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Are Pugs Hypoallergenic? Dog Allergies Explained (Vet-Verified)

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Pet Allergies
Pugs and Allergens
Living with Pugs Despite Allergies
Breed Alternatives for Allergy Sufferers

If you have pet allergies but want to get a Pug, the question as to whether they are hypoallergenic often arises. The short answer is no, Pugs are not hypoallergenic. Pugs, like all dogs, produce dander, urine and saliva, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Some breeds are given the title “hypoallergenic” as they shed less. Pugs unfortunately do shed a lot! However, don’t lose hope just yet! With the right knowledge and precautions, you can still enjoy the companionship of a Pug while managing your allergies.

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The Science Behind Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are a common issue for many people. They occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins found in a dog’s skin cells, urine, and saliva. This overreaction is what causes the allergic reaction.

Our immune system is designed to protect us from harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. However, in some individuals, the immune system identifies these harmless pet proteins as dangerous invaders and releases chemicals such as histamine, which results in allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of pet allergies can range from mild to severe and include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, red, itchy, or teary eyes, wheezing, coughing, or even skin rashes. These symptoms can be particularly uncomfortable and disruptive, affecting an individual’s quality of life.

woman suffering from dog allergies with pug in the background
Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

Pugs and Their Relationship with Allergens

When it comes to dog breeds and allergens, Pugs are known to be fairly high shedders. They possess a smooth, short coat that sheds throughout the year, which means more hair in the environment; this hair then spreads dog allergens around their environment. The constant shedding of hair can keep allergen levels high in your home.

Dander, or microscopic flakes of skin shed by dogs, cats, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers, is what partially causes allergic reactions. Dander can be airborne, and due to its tiny size, it can easily be inhaled, triggering allergic reactions.

However, it’s essential to note that individual reactions to dog breeds can vary widely. Some people might have stronger reactions to certain breeds, while others may not react at all. It often depends on the person’s specific allergic sensitivity. It is recommended that you spend time with the individual dog that you are considering adopting to see if they trigger your allergies.

Despite this, Pugs are known for their loving and affectionate nature. Their charming personalities often make them irresistible pets, making it essential for potential Pug owners with allergies to understand and manage their pet allergies effectively.

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Living with Pugs Despite Allergies: A Comprehensive Guide

Just because you have pet allergies, doesn’t mean you can’t live with a Pug, especially if your allergies are only mild. It’s important to talk to your doctor about allergy medications or shots to help you manage your allergies. However, there are some other things you can do around the home to help cut down on allergens as well.

pug laying on the bed in the sun
Image Credit: Joshua Trigg, Shutterstock

Regular Grooming

Regular grooming is not just about keeping your Pug looking their best; it’s also a critical part of managing allergens. Grooming can significantly reduce the amount of dander in the environment, which in turn can help alleviate allergic reactions.

Weekly brushing is a must for Pugs but the more frequent the better for those with allergies. This helps remove loose hair that would otherwise end up around your home. The less loose hair there is, the fewer allergens there are floating around. When brushing, it’s best to do it outside if possible, to prevent allergens from spreading in your home. Ideally have someone who does not have allergies do the grooming.

Bathing your Pug monthly with a dog shampoo can also help reduce allergens. If your pug has skin issues, speak to your veterinarian about which shampoos and conditioners to use and how frequently to wash them.


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Although no pet is completely hypoallergenic, regular bathing can help reduce the amount of dander and other allergens in their fur and the air. We highly recommend Hepper’s Oatmeal Pet Shampoo for this job!

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Maintain a Clean Environment

Cleaning is another crucial step in controlling allergens. Regular cleaning with enzyme cleaners can reduce the number of allergens in your environment, making it easier for you or any family members with allergies.

Vacuuming regularly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner can be particularly effective. These types of vacuums are designed to capture tiny particles like dander, dust mites, and pollen. Vacuum all areas where your Pug spends time, including carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Smooth floors such as wood or tile are easier to clean thoroughly. Consider replacing carpet in your home with another surface. Cleaning with water aerosolizes less allergens than dry cleaning, so consider mopping over sweeping.

Washing bedding frequently is also important. This includes clothes, your bedding and your Pug’s. Allergens can accumulate on these surfaces over time, so regular washing with detergent and high temperatures can help keep allergen levels down.

woman playing with a pug dog in a room with an air purifier
Image Credit: 220 Selfmade studio, Shutterstock

Limit Your Exposure

Areas where the pug doesn’t spend time will have a lower level of allergens. Consider keeping your Pug out of the bedroom as that is where you probably spend 8 hours a night. Wash your hands after playing with your Pug and avoid touching your face until your hands are cleaned.

Air purifiers can be a valuable tool in managing pet allergies. These devices work by filtering the air in your home, removing allergens and other particles.

Look for an air purifier specifically designed to remove pet dander from the air. These models typically have HEPA filters, which can capture tiny particles like dander. Place the air purifier in areas where you spend the most time or where your Pug tends to hang out.

Remember, while air purifiers can help reduce allergens in the air, they should be used as part of a comprehensive allergy management plan. They are most effective when used in conjunction with regular grooming and cleaning.

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Breed Alternatives for Allergy Sufferers

If you have severe allergies and you’ve decided that a Pug is just not the right breed for you, there are other dogs you can consider instead.

Low Shedding Breeds

If you’re severely allergic but still want a dog, consider low-shedding breeds. Breeds like the Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise.

Shih Tzu standing on grass outside
Image Credit: Brenda Areli55, Shutterstock

Hairless Breeds

Hairless breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli or Chinese Crested, have less hair to shed. They can still produce some dander through their shed skin, and allergens in saliva, and urine. These might still be suitable alternatives if you’re allergic to dogs though.

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Conclusion

While Pugs may not be hypoallergenic, they are still lovable and charming companions. Allergies shouldn’t always deter you from enjoying the company of these adorable creatures but it may require some extra work as well as doctor visits for yourself. While all kinds of dogs produce allergens, choosing a low-shedding dog can be a better option for people with allergies.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

The post Are Pugs Hypoallergenic? Dog Allergies Explained (Vet-Verified) appeared first on PangoVet.

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Cocker-Pei (Cocker Spaniel & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Facts

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Characteristics
Temperament & Intelligence
Food & Diet
Exercise
Training
Grooming
Health
Fun Facts

When a Shar-Pei is crossed with a Cocker Spaniel, the result is a medium-sized dog with a very distinctive set of physical features. A large, rounded snout, a wrinkled face that is a little more smoothed-out than the Shar Pei parents, and short and fuzzy or medium-length coats appear to be common characteristics, but a mixed breed’s appearance can vary greatly.

This mix is commonly referred to as a “Cocker-Pei”, though some sources use the term “Mini Hippo”, which we think is pretty fitting. In this guide, we’ll explore the Cocker-Pei’s parent breeds to learn more about this extraordinary mix and what to expect if you adopt one.

Breed Overview

Height:

13.5–20 inches

Weight:

20–60 pounds

Lifespan:

8–14 years

Colors:

A very wide variety, including (but not limited to) black, brown, fawn, buff, red, blue (and various combinations of these colors), various dilute shades and combinations, and various sable combinations

Suitable for:

Any person, couple, or family willing to socialize the dog, ensure all their needs are met, and offer plenty of love

Temperament:

Calm, highly intelligent, devoted, dignified, chirpy, playful (traits will vary from dog to dog)

The color possibilities for Shar-Peis and Cocker Spaniels are so vast that really, anything could happen. Your Cocker-Pei may be solid-colored or a mix of two or three colors, and possible markings include mask, brindle, points, white, roan, and more. This diversity adds another layer of uniqueness to this mix.

They also vary in height and weight. While Cocker Spaniels are on the lighter side and weigh up to 30 pounds (though females are more around the 20–25 pound mark), Shar Peis can weigh up to 60 pounds (males). Therefore, the middle ground would be around 40 pounds, though there’s no way to know for sure until the dog has finished growing.

Cocker-Pei Characteristics

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Cocker-Pei Puppies

There are breeders who specialize in “Mini Hippos”. That said, we would always encourage adoption over going this route. There are countless shelter puppies and dogs—including some very adorable and unique-looking mixed breeds—waiting for a home, so we urge you to consider looking into this option before you buy.

If you like Shar-Peis and/or Cocker Spaniels, you could try searching for something like “Shar-Pei (mix) for adoption” or “Cocker Spaniel (mix) for adoption” or reach out to rescue organizations to ask. You might not find a Mini Hippo specifically, but you could find someone else you fall in love with. If you’re determined to buy a Shar-Pei Cocker Spaniel puppy from a breeder, learn as much about that breeder as you possibly can to ensure they engage in ethical practices and have a solid reputation.

What’s more, note that Shar-Peis are short-snouted dogs, which means they’re at risk of suffering from breathing difficulties, and their wrinkly skin can get infected. Though these issues might not affect a Shar-Pei mix as much as they would a purebred, that’s not a guarantee. Speak to your vet, rescue organization, or a reputable breeder about these issues.

Parent breeds of the Cocker-Pei
Image Credit: Left – Marcelino Pozo Ruiz, Shutterstock | Right – lkoimages, Shutterstock

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Cocker-Pei 🧠

The most important thing to remember when it comes to discussing a dog’s temperament is that every dog is an individual—just because a dog is of a certain breed doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll “fit the bill” in terms of personality traits commonly associated with that breed.

For example, Shar-Peis are known for being very calm, dignified, and reserved around strangers but some may have a goofy personality and be very friendly with strangers. A good rule to go by is to get to know the dog before you make any judgments. However, it’s true that certain traits are commonly associated with certain breeds, and these generalizations come from what’s known about the breed’s history, what owners report, and what they were originally bred for.

In addition to being calm, Shar-Peis are famous for being independent yet devoted to their families. Cocker Spaniels are said to be sweet-natured, merry, playful, and fairly open toward strangers. It’s possible that your Mini Hippo will have a mix of these traits.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

When you bring a new dog home, it’s imperative to begin socializing and training them to ensure they get along well with the whole family and can approach social situations with confidence and calmness. If you do this, there’s absolutely no reason why a Shar-Pei Cocker Spaniel mix wouldn’t be a loving and gentle member of the family.

As well as teaching the dog how to be gentle and friendly, it’s crucial to teach children how to respectfully interact with the dog. These steps keep everyone safe and help your dog feel secure and loved, which is important for building those important bonds.

If you plan to adopt an adult dog, communicate with the rescue organization to make sure the dog would be a good fit for families with children. Some rescue dogs are better suited to adult-only families.

Does This Mix Get Along with Other Pets?

If a Cocker-Pei has been around other dogs and cats from an early age, chances are they’ll get along well with them. Again, it all starts with socialization. Gradual, controlled introductions are also essential when bringing any new animal home. What’s more, harmonious cohabitation between animals can also depend on the individual animals’ personalities.

For adult adoptees, discuss the dog’s background with the rescue organization to ascertain whether they’d likely get along well in a home with other animals or would be better suited to being the only animal in the home.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cocker-Pei:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

You can choose to feed your Cocker-Pei a wet food or dry food diet or go for a combination of both. It’s entirely up to you (unless your vet has recommended a specific kind of diet for medical reasons), but you should check that the formula you’ve chosen meets certain requirements.

Most importantly, it should be complete and balanced, which means it meets all your dog’s nutritional needs. If you’re in the United States, you can look for an AAFCO label, which means it meets the stringent requirements to be considered complete and balanced.

In addition, your chosen recipe should target your dog’s age range (puppy, adult, etc.), and you’ll want to check the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredients your dog is allergic to. When it comes to how much to feed, check the label on the packaging and weigh out portions accordingly. These guidelines are in place to help prevent obesity, which can cause other serious health conditions if not addressed.

Exercise 🐕

Shar-Peis are dogs with moderate energy levels, whereas Cocker Spaniels are known for being a little more effervescent. Regardless, individual dogs have individual needs. You can exercise your Cocker-Pei with two or three daily walks, but you can also play games like fetch and let them play with other dogs to supplement these walks.

Be careful when exercising your Cocker-Pei during the summer months. Shar-Peis are prone to overheating, so make sure your mix stays hydrated, doesn’t exercise too strenuously, and has plenty of opportunities to cool off.

Training 🎾

While Cocker Spaniels are said to be people-pleasers when it comes to training, Shar-Peis are reputed to be willing but stubborn at times, though they typically respond well to positive reinforcement and a patient approach.

Whatever your Cocker-Pei’s personality, start with the basics and reinforce them regularly, even when the dog knows them well. Avoid getting frustrated when things don’t go to plan—these things don’t happen overnight. Calmness, consistency, and a positive attitude will make things work, even if it takes a bit of time. Consider signing your pup up for obedience classes for a good head start.

Grooming ✂

Shar-Peis don’t require much grooming thanks to their short coats, but Cocker Spaniels have long coats prone to tangling. If your Cocker-Pei has longer hair, they’ll need to be combed regularly throughout the entire coat. Pick apart knots with your fingers rather than yanking a comb through, and take special care around the ears as this is a sensitive area on Cocker Spaniels that can be injured if brushed too hard.

In addition, you’ll need to keep your Cocker-Pei’s nails short to prevent the feet from getting sore and inspect the ears regularly for dirt buildup. Remove this with a dog-safe ear-cleaning solution if need be.

Health and Conditions ❤

You might have heard that mixed-breed dogs are healthier, but research has shown that while pure breeds are at greater risk of several hereditary disorders, both pure and mixed-breed dogs are at equal risk of developing certain other conditions. We’ll list some of these below.

In addition—and more to the point—Shar-Peis are brachycephalic because they have short snouts, and this causes breathing difficulties and makes them sensitive to heat. They can also suffer from skin infections due to bacterial buildup in their folds.

Your Cocker-Pei may inherit some of these issues, though it’s possible that they’ll be milder in a mixed breed. However, it’s hard to predict exactly which traits mixed breeds will inherit and how severe they will be. Again, we’d strongly urge discussing this with an expert.

Minor Conditions
  • Mild skin conditions that receive treatment
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome
  • Eye conditions (including glaucoma)
  • Cancer
  • Heart conditions (including mitral valve dysplasia)
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Skin infections

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Male vs Female

Male dogs are typically taller and heavier than females. Apart from this and the obvious physical differences related to the reproductive system, there aren’t really many noticeable differences between males and females. It all comes down to the individual dog’s personality.

As for the issue of reproduction, we’d urge you to speak to your vet about getting your Cocker-Pei neutered or spayed when they’re old enough. Male dogs can become harder to manage when they’re not neutered for hormonal reasons, and possibilities include fighting with other dogs, roaming, mounting, and general territorial behavior.

Females can also become more challenging when they’re in heat. Common behaviors associated with the heat cycle include urinating frequently, restlessness, becoming extra clingy, and agitation. Vulval swelling and bleeding are also normal during this time.

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4 Little-Known Facts About the Cocker-Pei

1. The Shar-Pei Is an Ancient Breed

The Shar-Pei was developed in southern China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty. They were bred as farm dogs to herd and guard but were also valued for their hunting skills.

2. “Cocker” Has a Special Meaning

The “cocker” portion of the breed name “Cocker Spaniel” is a reference to the breed’s history as a woodcock hunter. Easier to guess, “spaniel” refers to Spain, where spaniel-type dogs are thought to have first come from.

3. Shar-Peis Have Blue-Black Tongues

Blue-black tongues are very uncommon in dogs, so uncommon that only two breeds display this trait: the Shar Pei and the Chow Chow, another ancient Chinese breed.

4. The Cocker Spaniel One of Britain’s Most Popular Breeds

Statistics from 2022 rank the Cocker Spaniel as the third leading dog breed in the U.K. These statistics were compiled based on how many dogs of 20 breeds were registered in 2022. Ahead of the Cocker Spaniel were French Bulldogs (second place) and Labrador Retrievers (first place). In the U.S., the Cocker Spaniel is ranked at number 29 out of 200 on the AKC’s breed popularity ranking.

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Final Thoughts

The Shar-Pei-Cocker Spaniel combination is incredibly unique and, with care and attention on your part, is sure to be a wonderful family companion. That said, because of the health issues linked to Shar Peis (breathing issues and wrinkly skin that can get infected), it’s essential to discuss this fully with the organization or breeder your dog comes from.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Left – Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock | Right – Kajetan Sumila, Unsplash

The post Cocker-Pei (Cocker Spaniel & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Facts appeared first on PangoVet.

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How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs: 5 Vet-Approved Tips

A dog having diarrhea is not a fun experience for anyone. In addition to the mess it can leave around your home and yard, it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful for your dog.

However, there are some things you can do at home that may help soothe your dog’s stomach to help them recover from their diarrhea, especially if they just have a short bout of it. But if your dog has had diarrhea for more than two days, we recommend seeing a vet.

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The 5 Tips to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs

Much diarrhea in dogs is due to a change in their diet, whether it be a new recipe or they ate something different that didn’t agree with them. Here are some things to keep in mind for stopping diarrhea in dogs and when to contact your vet.

1. Take Note of the Facts

sad-or-sick-dog-lies-beside-their-food-and-water-bowls-not-eating
Image Credit: Daria Lixovetckay, Shutterstock

Knowing how diarrhea started is important for stopping it. Here are some questions you can ask yourself, so that you can give this information to a veterinarian if necessary. You may also want to take pictures of the diarrhea so you can show them to your vet in case your dog does have to go in for treatment.

  • When did the diarrhea start? Knowing when the diarrhea started can help you pinpoint a potential trigger. For example, if you just bought a new bag of dog food, especially a different recipe or brand, it can sometimes trigger digestive upset. Or maybe you caught your dog digging through the trash. All of these tiny signals can help you pinpoint what could’ve been the root cause.
  • Has your dog lost their appetite? Having a case of diarrhea could be something as simple as a one-time time and never again. Or, it could be an ongoing thing with multiple symptoms. If your dog has also lost their appetite, it is clear that it is affecting multiple aspects of the gastrointestinal system, and can indicate they need to see the vet.
  • What are other symptoms? You need to take note of any other symptoms your dog might be having. A short bout of diarrhea might be perfectly fine if they ate something a little strange. However, diarrhea for days or weeks is a sign of a much bigger, underlying issue. If left untreated, it can lead to much bigger issues, so it’s important to get to the bottom of it.
  • What is the consistency? Consistency is also important. Some diarrhea is like straight water, while others could be very chunky, for lack of a better word. Consistency can tell you exactly what your dog is retaining and how much water they are losing.
  • What is the frequency? How often would you say your dog is going to the bathroom? Every hour? Every two? Are they unable to hold it for longer than 15 minutes at a time? These details are vital for your vet to know what testing to perform.

2. Identifying the Underlying Trigger

sick old dachshund dog lying on the floor
Image Credit: Renko Aleks, Shutterstock

It is important to identify the underlying trigger in order to prevent your dog’s bout of diarrhea. In some cases, this will be easy to identify, while in others, it might be a little harder to figure out. Looking at your dog’s stool and taking note of the facts can help you determine the underlying cause.

This is not an exhaustive list of the multitude of reasons dogs can have diarrhea. But, the likelihood of it being caused by one of these culprits is usually pretty high if it’s a standard situation.

  • Dietary changes
  • Food sensitivities or allergies
  • Parasites
  • Stress/Anxiety
  • Infection
  • Garbage Ingestion

3. Offer Plenty of Water

dog drinking water from elevated metal bowl
Image Credit: Soho A Studio, Shutterstock

Dogs with diarrhea may not feel like eating, depending on what other symptoms are present. But diarrhea can cause dehydration in dogs, especially if they’ve had the diarrhea for a couple of days. So, it’s important to offer plenty of fresh water for your dog to drink.

If your dog isn’t drinking plain water, you can add a little dog-safe broth to the water to encourage your dog to drink more. While drinking more water won’t stop the diarrhea directly, it can help prevent your dog from getting sicker due to dehydration.

4. Feed a Bland Diet

golden retriever eating
Image Credit: AYO Production, Shutterstock

If your dog is suffering from diarrhea at home and you want to make it feel better, you could try changing their diet for a few days. You want to make sure that you don’t feed your dog anything that will further upset their stomach, so sticking to a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice is usually best. Contact your veterinarian to ensure this is appropriate for your pup, unless you have been previously instructed on the matter.

You will likely have to feed this mixture to your dog for a few days until the stool returns to form. You could also consider adding pumpkin to enhance flavor and soothe the belly. You can also add probiotics to your pup’s diet in the form of supplements, in order to help replenish healthy gut bacteria and help the gut function return to normal.

If the diarrhea is chronic, you may have to change your dog’s diet entirely–so, keep this possibility in mind.

5. See a Vet

vet cheking a shih tzu dog at the clinic
Image Credit: KongNoi, Shutterstock

Sometimes diarrhea in dogs can’t be stopped at home. Anytime your puppy has diarrhea for more than 1-2 days, the diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms, or you think they have ingested a toxic substance, get them to your vet. Diarrhea is not normal for more than just a few days at a time, and any longer can lead to dehydration and malnutrition.

Plus, if there is an underlying health condition, causing the diarrhea, it will need to be resolved before your dog’s body can start to heal.

In addition to the causes of diarrhea listed above, there are more serious issues that can cause diarrhea in dogs, especially for an extended period. The following are some causes of diarrhea that will need to be diagnosed by a vet in order to treat it accordingly, especially if the diarrhea is chronic.

  • Parasites
  • Toxin ingestion
  • Colitis
  • Food sensitivities/allergies when the cause is unknown
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs

The treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but dietary changes, medications, or maybe even surgery may be necessary to stop your dog’s diarrhea.

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Conclusion

So now you understand a couple reasons why dogs can get diarrhea. You also know what to do if you’re trying to help your dog recover. Diarrhea is a common problem for us all, and it can affect our dogs all the same. However, if your dog has diarrhea that doesn’t resolve in 1-2 days, or the diarrhea is accompanied by other signs, you may need to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

It seems like they’re constantly getting into something with the potential of giving them diarrhea anyway. To be on the safe side, it’s always best to take your dog to your vet.

Sources

 

Featured Image Credit: Daniel Megias, Shutterstock

The post How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs: 5 Vet-Approved Tips appeared first on PangoVet.