Around 20% of the world’s population is allergic to dogs and cats, and some more go undiagnosed. If that scares you or makes you think you’ll never be able to own a dog—stop and relax! There are lots of people with dog allergies with dogs. With a little help from modern medicine and an extra-thorough cleaning schedule, they even manage their symptoms. 

This quiz will help you figure out if your symptoms could add up to a dog allergy, but this is not a good substitute for diagnosis. Always consult a doctor if you suspect you have an allergy to get the proper treatment for your symptoms. 

Answer these questions and keep track of your score. Your total score at the end will tell you how likely it is that you’re allergic to your dog. 

1. Do you have an itchy, stuffy, or runny nose? 

Being sniffly, stuffy, or sneezy is one of the most common symptoms of dog allergies, and usually one of the first signs that you’re experiencing a reaction to your dog. This often comes with post nasal drip, itchy roof of the mouth, and persistent pressure in the sinuses. 

If you notice that you get stuffy or sneezy at specific times of year, but otherwise tolerate being around your dog, you are likely experiencing seasonal allergies rather than dog allergies. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, just for a few days — 1 point
3. Yes, for more than a month — 2 points
4. Yes, always — 3 points

2. Do you have itchy or watery eyes?

When the eyes come in contact with an allergen, they release histamines and tears to soothe the reaction and try to flush the allergen. If you get itchy or watery eyes after petting or playing with your dog, you may be experiencing a dog allergy. Eye allergies may also be triggered by environmental factors, so if this is your only symptom, you may be allergic to something else. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, just for a few days — 1 point
3. Yes, for more than a month — 2 points
4. Yes, always — 3 points

3. Do you have any signs of rash or hives? 

Rash around the face and neck is particularly common when experiencing dog allergies. This may look like redness, splotches, or discoloration, and will often be itchy or irritated. Hives may also appear on other parts of the body, especially after prolonged exposure to an allergen. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, it just appeared — 1 point
3. Yes, but it comes and goes — 2 points
4. Yes, for a week or more — 3 points

4. Do you feel short of breath or wheezy?

Respiratory issues as a result of exposure to allergen are usually an “overreaction” by the body following long-term irritation. Allergic respiratory reactions can be quite serious, and this symptom warrants a call or visit to your doctor. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, for a day or two — 1 point
3. Yes, often — 2 points
4. Yes, always — 3 points

5. Do your symptoms get worse when you go outside? 

If your symptoms are worse outside than inside, you are likely experiencing a seasonal or environmental allergy as opposed to a pet allergy. 

Choose one:

1. Yes, always — 0 points
2. Yes, sometimes — 1 point 
3. It’s hard to tell — 2 points
4. No — 3 points

6. Do you have facial or sinus pain? 

Facial and sinus pain are common amongst individuals with dog allergies, both in conjunction with and separate from runny nose and stuffiness. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, for a few days — 1 point
3. Yes, for at least a week — 2 points
4. Yes, regularly — 3 points

7. Do you have trouble sleeping? 

Trouble sleeping due to allergies is typically a culmination of symptoms and side-effects. Trouble breathing, postnasal drip, and uncomfortable rashes can make sleep difficult, especially if your dog sleeps in your bedroom. 

Choose one:

1. No — 0 points
2. Yes, sometimes — 1 point
3. Yes, regularly — 2 points
4. Yes, all the time — 3 points

Results

Tally your results! Add up the points from each question. Once you have your total, consult this key: 

0–7 points: Likely not allergic to your dog

8–11 points: Low likelihood of dog allergy, but still possible

12–16 points: Possibly allergic to your dog

17–21 points: Very likely allergic to your dog

Dog Allergy FAQ

You aren’t doomed to life without a dog if you have a dog allergy, but you might need to make a few changes. Here are some common questions about what to do after getting a dog allergy diagnosis. 

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• Should I Foster A Dog? Take the Quiz
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• How Many of These Designer Dog Crossbreeds Can You Identify? (Take Our Quiz)

FAQs

You’ve heard and read the stories about foster dogs —how it’s such a great and rewarding experience for all involved, from the pup to the parents to the rescue doing the foster placements.

All those feel-good, happy stories of wagging tails and wonderful times have got you thinking you’d like to give fostering a try.

But before you rush headlong into the Great Unknown of dog fostering, there are a few things to consider besides just how cute that pupper is in its online profile.

After all, you’ll be hosting that cute face for some time in your home. There will be ups and downs and trials and troubles, just as there is in any relationship and any family.

I always want the best for not just the dogs who so desperately need our help, but the people doing the helping, too. After all, without them, all the stuff we do on behalf of the doggos would be for nothing.

To that end, I’ve got this quiz for you to take to determine if you’re up to the task of joining the thousands of dog foster parents across the country. Feel free to take the interactive quiz above or read along and tally up your scrores.

It only takes a few minutes, and by the time you’re done, you’ll know without a doubt whether or not you’re ready to become a dog foster parent.

1. Have you ever had a dog before?

A. Yes
B. No

Ideally, it’s A. Fostering a rescue dog isn’t like raising your own puppy or caring for a long-time canine pal.

Foster dogs come from a wide variety of backgrounds and with various levels of training and trauma. Some prior experience as a dog parent is not only helpful, but practical and necessary.

2. Have you ever had a foster dog before?

A. Yes, once
B. No, never

Either A or B is acceptable here. After all, everyone has to have a first fostering experience. The key is not whether or not you’ve been a foster dog parent, but rather a full-time dog parent, as we discussed above.

3. Have you ever had or fostered a dog with special needs (i.e. health issues, physical or mental disabilities, etc.)

A. Yes
B. No

If your answer is A, then you know the challenges and the joys of having a special needs pupper in your life. Many shelters and rescues are in dire need of foster homes for their special needs pooches and would welcome the help, care, and love you can offer them.

If your answer is B, then you may be more suited to fostering a healthy pup who just needs a foster home before their forever home is found. Dogs with special needs require more care and attention, not something many will want to tackle as first-time foster parents.

Watch this video to see what I did to help my blind doggo friends Willy and Kobe find us more easily and quickly. It’s just one of the many ways special needs dogs need a little something “special.”

4. What would you do?

The first night you bring home your new foster, they whine, cry, and bark all night.

A. Nothing. Tough love is best.
B. Change up their situation by moving the bed or crate to see if that helps.
C. Return them the next day. I gotta have my beauty sleep.
D. Give them a natural remedy to calm their nerves.

The only choice here is B.

According to the experts at PDSA, the first thing you want to do is to give your pupper a good romp or walk to tire them out so they’ll be ready to snooze come bedtime. Take them outside, then limit food and water so there isn’t a need for potty trips during the night.

After that, moving them closer to you (into your room or beside your bed) is the next choice. Playing some calming, soft music or giving them a chew toy has been shown to help, too.

Ignoring the dog’s anxiety can lead to worse behavior issues down the road. Taking them back after only one night adds to the dog’s anxiety for the next foster home. And how would you feel if you were drugged just because a situation was new and frightening for you?

5. If you live with other people, is everyone as excited as you are about fostering a dog? (Be honest)

A. Yes, we’re all doggo lovers and can’t wait to bring a needy pup home.
B. No, it’s mostly just me.
C. Sorta, we’ve never done this before and some are a little apprehensive.

A and C are the ones to go with here. Your foster dog is going to need lots of attention. There may be behavior issues that need to be worked out, not to mention the emotional toll at the end of the foster.

You are going to need all the support you can get as a foster parent. It’s OK to be a little nervous about this new world you are all entering. In the long run, though, everyone in the family/household should be on board in order to have the best experience for all involved.

6. Who will take on the majority of the foster dog’s care?

A. Me
B. Mostly me, but everyone will pitch in and participate
C. My kids/spouse/roommates

A and B are the best choices here.

A is only best if you live alone. In a family situation, B is the ideal way to go.

Some dogs, especially dogs who have suffered abuse and neglect, can develop separation anxiety when they form unhealthy attachments to just one person. Having a “pack” of loving, caring humans around can help with this common behavior issue.

Taking on a foster dog and then leaving the majority of its care up to others in the house can cause resentment and relationship issues. Not only will this cause you stress, but your doggo will sense the discord and may act up as a result.

How would you react?

Your new foster dog is nervous and poops on the floor every day for a week.

A. I wouldn’t care. My floor is tile or wood and easy to clean up.
B. I’d be really annoyed and angry.
C. My carpet is old and gross anyway. Who cares?

None of these are technically correct, but you do need the more laid-back approach in A and C. You can’t get worked up over the mess on the floor, but you should also be concerned enough to create potty routines, including times and places for “doing business.”

You also need to understand a bit of pup psychology. The table below outlines the “3-3-3 Rule” of dog rescue.

It’s important to understand that it may take up to 3 weeks before your pup feels safe and secure enough to stop having accidents on your floor.

8. How would you react?

Your foster dog growls every time you approach her.

A. It would hurt my feelings, make me not want to foster her, and consider taking her back.
B. I would understand she’s stressed about something and give her the time and space she needs to de-stress.

Correct answer is B.

Again, some pup psychology knowledge can help with this situation. Most dogs do not want to bite or attack, and they’ll “warn” the perceived threat with low growls. But you’re not a threat, you say?

Rescue dogs come from a wide assortment of backgrounds, covering everything from loving homes where the parent may have passed away to horrible situations involving criminal abuse and neglect.

If all your foster fur-baby has ever known is abuse at the hands of humans, they’ll have learned to fear us. That fear will translate into stress and anxiety when approached.

All your good intentions and actions don’t automatically erase the fear, stress, and anxiety she associates with humans.

So, back off. Give her some space. Let her learn to see you as loving, caring, safe and secure. She’ll soon stop the growls.

9. How much time do you have to spend your foster dog each day?

A. I work 10 hours a day and have kids. My life is chaotically busy.
B. I work from home and can schedule “dog time” into my day.
C. I am retired and have hours and hours every day.

The obvious answers here are B and C. Your foster dog is going to need loads of love and attention, training, and routine establishment. You can’t do that if you aren’t there, or don’t have the time when you are home.

10. How would you feel about having to walk your foster dog/take it outside several times a day?

A. I love to walk and we’d get good exercise together.
B. I’m not home much, so I wouldn’t be available.
C. I don’t or can’t go outside.

A is the best answer to this one. B can be acceptable with a bit of practical planning.

Working folks own and foster rescue dogs all the time. Their dogs are mostly happy and healthy and well-adjusted. And most of them have a Plan B.

Plan B includes someone—doggy daycare, a dog walker, a retired neighbor, a willing family member—to look after their pooch’s needs while they are at work or traveling.

So, if you can provide your foster fur-baby with a steady, reliable Plan B, it will eventually become a part of their happy, healthy, well-adjusted foster life.

11. If you fall in love with your foster dog, how will you react when they become adopted?

A. I’ll be the one adopting them, thank you.
B. Happy and proud and ready for the next foster pup that comes my way.
C. Emotional train wreck, anyone?

Answer B is the best one for you and for the rescue you foster for. That’s what foster parents do—they love for a little while and then pass their fosters on to their forever homes. Fostering provides a valuable service to rescues, dogs, and the new permanent parents.

Answer A only works if you are truly ready to become a permanent pup parent. We have a checklist you can consult to see if that’s the right decision for you.

If Answer C is your go-to choice, don’t give up completely on the idea of fostering. Consider short-term fosters or senior dog fosters, where the time the pup will be in your care isn’t quite as long and the emotional bonds may not be as strong.

Dogs are so very easy to fall in love with, and giving them up can be hard on even the most experienced foster parent.

Understanding that what you do as a foster parent is so very important can help soothe the hurt and salve the wound of placing your pup in their forever home.

A foster dog is your responsibility until a permanent home can be found, unlike an adopted puppy which is your sole responsibility.

Differences Between Adoption & Fostering

The table below explains the differences between adoption and fostering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What situations prompt fostering a dog?

Two different conditions might lead to a dog needing to be fostered:

• When an adopted dog is returned and in need of a new home.
• When rescue shelters want to monitor a dog while he’s healing from illness or injuries.

Does it matter if I work full-time or not when fostering a pooch?

No, fostering connects you with an animal most suited to your requirements and your existing schedule.

Is a fenced yard required before I can foster a pup?

With the foster dog, not at all. You should, however, keep a close eye on your pup whenever she is outside.

To help you create the perfect bathing schedule once and for all, we’ve come up with seven questions you can answer to determine how often you should wash your dog. These are questions about the dog’s lifestyle, coat, and medical situation. While every pup is unique, the traits they have in common can help you figure out the best bath schedule for them. (Scroll down to start the quiz)

Take Our Quiz To Find Out How Often You Should Wash Your Dog

There’s a popular belief that washing your dog too often is bad for their coat because it’ll dry it out. However, when determining how often to bathe your dog there really are more important considerations than dry skin, like, does your dog sleep in your bed or sit on your couch? If so, you probably don’t want poo residue and other yucky things dragged in.  

1. Where Does Your Dog Spend Time During the Day?

An outside dog by their very nature, is going to be a dirtier dog than than a couch dog. Dogs love to run, dig and roll around in the dirt. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, you’ll need to bathe them more often than a dog who likes to stay in the house.

So, how often should you bathe indoor dogs? The frequency of these baths varies a lot depending on your dog’s breed makeup and activity level, but generally speaking, you only need to bathe an inside dog between 1-2 times per month. An outside dog needs baths more frequently if you want to bring them in the house!

Give yourself the following points

✔️ 1 pt Inside dog

✔️ 2 pts Combo inside / outside

✔️ 3 pts Outside dog

2. Where Does Your Dog Sleep?

If your dog sleeps in your bed with you, you should be bathing her at least weekly or every other week. This depends on how fast it takes your dog to start smelling less than fresh. 

If your dog sleeps in her own bed, then you don’t have to worry about her bringing dirt and other gross things onto the sheets, and this doesn’t have to be a factor in how frequently you decide to give her a bath! But don’t forget, you still have to bathe her occasionally– and you need to wash her bed, too! Some beds can go into the washing machine as-is. Others have a cover you need to remove. Either way, keeping your dog’s bed clean can help keep your pup smelling good for longer.

See also20 all-natural remedies to soothe your dog’s itchy skin

✔️ 1 pt Sleeps on their own bed & doesn’t go on couches

✔️ 2 pts Sleeps on own bed & does go on couches

✔️ 5 pts Sleeps in your bed

3. What Breed Is Your Dog?

This one is a two part question.

Part A is based on the type of coat or hair your dog has.

Your dog’s breed will determine a lot about whether or not you have to bathe them frequently. This comes down to a few factors, primarily coat type, skin type, and skin wrinkles.

Rough Textured Coat

A dog with a rough-textured coat like collies, some terriers, and Shelties can usually be bathed about once a month. This is because the long, rough guard hairs in their coat work to repel dirt. The same is true for dogs with oily fur, like labradors. This is also known as a double coat.

Soft Coated Dogs & No Undercoats

But dogs without an undercoat, like Yorkies, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos tend to collect oil and debris in their coats. Soft-coated dogs like poodles and doodles also have soft coats that dirt tends to cling to. These dogs need a bath every week to every two weeks.

Hairless Dogs

Hairless dogs actually need bathing quite frequently. They don’t have the skin protection that fur provides, and they should be bathed weekly. Also, dogs with oily skin like cocker spaniels and basset hounds benefit from weekly or biweekly baths.

Wrinkly Dogs

Finally, wrinkly dogs like bulldogs, pugs, and shar peis need frequent bathing. This doesn’t have to be a full bath, but they usually can’t groom their skin folds and need assistance to prevent fungal infections. This includes the folds on their face and around their tail. You can also get special shampoo for these breeds to help keep them clean longer. 

✔️ 1 pt Rough coated or oily

✔️ 3 pts Soft coated or no undercoat

✔️ 4 pts Hairless or wrinkly

Part B is based on how tall your dog is.

If your dog is low to the ground then they’ll get dirtier because they’re well, closer to the ground, where all the gunk is. A maltese or pomeranian are perfect examples because they have lots of hair and they’re low to the ground, so they are literally sweeping the floor as they go by. Another example is a Basset Hound. They’re actually quite big, but because they are low to the ground they’ll get dirtier than a taller dog. 

See alsoHow Much Do You Know About Dogs? Take Our Quiz!

✔️ 1 pt Tall Dog

✔️ 3 pts Short Dog

4. Do You Have Allergies?

Sometimes a dog’s bath isn’t just to make your dog more comfortable– it can make you or anyone else in your family with a dog allergy more comfortable, too! If you’re allergic to your dog, you’re most likely allergic to their dander or their saliva. Saliva is slobber, and dander is tiny flecks of skin shed by dogs and all other animals with fur or feathers. (Yes, that means us too!) When a dog sheds, dander is released into the air as the individual hairs drop from their coat. Dried saliva can also flake off from your dog’s fur and become airborne, so even if you’re not allergic to the dander, these proteins can be a problem, too. 

Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to keep your dog’s dander low is to give him a bath. This helps free loose hairs and dander, which is trapped by the water and goes harmlessly down the drain. If someone in the family has allergies, bathing 1 or 2 times per week  can help the situation.

✔️ 1 pt Noone has allergies

✔️ 5 pts Someone in household has allergies

5. Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

Just like us, dogs can have allergies, too! Humans tend to absorb most allergens as we breathe through our noses and mouths. Dogs, on the other hand, absorb most of their allergens through their skin. If you see your dog constantly scratching or biting at their skin, and you don’t see any hot spots or injuries, your dog may have allergies. 

Bathing is one of the best ways to help a dog with itchy skin. It physically removes the allergens before they can sink in.  You can get medicated shampoo from your veterinarian’s office, or you can help your dog with a home remedy– an oatmeal bath! If you use cool water and keep the amount of shampoo you use appropriate, you can bathe an itchy dog once or twice weekly. Your veterinarian will help you figure out how frequently your dog needs a bath. Dogs with allergies can be washed up to 3x per week.

See alsoThis One Thing Will Extend Your Dog’s Life for 3 Years, Yet Most People Rarely Do It

✔️ 1 pt Dog does not have allergies or itchy skin

✔️ 3 pts Dog has allergies or itchy skin

Pro Tip:  Brushing your dog  regularly can help minimize itchy skin.

6. What Is Your Dog’s Activity Level?

Is your dog more of an athlete or a couch potato? Would she rather catch a frisbee or catch some Zs on the sofa? The more active your dog is, the more likely they are to get dirty and need a bath sooner rather than later. And while dogs don’t sweat like people do, they still do have some sweat glands on their paws. These sweat glands work just like human sweat glands to help cool your dog off during periods of heat or physical activity– so your dog might get a little extra stinky if she’s active a lot. 

✔️ 1 pt  My dog’s a couch potato

✔️ 2 pts My dog gets moderate exercise

✔️ 3 pts My dog’s an athlete

Related Content: Sammie’s First Bath! 8 Week Chihuahua Rescue Puppy

7. Does Your Dog Have Any Health Conditions?

Sometimes, itchy skin on a dog isn’t due to allergies but is due to an infection. If that’s happening with your dog, you will probably need to bathe him twice a week with medicated shampoo until the infection clears up. Medicated shampoo is almost always the best option for treating a dog’s skin infection. Bathing can also help diagnose and treat fleas and ticks!

✔️ 1 pt  My dog doesn’t have any infections or other health conditions

✔️ 3 pts My dog does have infections or other health conditions

So, how often should you wash your dog?

How many points did you get?

✅ 8-11 points – every 3-4 months

✅ 12-16 points – 1x month

✅ 17-21 points – twice a month

✅ 22 – 26 points- 1x – 3x per week

Ultimately, how often you should wash your dog depends on… you and your dog and your tolerance for a dirty dog (even if you can’t see the dirt). Use a high quality shampoo and conditioner so you can preserve the natural oils in your dog’s coat.

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? The FAQs

If you’ve got more specific questions about bathing your dog, or want to know how frequently some top breeds should be washed, keep reading!

Check out Willie, a Blind Golden Retriever Getting His First Bath

Start The Quiz ⬇️

Here’s the full list of 21 of the cutest designer dog mixes you’ve probably never heard of: 

1. Aussiepom

Aussiepom = Australian Shepherd x Pomeranian 

Basically a super tiny Australian Shepherd! 

2. Aussiepoo

Aussiepoo = Australian Shepherd x Poodle

Sometimes called an Aussiedoodle, these are low shedding, super-smart pups!

3. Beabull

Image Source

Beabull = Beagle x English Bulldog

Beabulls have all the sweet, gentle, family-friendly energy of an English Bulldog with the playful nature of a Beagle!

4. Bernedoodle

 Image Source

Bernedoodle = Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle

Lanky, shaggy, and gentle, Bernedoodles make great family dogs.

5. Bullmatian

Bullmatian = English Bulldog x Dalmatian

Spots AND wrinkles!? The Bullmatian is about as unique as dog breeds get! 

6. Cavachon

Cavachon = Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise

Cavachons are the sweetest little puffballs, and they’re hypoallergenic! 

7. Chorkie

Chorkie = Chihuahua x Yorkshire Terrier

Chorkies are tiny but mighty and have the cutest feathered fur! Also no two chorkie’s look alike.

8. Chug

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYwFM-BIY-b/

Chug = Chihuahua x Pug

Who could resist this adorable, tiny, smooshed face?!

9. Dalmadoodle

Dalmadoodle = Dalmatian x Poodle

These speckled pups goofy and super family friendly!

10. Daniff

 Image Source

Daniff = Great Dane x Mastiff

Daniffs are usually a cross between a Great Dane and an English Mastiff, but other Mastiff varieties also make wonderful dogs!

11. Dorkie

Dorkie = Dachshund x Yorkshire Terrier

Short and spunky, Dorkies are super adorable dogs who get very attached to their owners. 

12. Goberian

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Goberian = Golden Retriever x Siberian Husky

Goberian dogs come in shades from golden yellow to deep black, and often have two-toned eyes, like huskies! 

13. Golden Dox

Image Source

Golden Dox = Golden Retriever x Dachshund

Imagine a Golden Retriever with super short legs, and you’ve got the Golden Dox!

14. Mini Hippo

 Image Source

Mini Hippo = Cocker Spaniel x Shar Pei

Wrinkles galore and a fuzzy speckled coat make the Mini Hippo one of the most unique breeds.

15. Maltipoohuahua

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnco87hFx8d/

Maltipoohuahua = Maltese x Poodle x Chihuahua

Soft and silky, sweet and alert this designer dog is a definite up and comer.

16. Morkie

Image Source

Morkie = Maltese x Yorkshire Terrier

Every little kid’s fluffy dream, don’t fall in love with a Morkie unless you’re willing to spend time on lots of grooming!

17. Pitsky

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZYofmcLPRW/

Pitsky = Pit Bull x Husky

So cute and playful, the Pitsky is an amazing dog for families with energetic kids!

Related: Popular Dog Names

18. Pomsky

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV24f0yFBtT/

Pomsky = Pomeranian x Husky

Tiny and wolf-like, Pomskies sometimes look like Shiba Inus. One of the more popular designer dogs. Instagram has 1.3 million tags.

19. Saint Dane

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Saint Dane = Saint Bernard x Great Dane

A mix of two of the largest dog breeds, Saint Danes are gentle giants that are fiercely loyal. 

20. Schnoodle

Photo Source

Schnoodle = Miniature Schnauzer x Poodle

Alert and intelligent, Schnoodles make great companions for single folks or tight-knit families. 

21. Sheepadoodle

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Sheepadoodle = Old English Sheepdog x Poodle

Want a Sheepdog with (slightly) less grooming? Get a Sheepadoodle!

Did you know more than 4 of these designer dog crossbreeds or know of any other mixes ? Let me know below in the comments. 

If you’re looking for a dog to join your family, check out your local shelters and rescue groups. There are many awesome dogs that need good homes so you’ll definitely find the perfect pooch.

I couldn’t believe these dogs existed until I saw this ??