We enjoy pets and answering all sorts of questions about pets. In this article, we are answering a very common question asked about dogs and allergies.
The biggest question we get about dogs when owners are bringing a new dog into their household is whether the breed they are considering is hypoallergenic.
The breed in question is a newcomer to the pet scene. A Pomskie is a Pomeranian and Siberian husky mix quickly gaining popularity as a fluffy, highly intelligent, energetic, and playful pup. We field many inquiries about whether pomskies are hypoallergenic.
Unfortunately, pomskies are not hypoallergenic. All dogs produce a protein in their saliva and urine that gets transferred to their hair and dander.
This protein is what people have an allergic reaction to, not the hair or the dander. However, there are ways you can keep the allergens at bay for those with mild reactions.
Since hypoallergenic dogs are a misnomer, is it possible to bring a pomsky into your home if you or a family member suffer from allergies?
To answer that question, we’ll explore the pomsky breed, effective methods to keep dog allergens minimized, and what you can do to quell allergies.
Do Pomskies Shed?
The question ‘Do Pomskies Shed?’ is an important question to ask when considering whether a pomsky will trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dogs.
All dogs shed; it’s a normal process- smaller dogs and dogs with short hair shed less. The more hair a dog sheds, the more opportunity there is for someone who has allergies to have a reaction. Pomskies shed.
Pomskies are moderate to heavy shedders. Like all dogs, they lose hair year-round. Because this breed is medium, 20 to 30 pounds full grown, with medium-length hair, you can expect hair loss to be moderate most of the year.
Because of their lineage- Siberian husky and Pomeranian parents, both sport an undercoat that ‘blows out,’ and you can expect heavy shedding twice a year.
Can Pomskies Cause an Allergic Reaction?
Yes, pomskies can cause an allergic reaction. People who are allergic to dogs have an allergic reaction to a protein in their saliva and urine. This protein attaches itself to your pet’s dander and hair and causes the response, not the hair or dander itself.
Dogs transfer this protein to their hair when they lick or clean themselves, so a dog with less hair isn’t any less hypoallergenic. There’s just less hair.
If you are allergic to this protein, when you come into contact with your dog’s dander, hair, saliva, or urine, you’ll experience an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of allergic reactions to dogs include:
- Red, watery, and itchy eyes.
- Sneezing and runny or stuffy nose.
- Asthma attacks.
- Hives and itching.
Like most dogs, pomskies can cause allergic reactions in humans. You can employ strategies to minimize pet allergens if you have a mild allergy to dogs, which we will cover shortly. For those with severe allergic reactions, a pomski may not be the best breed choice for you.
Are Pomskies Bad for Allergies?
Yes, if you have allergic reactions to dogs, you will experience allergic symptoms with this breed. However, depending on which symptoms you have and the severity of the symptoms, you may be able to alleviate the allergy symptoms you experience around pomskies.
Pomskies, because they are moderate to heavy shedders with medium-length hair, can be problematic for allergy sufferers.
Unfortunately, the best you can do if you are allergic to dogs is to follow the grooming and cleaning instructions for your home and your pomskie.
Also, consider medication you can take that will lessen and ease the symptoms.
The following section outlines ways to keep allergic reactions to a minimum within your home and other advice on dealing with allergy issues.
What to Do If You Experience Allergies
If you have an allergic reaction to your pomsky, what can you do to prevent allergic reactions?
There are actions you can take in your home and ways to care for your pomsky that help with allergic reactions, and there are things you can do personally.
Here are ways to combat allergic reactions in your home:
- Clean and vacuum your home frequently to remove hair and dander.
- Develop a regular brushing routine with your dog to keep loose dog hair from building up.
- Bathe your dog at least once a week to remove the dead hair and dander.
- Use a filtration system such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier to reduce airborne pet allergens.
- Keep your dog(s) out of your bedrooms and confined to certain parts of the home with non-carpeted flooring that is easy to clean.
These suggestions will ensure that you keep your home and your pomsky as clean as possible to prevent allergic reactions.
You can also consult your physician and inquire about:
- Medications you can take that will help you deal with allergic reactions.
- Consider having allergy testing done to know exactly what you are allergic to; it may not be your dog. It may be something else in your home or environment.
- Ask if there are new drug therapies that deal with allergies.
If you are experiencing allergies, you’ll need to assess your level of discomfort; you can employ the suggestions listed above and make your allergies manageable so that you can enjoy having a man’s best friend in your life.
What Causes Pomskies to Shed?
Pomskies are a cold-weather breed. Cold weather breeds have a double coat or what’s called an undercoat that functions as insulation, keeping your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The undercoat is softer and fluffy; the topcoat has thicker, stronger hair and guard hairs.
Like most dogs, pomskies shed hair all the time. This shedding process is typical for most dogs, and if you keep up with continual brushing and grooming, you’ll be able to keep the hair build-up in your home to a minimum.
Some dogs, depending on the breed, shed more than others. Pomskies are considered moderate to heavy shedders.
Pomskies ‘blow out their coat’; this is where the undercoat sheds to prepare for the seasonal changes. In the spring, the winter undercoat sheds to get ready for the warmer summer months, and in the fall, there is a shed prior to the thicker, fuller winter fluff growing in.
The process described above isn’t hard and fast; the temperature can affect shedding;
- Pomskies in colder regions may shed less.
- The opposite is true- this breed raised in warmer temperatures may shed more.
Because pomskies shed regularly and experience an undercoat ‘blow out,’ regular grooming will help control shedding and keep the undercoat from matting, which can be painful for your dog.
Shedding is a normal process for this breed and is something you’ll need to consider before committing to bringing a pomsky home.
You’ll want to be sure you have the time and inclination to groom and care for this breed properly.
Other Factors to Consider
Other significant factors to consider with pomskies are that if you cannot dedicate the time for regular brushing and removing the undercoat once it starts to ‘blow out’ or shed, you may need to make grooming appointments to care for your dog properly.
Dogs are an investment, and regular grooming can be expensive. There are other expenses to consider besides grooming.
- Dog food and treats.
- Yearly medical costs; shots, medications, yearly check-ups, spaying or neutering.
- The initial cost of the Pomsky.
- Emergency vet visits.
- Unplanned health concerns or issues.
Add dog grooming to your expenses, and you’ve got a full plate of costs to consider. The point here is to be realistic about what it will take financially and time-wise to care for a pomsky.
Dogs are an enormous commitment; reflect on whether you are ready personally and financially for this undertaking.
Related Questions
Do Pomskies need haircuts?
No, never shave or cut this breed’s hair. Pomskies are double-coated; they have an outer coat with guard hairs and an undercoat.
Their coat protects their skin from sun damage because they have no pigmentation and keep insects away.
If you shave your pomsky thinking that you’ll eliminate an allergy issue, you won’t. A protein in their saliva and urine gets transferred to hair and dander and causes allergies.
Shaving will not eliminate the allergy issue.
Do Pomskies shed a lot?
Pomskies shed; they are moderate to heavy shedding dogs. They shed a moderate amount year-round, and twice a year, they are heavy shedders.
What this means for you as a dog owner is that you’ll have to consistently groom your furry friend and plan for several major grooming sessions every year— you’ll need to keep a clean home so that the shedding (and the allergic reaction) is manageable.
Our team is composed of pet care professionals, veterinarians, and pet owners. To date, we’ve conducted thousands of hours of research to publish the most accurate pet information.
Most of the writers on our site are vets with 10+ years of clinical experience, ranging from small practice, to equine practice, academia, and surgery. Our goal is to help every pet owner get the information they seek about their dear companions.
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