where allergy sufferers vacation. Beds, sofas, armchairs - everything should be prohibited, otherwise particles of substances that cause an allergic reaction will remain on the furniture and cause a lot of problems for the sick person. The pet should have its own place.
It is necessary to bathe your Pomeranian at least twice a week, preferably after each walk. But do not overdo it with soap products - you can use them no more than once a month. A simple warm shower without using shampoos. Otherwise, you can ruin your pet’s skin, which will lead not only to irritation, but also to dandruff.
It is necessary to comb your Pomeranian Spitz no more than two or three times a week, so as not to comb out its undercoat. But during seasonal molting, brushing should be done daily. In this way, you can get rid of particles that cause allergies.
If your Pomeranian has dandruff, it needs to be treated urgently. Dandruff can be caused by either shedding or skin parasites. All this can cause harm to an allergy sufferer. To treat dandruff in your pet, you can use special dog shampoo “Lactaderm”.
If, upon examination of the animal, a crawling scale was noticed, then this is a hair mite, which will cause inconvenience to both the dog and the owner with allergies. In this case, it is necessary to wash all the linen in the apartment, adding lime-sulfur liquid, and bathe the Pomeranian Spitz itself using Doctor shampoo. Dog combs should be thrown away as they may become contaminated.
To prevent the Pomeranian from showing its dominance and stop constantly barking, thereby producing saliva that is harmful to an allergy sufferer, you need to start training it. An obedient pet is indifferent to various stimuli and stops barking for no reason. You can read about the basics of proper training in the article “Training Pomeranians.”
It is also necessary to install an air purifier in the house so that its work can help in the fight against allergies.
You need to remember that all actions with a Pomeranian Spitz should be performed only by a family member who does not have an allergic reaction. Ideally, a non-sick household member should also do the cleaning.
What to do if there is?
In any case, having discovered allergic signs, you should undergo the necessary tests and undergo a special examination to confirm that the pet is the allergen.
If the symptoms manifest themselves quite acutely, then contact with your four-legged friend should be completely avoided.
If you cannot completely stop communicating with your Spitz, you can take measures to reduce the manifestation of allergies:
Regular wet cleaning - it must be done at least every other day, and during shedding - preferably every day. The surfaces of upholstered furniture are cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and hard ones are wiped with a damp cloth. Do not forget that it is necessary to ventilate the rooms daily.
You can install a device for air purification and ionization.
It is worth getting rid of excess wool accumulators - carpets and bedspreads with folds.
Organization of a “clean zone” - designate places where the animal should not be, for example, in the bedroom of an allergic person. Also, any surface for the owner to rest and work should not be occupied by the dog. It is forbidden for your pet to rest on upholstered furniture used by an allergy sufferer; it is necessary to organize its own place for the dog.
All pet-related household chores should be delegated to a family member who is not allergic to dogs.
Regular bathing. You need to wash off dirt from your pet after each walk with regular warm water. Treat your Spitz's coat with special anti-allergenic agents twice a week. Do not forget that with more frequent bathing, irritation may appear on the pet’s coat.
Combing wool. It is enough to carry out the procedure two to three times a week, and during the shedding period, in order not to aggravate the Pomeranian allergy, it is better to do it daily. If your dog has dandruff, treatment should be started promptly.
Upbringing. It is necessary to wean the Spitz from barking for no reason. Due to their character, Spitz dogs love to bark, producing a large amount of saliva.