Are you considering adopting a Border Collie? Are you worried that they’re not hypoallergenic? Let me cut the chase, a Border Collie may not be the best choice.
Border collies are not hypoallergenic. Border Collies shed continuously and in large amounts. They produce high amounts of allergens that can cause an immune response in humans, even when they’re groomed regularly.
Border Collies have a tendency to shed more than other dog breeds of dogs because their coat is made up of two layers, the top layer sheds every spring, and the undercoat sheds twice a year.
And during the shedding season, their fur does come out in clumps which can be very distressing for those with pet allergies or asthma.
Understanding The Border Collie Coat
The Border collie’s coat comes in two layers. An outer layer referred to as the guard hair and an undercoat that is softer than the topcoat.
The outer coat has a wiry texture to it, while the undercoat is much softer, making for excellent insulation against the extreme cold or heat, but also creates more shedding, which can be messy and bad for allergies.
There are two types of coats on Border Collies: the smooth-coated, shorter, and the rough-coated, which is medium-length and is seen in most Border Collies today. Both are dense and weather-resistant two-layered coats.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
Hypoallergenic dogs are popular amongst those who suffer from allergies and would like to own a dog.
But what does it mean when they’re deemed hypoallergenic? For most, all it means is that they’re a low shedding dog, but with coats that don’t release a lot of allergens.
What is an allergen? Allergens are microscopic pieces that come from the dog’s skin and coat which can be easily inhaled or absorbed into your system. They then cause irritation to those who have allergies. This varies from person to person, depending on their level of sensitivity.
Are there really hypoallergenic dogs?
No, there are no real hypoallergenic dogs. All dogs have allergens that can cause a reaction in humans, even if they do shed less hair.
However, some breeds create less dander and allergens, making them better suited for those with allergies.
Why Border Collies Are Not Hypoallergenic
Border Collies are not hypoallergenic, even though they have a double coat which is less dense than other breeds that have one single coat.
This is because the Border Collie’s coats release high amounts of allergens – although not as much as most breeds with single coats – making them unsuitable for homes with allergies.
There is another reason:
Border Collies Shed a Lot
Border Collies have a double coat, which means they shed a lot. This kind of shedding is called ‘blowing their coat’ and happens two times a year.
There’s still noticeable hair on your couch and on your clothes in the periods between these sheds.
On top of that, they have short undercoat hair, making it easier for them to become dirty and carry more allergens.
Can you stop Border Collie shedding?
No, even if you groom your dog regularly, they’ll continue to shed in large amounts.
There are, however, things you can do to reduce the amount of hair they leave around your house.
How Can You Reduce Dander in Border Collies?
There are ways to reduce dander in Border Collies.
The first thing you should do is brush your dog once or twice a day to get rid of the loose, dead undercoat hair.
Another method is to give your dog frequent baths, but be careful with using too many chemicals because this can dry out their skin which will cause a lot of itching.
Make sure you clean your dog’s ears regularly. Give him a dental once in a while to reduce the number of bacteria living in their mouth, which is one of the main causes of allergies.
How do I know I’m allergic to dogs?
Some allergy symptoms you must have noticed are a runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, or even asthma after being around dogs.
People with hay fever are most likely to be allergic to dogs as the nasal irritants in a dog’s dander, and saliva can cause reactions similar to those caused by pollen.
If you feel that your symptoms worsen after spending time around dogs, you might be allergic to them.
10 Tips to Reduce Allergies and Care for Your BC
Many people with allergies choose to give up on their dogs because it’s difficult for them to live together.
However, you don’t have to do that as there are many things that you can do to reduce dander and saliva in your dog’s fur and other allergens such as pollen and dust.
1 – Keep your BC outdoors
By keeping your Border Collie outdoors, you reduce the amount of dander in your house.
2 – Wash your hands after playing with your dog
Make sure you wash your hands after playing with your Border Collie because they can carry allergens on their fur.
3 – Don’t let them lick you
Don’t let your dog lick you because it might transfer saliva and dander to you, which is bad for people with allergies.
4 – Bathe and groom frequently
Bathe your dog often and groom them regularly to keep their coat clean and their skin healthy.
Brush your Border Collie regularly to remove all loose undercoat hair. This way, they won’t carry as much dander around your house, and you’ll be able to spend time with them without feeling sick.
5 – Change from carpet to hard floors (or vacuum regularly)
If there’s hair on your carpet, it will worsen your allergies. If you can remove all the carpets or try to get rid of the hair or reduce its number by vacuuming often.
6 – Clean your AC filters regularly
By cleaning your AC filters, you’ll reduce the number of pollen, dust, and other allergens in your house.
7 – Keep your dog out of the bedroom
Sleeping with your dog in the same bed can make you feel worse if you have allergies, so it’s better to keep them out of your bedroom.
8 – Use a HEPA air purifier
Using a HEPA air purifier helps you get rid of dander in your house. It’s recommended that you use one with a rating of at least 10, which means it will capture at least 99.97% of allergens in the area where it is placed.
9 – Get allergy medication
Allergy medication such as antihistamines can help reduce your symptoms and make you feel better.
There is a more permanent solution to your problem if all else fails: allergy shots, also known as Desensitization therapy. These are only prescribed in severe cases because it’s a long process that takes time and dedication, but it does work.
10 – Use a hair blower
Using a hair blower or a leaf blower is a quick and easy way to remove loose from your Border Collie’s coat. Coat blowing is especially useful when your BC is shedding its undercoat.
In conclusion
Border Collies are fantastic dogs that will give you a lot of love and joy, but some people can’t enjoy time with them because they have allergies.
However, there are many things you can do to live with your Border Collie without feeling sick.
As you’ve seen, you can reduce the number of allergens in your house and avoid those allergens when spending time with your BC.
I hope this article helps you care for your Border Collie and live happily with them.
