When you think of buying an American Eskimo Dog wrapped in its white fur, the first thing that fantasizes you is a GREAT snuggle time. After all, who doesn’t crave warm hugs from the most adorable creature on the planet? Literally, EVERYONE!
Meanwhile, you are busy daydreaming about being curled up with your cotton candy in the blanket, a serious question pops up in your mind and bursts the bubble. That is: Are American Eskimo dogs hypoallergenic?
You might see a hodgepodge of misleading information related to this query online and be unable to draw a conclusion. Lucky for you, I am going to disclose whether your most loved American Eskimo dogs are hypoallergenic or not. Shall I?
Are American Eskimo Dogs Hypoallergenic?
The simple and quick answer to this nerve-wracking query is NO!!!
If we look at the American Kennel Club’s recommendation of Hypoallergenic dog breeds, we don’t find the American Eskimos there. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:
“In the USA alone, 3/10 people with allergies develop some kind of allergic reaction to cats and dogs. The ratio of dog allergies is, however, smaller than the ratio of cat allergies.”
Well, this pet-allergy issue is nothing to sneeze at. If you or any of your family members suffer from allergies, you must study extensively about dog breeds before getting one.
And…
Don’t get muddled by the mixed-up views you may come across on different dog forums. Before we move further, it would be worth taking a look at what is meant by the term hypoallergenic dogs, right?
What is Meant by Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Hypoallergenic means something (textile, cosmetic, or pet) that is compatible with allergic people. Simple! A dog breed that relatively has little chance to cause an allergic reaction is said to be a hypoallergenic dog breed. When you are willing to add a furry family member to your home, keeping a hypoallergenic dog breed has many perks.
Like, say:
- You and your family members (if suffering from allergies) don’t have to take anti-allergic medications or precautions.
- For a dog owner, it becomes way easier for the owner to maintain the pet.
- You and your pet can enjoy a happy and healthy relationship together.
What Makes a Dog Hypoallergenic?
A dog that is 100% free of allergens doesn’t really exist. Every dog can carry some sort of allergen. The amount may differ. The main factor that plays a vital role in making a dog breed hypoallergenic is its amount of shedding.
When a dog loses his hair, those shed hair contains allergy-triggering elements. Such as skin cells, saliva, and urine. What allergens will those fallen hair carry depends on where those hairs are shed from.
Afterward, these loose hairs go around everywhere in your home. Resultantly, the allergens scatter through the air triggering allergies. In simple words: The smallest possible amount of shedding or no shedding at all, makes a dog hypoallergenic.
Or, you may say
The lesser a dog breed sheds, the more hypoallergenic it is!
Do American Eskimo Dogs Shed?
Talking about American Eskimo Dog shedding, all I can say is they shed all year long and also seasonally. Everywhere they go, they leave their sparkling hair behind – in an insane amount!
And, when the shedding season arrives, they shed like crazy. By shedding season, I mean, the spring and the autumn months. This seasonal shedding occurs to prepare your Eskie for the upcoming season.
In spring, your American Eskimo Dog casts his hair off to change the layer of its coat that will keep him easy in the forthcoming summer. On the other hand…
In autumn, your Eskie needs to be fluffier to stay warm in the chilling winters. Whatever the season is to come, getting rid of their older hair becomes necessary for hairy dog breeds, like, American Eskimo dogs, to fight against the seasonal challenges.
Now, when an Eskie sheds, it can experience some kind of dander formation on its skin. The dander builds up if your Eskimo’s skin has become REALLY dry and unhealthy. Dry skin massively provokes dander formation and can be a challenge to control.
Why are American Eskimo Dogs NOT hypoallergenic?
The same lustrous fur that makes an American Eskimo dog glamorous also makes them non-hypoallergenic. The growing cycle of their fur completes fast. As soon as their hairs grow up, it gives a call to the fall-out cycle.
American Eskimo dogs have a double coat. A top coat to keep the moisture and elements at bay, and a thick undercoat to keep your furry warm in the cold weather. No doubt, it’s the beautiful coat that makes the Eskimos look adorable. But, an Eskie sheds A LOT.
Every time an Eskie gets rid of his older hair, it gives out some skin dander and other allergens. If you have an over-sensitive immune system and get in contact with these allergens, they’ll spark an allergic reaction. That’s why an American Eskimo dog doesn’t even come close to becoming a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Other Allergens in the American Eskimo Dog:
The main dog allergen that brings out allergies in humans is dander. Skin dander is dead skin on your furry’s coat that has become dry or unhealthy
But as I mentioned earlier, it’s not the only issue, there are other allergens too. These allergens – you should stay away from – are saliva and urine. You may wonder, how can saliva and urine flare up allergies.
Be it a non-hypoallergenic dog’s saliva or urine, both contain allergic protein that can initiate an allergic burst out. When a dog licks himself, sweats, or pees, that allergic protein ambles over the coat.
Now when the culprit has made its way in your Eskie’s hair, it doesn’t matter how you come in contact with the allergic protein. You can interact with this allergy-causing protein while cuddling with your furry directly.
The other contact paths can be while grooming your dog, petting, or cleaning the dead hair.
American Eskimo Dog Skin Problems:
Dry skin can give rise to many skin problems in American Eskimo dogs. They can experience excessive scratching and irritation. These skin problems result in infections and other skin problems. Skin inflammation, hair loss, and hot spots, for instance.
● Hair Loss:
American Eskimo dogs need their hair to retain their body temperature. Especially in cold weather. If your Eskie starts losing his hair (other than shedding) it can lead to sunburn.
● Excessive Itching:
Your dog may experience severe itching due to skin dryness or fleas. This excessive itching can further develop hot spots on your dog’s skin.
● Allergies:
Your American Eskimo dog can also face allergies. Allergies can make your dog’s skin itchy and cause hot spots as well.
Shaving the American Eskimo Dog’s Coat:
Many Eskimo dog owners think shaving off the Eskie’s hair is the best solution to get rid of floating Eskie hair. That’s not the way out. Really!
If you are not up for cleaning up the shedding hair, don’t go for an American Eskimo dog. Keeping an American Eskimo dog shaved is the last thing you should do. In case you ask, can I shave off my American Eskie’s hair? Sure, you can.
But… Here is a catch.
Shaving off any dog’s protective coat is not recommended. When an American Eskimo dog makes its transition from puppyhood to adult dog, his double-layer coat grows into two layers. The layer – grows as a smooth, thick, and insulating layer.
The top layer – grows as the water-resistant guard layer over the inner layer. If you let your Eskimo’s coat grow, it will hold its wholeness as a double-layer coat. The hair shed when refurbishment is required. Other causes may be coat maintenance and temperature control.
But, once you shave off your pet’s hair to the skin, it will not grow back in the same manner again. Never. It happens because your Eskimo’s hair follicles will not get the signal to re-grow in the same pattern as before. Now, the hair growth will happen randomly – mingling and mixing the inner soft layer with the outer guard layer.
Consequently, your Eskimo dog no longer has natural protection against harsh weather. So, you see, shaving your American Eskimo dog turns out to be a major loss. Now, the responsibility of providing your Eskie with the required protection against sunburn, windburn, pests, and more, lies on your shoulders.
4 Ways to Curtail Your American Eskimo’s Shedding Hair
Shedding is one of the most important parts of ANY dog’s life. It’s actually a way to get rid of older hair and create room for new ones to grow.
If you want a solution to stop your American Eskimo’s shedding. I am sorry, there’s none. But should this shedding thing stop you from relishing the company of an Eskie? A big no-no! So, instead of finding out ways to put an end to shedding, your focus should be on HOW to deal with this problem.
Although there’s no one proven formula, still, following ways can help you reduce your Eskie’s molting.
1. Brushing:
If there is the easiest way to remove dead hair from your pet’s coat, it’s brushing. Apart from clearing off the loose air, regular brushing stimulates the natural oils in your Eskie’s coat and promotes healthy fur growth.
2. Vacuuming:
If you want to have an Eskie at your home, investing in a good vacuum cleaner will be a wise move. Let the vacuum cleaner suck all the Eskie hair spread in your home. Vacuuming your house often for a proper clean-up of dog hair will keep your home tidy and save you a lot of time.
3. Bathing:
Eskies don’t require frequent bathing but washing them up with a good dog shampoo will help clean older hair.
4. Dietary Care:
Feed your American Eskimo with a high-quality diet that comprises high-quality ingredients. Plus, try keeping a balanced dietary routine for your Eskie. For designing a good diet plan, you must consult your vet.
Good nutrition will not only reduce shedding but will also nourish a healthier coat.
You may also go for some other ways to minimize your Eskimo’s dead hair. For example, administering natural shedding supplements and applying coconut oil or fish oil to your pet’s skin.
More Tips for Families with Allergies
American Eskimo dogs may cause allergies, but if you can’t give up on your desire to become an Eskie owner, I have good news!
If you have mild allergies, you can own an Eskie BUT with immense precautions.
- Designate a peeing area for your Eskimo to urinate. Because their urine can contain allergy-triggering proteins.
- Drain out your Eskie’s energy with proper exercise and stimulation so that he doesn’t have any left stamina to walk around your home and spread dander.
- Grooming is the key. Schedule your Eskimo grooming sessions. Grooming helps to keep the dander and allergen build-up to a minimum.
- Always, use a great quality slicker brush.
- Avoid brushing your Eskie’s coat during the shedding Instead, use a de-shedding tool.
- Limit your dog’s access to areas you’ll spend most of your time. Like the bedroom and on the couch.
- Don’t allow your Eskimo in your kitchen. Especially, when you are cooking your meals.
- Wash your hand every single time you handle your Eskie.
- Including fish in your dog’s diet makes the dog’s skin healthy.
- Train your American Eskimo dog to stay in one place.
- Don’t neglect your medications and plan medical check-ups.
Final Thoughts:
An American Eskimo dog is not a hypoallergenic dog due to its heavy shedding.
If you have an over-sensitive immune system, American Eskimo is not the dog for you. Why? If you get an Eskie, his hair will stick to everything in your home. …and you’ll never know where the allergen kicked off the allergic reaction. From the air? From the floor? Or from the couch?
However, if you don’t have a severe allergic problem, you can follow the tips I shared and enjoy the Eskimo’s companionship. Now I would like to hear from you.
Do you plan to own an American Eskimo dog despite being non-hypoallergenic? Or have you changed your mind? Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, American Eskimo Dog Information.