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Are Great Danes Hypoallergenic? Important Facts & Tips

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

merle great dane dog in a harness lying on grass

If you suffer from pet allergies, one of the first questions you ask about any breed is whether they’re hypoallergenic or not. Unfortunately, a Great Dane is not hypoallergenic.

But what exactly does that mean, and what can you do if you suffer from pet allergies but want a Great Dane? We’ll answer those questions and more for you below. Because while a Great Dane might not be a hypoallergenic dog breed, there’s more to the story than that.

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Are Great Danes Hypoallergenic?

The short answer is no. Not only are Great Danes not hypoallergenic, but they can be notoriously troublesome for people who have pet allergies.

merle great dane dog standing outdoor
Image Credit: velora, Shutterstock

What Causes Pet Allergies?

While some people think that pet hair causes pet allergies, that’s not quite true. Pet allergies come from dander. Dander comes from dead skin cells and other pet secretions,, which all pets produce. When they shed, the hair with dander and these secretions spread around your home.

This means there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog; there are just dogs that do better with people who have allergies. Unfortunately, even with that definition, a Great Dane is not a hypoallergenic dog.

The 5 Tips for Helping With Pet Allergies

If you suffer from pet allergies and still want to get a Great Dane, there are a few things you can do to make everything a bit easier for you. We’ve highlighted a few tips that can help you get your pet allergies under control for you here:

1. Take Allergy Medications

If you know what kind of allergy medication works for you, taking some can make a big difference in controlling your allergies.

white great dane
Image Credit; TMArt, Shutterstock

2. Bathe Them Often

While you don’t want to give your Great Dane too many baths since it can strip away beneficial oils, bathing them about once a month can help clear off pet dander. Not only that, but it will help remove excess pet hair, which reduces the amount of dander in the environment.


3. Brush Them Out

If you brush out your Great Dane and dispose of the hairs before they have a chance to shed them, you can make a big impact on your allergies. Brush them out daily, then dispose of the hairs. Finally, always wash your hands after brushing them to get rid of any dander on your hands.

great dane dog resting on wooden floor
Image Credit: Fotyma, Shutterstock

4. Keep Your Home Clean

The more clutter around your home the more places pet hair can hide. You want to keep clutter in check, and you want to vacuum each day to clean up any pet hairs around your home. Simply keeping excess pet hair in check is one of the best things you can do to help with pet allergies.


5. Have a Dog-Free Zone

Having a space where you can go and get away from all the pet dander can make a huge difference in your allergies. We recommend having a pet-free bedroom. This way, you get plenty of time in the pet-free zone to reset. Since you sleep for hours in your bedroom each day, this is a great space for you to get away from everything and reset your respiratory system.

a black great dane lying on a dog bed
Image Credit: trwirth, Pixabay

Divider 5Final Thoughts

If you really need a hypoallergenic dog, a Great Dane doesn’t fit the bill. However, there are a few things you can do to help with pet allergies. If you want a Great Dane don’t write it off completely just yet, but speak to a medical professional about what you can do and if a Great Dane is a right fit for your life.

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Featured Image Credit: Ralphs_Fotos, Pixabay

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