As Australian dog lovers, we absolutely adore four-legged pooches. We think of them as loyal furry family members, and we can’t get enough of them. If you suffer from dog allergies and still want to welcome a cute pup into your world, you might wonder how you can still bring them into the family despite sniffles and watery eyes. And the perfect solution for this is a hypoallergenic dog.
When we adopt one of these breeds, we notice that they produce fewer allergens. But we still need to look after and protect them, and vet bills can be costly.
It’s with pet insurance for hypoallergenic dogs that we can keep our coveted pups safe and handle the costs more easily. Read on to learn more about hypoallergenic dogs, pet insurance for hypoallergenic dogs, and this cover’s many benefits.
What is a Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
While no dog is entirely 100% hypoallergenic, we consider hypoallergenic dog breeds those that are less likely to cause allergic reactions in allergy-prone owners. All dogs cause specific allergens, such as saliva and dander.
But the difference between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds is that the latter may not shed as much hair or produce as many allergens.
So, if you’re excited to welcome a hypoallergenic dog into the family, which ones should you consider? The best options include those listed below:
- Bichon Frise – Bichon Frises can be better tolerated by individuals who may experience allergies. Their curly coat does not shed as much as non-hypoallergenic breeds, protecting pet owners from dander-related allergies.
- Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkshire Terrier is also a good dog breed choice for allergy sufferers. They also do not shed much; they are small, so the quantity of hair shedding is less, and their hair is fine. These traits reduce the spread of allergens.
- Standard Schnauzer – With wiry coats, standard Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic dogs. The wiry texture of their coat means they typically do not shed heavily, which means your home will have less pet dander and fewer allergens.
- Portuguese Water Dog – Portuguese Water Dogs have dense, curly coats that do not shed as much as other non-hypoallergenic breeds. With minimal hair shedding and their medium size, these companions will not spread many allergens.
- Shih Tzu – Although it may appear to carry many allergens and has a long coat, Shih Tzus do not shed much hair, making it a good companion for those who suffer with allergies.
- Australian Cobberdog – With a low-shedding coat, Australian Cobberdogs are ideal for owners who may experience allergies to dander. Its saliva only produces an allergic reaction in a small percentage of people.
- Australian Terrier – Shedding minimally throughout the year, Australian terriers are good pets for allergy sufferers. Keep in mind that to avoid a tangled coat, the fur needs to be groomed a few times a week.
- Australian Labradoodle – A mixed breed that brings together the Labrador Retriever and poodle, Australian Labradoodles have low-shedding coats. This means they don’t produce as much dander compared with other breeds.
Why Pet Insurance Is Important for Hypoallergenic Dogs
Welcoming a hypoallergenic dog into the family is a great step, but keep in mind that they can still experience health issues. Many hypoallergenic dog breeds may be predisposed to things like skin conditions and allergies, which cause your beloved pet’s shedding or saliva secretions to increase. Dog insurance ensures you keep your cute little companion safe, handle veterinary costs, and remain protected from potential allergens.
Which Pet Insurance Features Are Important for Hypoallergenic Dogs?
As you might notice when looking at these beloved breeds, no matter if they are pure breeds or mixed, they can inherit health issues. It’s important to consider pet insurance options that cover specific problems, such as the ones listed below.
Policies that Cover Hip Dysplasia
Sadly, our larger mixed-breed, hypoallergenic companions may experience health problems such as hip dysplasia. This is an orthopedic condition that your hypoallergenic breed might inherit from its parents, leading to a loose or unstable hip.
Tip: According to a study review by the University of Sydney NSW, this disease has been reported in most large breeds, but it can affect hypoallergenic dogs such as Poodles and Shih Tzu breeds. We therefore advise staying cautious and monitoring your hypoallergenic dog as it grows.
The cost of care can vary significantly, ranging from approximately $800 at the lower end to $10,000 at the upper end. With insurance coverage that includes hip dysplasia, though, you can get the care needed to help your beloved furry friends recover. This tends to be available in comprehensive pet insurance cover that reimburses your vet bills after they restore your little pup to perfect health.
Plans that Cover Skin Conditions
Even hypoallergenic, furry companions can be vulnerable to skin conditions, such as tick paralysis or mange. Tick paralysis is a skin condition that occurs when a tick latches onto the skin and secretes toxins that paralyse the pup’s muscles, while mange occurs when mites are present. Itching and hair loss follow this infestation.
Tip: Ticks are very common on the eastern Australian coast. They’re prevalent in the spring and summer months, so we advise being on the lookout for ticks during these months. Breeds such as Australian Labradoodles can be prone to ticks, which can attach themselves to this breed’s dense coat.
Insurance plans that cover skin conditions, such as tick paralysis, can help you handle costs that might be unexpected due to such health problems. Some basic plans that cover accidents include coverage for tick paralysis, so you’ll always be ready when such conditions affect your pooch.
Providers that Cover Dental Problems
In smaller hypoallergenic breeds, we need to be on the lookout for dental problems. Small breeds often experience overcrowded teeth and are genetically predisposed to some types of dental disease.
Providers that cover dental problems will ensure that when you suspect your small pup is hiding a dental issue, such as an abscess or overcrowded teeth, you will be able to access medical care for these issues and be reimbursed for a portion of the eligible vet bill.
Insurance that Applies to Hereditary Illnesses
It fills us with sadness when our beloved hypoallergenic four-legged companion suffers from hereditary conditions, common in mixed breeds. But whether they experience epilepsy or another type of hereditary illness, such as patellar luxation, the right care can improve our canine friends’ quality of life.
Tip: According to PetMD, hypoallergenic breeds such as Shih Tzus are prone to hereditary illnesses like patellar luxation, as are Australian Terriers, while Poodle breeds may experience hereditary epilepsy (though no breed is immune).
Medications can be costly, but with insurance that applies to hereditary illnesses, you can handle and plan for these expenses. Most comprehensive plans, such as the Deluxe Plan we offer at PetsOnMe, will cover the prescribed medication to manage such conditions, allay your fears, and give your pooch the best quality of life.
Give Your Hypoallergenic Pooch the Best Quality of Life with the Right Pet Insurance
Hypoallergenic dogs are ideal for us as allergy sufferers. As dog lovers, we want to give them the best quality of life. Pet insurance for hypoallergenic dogs is one of the ideal ways to cover unexpected or known health conditions.
That’s why getting the right pet insurance is so crucial. And at PetsOnMe, you’ll find pet insurance with no lock-in contracts or sub-limits on consult fees. You’ll find options that are transparent and various cover levels that provide reimbursements for various conditions your hypoallergenic companion may experience.
Ready to ensure your pet has the best quality of life? Contact PetsOnMe. Choose a policy that makes the payout process fast and efficient, and protect your pooch today.
Learn More About Pet Insurance for Hypoallergenic Dogs
Which Other Factors Does Pet Insurance for Hypoallergenic Dogs Cover?
As well as routine and preventive care, like vaccinations, pet insurance for hypoallergenic dogs can cover surgery for orthopaedic conditions and hip dysplasia, which many hypoallergenic breeds like Shih Tzus and Poodle breeds may experience.
Insurance can specifically support hypoallergenic dogs for routine, common expenses which, in turn help vets spot issues such as skin conditions and dental issues in smaller hypoallergenic breeds.
Selecting the right level of cover that aligns with your hypoallergenic pup will make sure you’re prepared with the right policy.
What is Routine Cover for Pet Insurance?
This type of cover will help you pay for common veterinary expenses that your pooch will require. It can include vaccinations and neutering plus flea and tick treatments.
Keep in mind that this insurance is an optional add-on with most providers, making necessary care easier to obtain for your pets without financial stress. So you can request this to cover regular health expenses such as those listed above.