Many people who are looking to adopt a new dog are interested in Border Collies. These dogs are known for their herding ability as well as their intelligence. They also have a reputation for being good with children. This can make them suitable for families with kids.
However, many people have put off Border Collies because they are afraid they will be allergic to them.
This blog will look at whether Border Collies are hypoallergenic or not.
Facts About Border Collies Coat
The Border collies are named after the place where they originated – the cold regions of England and Scotland. They were originally bred for herding purposes; hence, they can stay active from morning until evening.
They experience all kinds of weather conditions; therefore, their coat must have the ability to stand up to rain, sun, and wind.
Border collies have a coat with a double layer. The outer layer is rough, while the inner one is soft and fluffy. The two layers together make the dog able to tolerate cold and slough off rain.
Border Collie’s coat has two varieties.
- Border collies with smooth coats appear more sleek and smooth.
- Border Collies with rough coats have a more rugged appearance with lots of volumes.
Are Border Collies Hypoallergenic?
Allergies are caused when dogs shed hair, and the proteins from their dander come in contact with humans. And as I said earlier, Border collies have double layer coats, so they shed hairs frequently. That is why they are not hypoallergenic.
According to estimates, collies shed about 20% or more hair every shedding season. Border collies with smooth coats shed less hair than those with coarse coats, but both can trigger your allergic reaction no matter what.
They can cause allergy symptoms such as eczema or sneezing. It would be best to know that dog hairs do not cause allergy; instead, their skin flakes, saliva, and dander that gets stuck in their hair causes allergies when dogs shed hair.
Why Are Border Collies Bad for People With Allergies?
Border collies are bad for people with allergies because they are not hypoallergenic. We call a dog hypoallergenic when it does not cause allergic reactions in humans. But since Border collies have double layer coats and shed a lot of hair as well, they are predisposed to produce allergens.
How to Treat an Allergic Reaction Caused by a Border Collie?
Allergies caused by pets are pretty common in the US. According to stats, around 15 to 30% of people suffer from these allergies. The common symptoms are swelling, itching of the nose and eyes, rashes and redness on the skin, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, eczema and asthma.
If you have somehow developed allergies due to a Border Collie, after consulting your doctor, you can follow the methods mentioned below:
- Take medications meant to alleviate allergy symptoms such as Antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, allergy shots, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, etc. Refer to a doctor if the symptoms are severe.
- Follow some natural treatment methods, such as rinsing your nasal passage with salty water to keep it clear. You can also use OTC saline sprays as an alternative.
Tips to Help Alleviate Border Collie Allergies
If you are prone to developing allergies because of dogs but have a Border Collie at home, you need to follow some preventive measures so that your love for dogs doesn’t take you to the hospital.
Tip 1. Firstly, remove your pet from your home if you have developed a severe allergic reaction to prevent worsening symptoms.
Tip 2. Set up a collie-free zone in your home where your Border Collie is not allowed to enter, like bedroom, kitchen, etc.
Tip 3. Maintain a hygienic routine for the Border Collie, such as daily grooming and weekly bathing with dog-friendly shampoo.
Tip 4. Remove items from your home that can attract and retain hair and dander, such as carpets, centerpieces, curtains, etc.
Tip 5. Use air purifiers in the home to keep the air free from airborne allergens.
Tip 6. Play with your dog outside the house, so all kinds of shedding happen outdoors and indoors stay clean and hair-free.
Do Border Collies Shed? How Much?
Border collies shed 20% of their hair every shedding season. Excessive shedding happens only twice a year, when the weather changes and collies need to switch from winter coat to summer coat or vice versa to shed extra hair. Read more here.
4 Ways to Manage Your Border Collie’s Shedding?
If your dog is shedding excessive hair, follow the below-mentioned ways to keep them in control.
- Give a bath to your Border Collie once a week to remove dead hairs.
- Follow a grooming session every day by brushing your dog’s hair.
- Change the diet of the dog. Remove artificial additives and organic ingredients.
- Dry your dog’s hair using a high-powered hair blower.
Should You Get a Border Collie if You Are Allergic to Dogs?
If you’re thinking about buying a Border Collie, and you’re worried about your allergy, then think twice because Border collies are not a hypoallergenic breed. However, if you want to be completely sure whether or not a Border Collie will cause you an allergic reaction, it’s best to consult a veterinarian before making any decisions.
But this also doesn’t mean that you cannot form a good pair with this pet. No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, as they all shed a little. You can have a good time with a Border collie if you follow proper hygiene and lifestyle.
However, If you still have some questions about Border Collies, please let me know. I would love to hear from your side.
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