Why am I still allergic to a hypoallergenic dog
You Want a Dog, But Are Allergic Can a Hypoallergenic Dog Really Help?
In the U.S., the rising trend of dog ownership goes hand in hand with a surge in people seeking allergy-friendly canine companions. This has led to the popularity of so-called hypoallergenic dogs breeds purported to be less likely to trigger allergic reactions. But, digging into the science of dog allergies, the reality of hypoallergenic dogs gets a little hairy.
Are Hypoallergenic Dogs Real?
Ultimately, the concept of a hypoallergenic dog is more a product of hopeful thinking than a reflection of scientific fact. Regardless of their "hypoallergenic" label, all dog breeds have the inherent potential to trigger allergic responses.
For allergy sufferers, it is crucial to seek guidance from healthcare professionals, as an accurate diagnosis and tailored advice are essential for effectively managing dog allergies.
How Many of Us Have Allergic Reactions to Dogs?
An estimated 10 percent to 20 percent of the global population suffers from allergies to dogs or cats, according to a 2017 review in Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Research. These allergic reactions are an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in the skin cells, saliva, or other bodily fluids of our household pets.
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When someone with an allergy encounters these proteins, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful invaders. In response, the body produces antibodies, which latch onto the allergens, marking them for removal. The presence of antibodies tells other specialized cells to release histamine, triggering allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and, in severe cases, asthma.
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Why Am I Allergic to Dogs?
The most common allergen in dogs, Canis familiaris allergen 1 or Can f 1, is a protein found mainly in dog saliva that is spread through licking. This means that all dogs, including hairless breeds, can trigger allergies.
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However, allergies are not primarily triggered by the dog's hair or fur itself but by the proteins found in their saliva, skin cells, and bodily fluids. These allergens can adhere to any hair or fur, whether it's shed frequently or not. Therefore, even breeds with hair that doesn't shed conventionally can still carry and distribute these allergens in the environment.
What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
The term "hypoallergenic" is commonly attached to certain dog breeds based on the belief that they are less likely to provoke allergic reactions because they carry fewer allergens.
One prevalent misconception regarding hypoallergenic dogs centers around the distinction between hair and fur. It's commonly believed that dogs with hair, as opposed to those with fur, are less likely to trigger allergies because they don't shed in the same manner.
"Most 'hypoallergenic' dogs are dogs that shed less fur or have been bred to produce a lower quantity of Can f 1," says Ignacio Dvila, a professor and allergy researcher at the University of Salamanca. "However, that does not mean that all allergens are eliminated."
Read More: Why Do We Have Allergies?
What Are the Allergen Levels of Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Studies comparing Can f 1 levels in homes with hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic dogs found no significant differences in allergen levels between households. In fact, some breeds labeled as hypoallergenic had higher household allergen levels than non-hypoallergenic breeds.
Further research in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found huge differences in allergen levels not just between different breeds but also within the same breed. Again, it was found that some breeds typically labeled as hypoallergenic actually had higher allergen levels, on average, than other non-hypoallergenic breeds.
This suggests that the allergenic potential of a dog may not be solely determined by its breed, further debunking the current hypoallergenic dog narrative.
Read More: Everything to Know About Allergies
Living with Both Dogs and Allergies
So, is abstaining from dog ownership the only sure way to avoid dog allergens? Not necessarily. According to one study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, dog allergens are not confined to homes with canine residents but can be found in up to half of homes without dogs.
For individuals with allergies or asthma, living with a dog can exacerbate their conditions. Dog allergens can intensify allergic reactions and lead to severe asthma attacks. Continued exposure can result in chronic inflammation and other respiratory issues, underscoring the importance of careful consideration for those contemplating dog ownership.
Read More: Can Cats and Dogs Be Allergic to Humans? Do We Even Know?
Managing Dog Allergies
For those with dog allergies, several preventive strategies can be employed, such as keeping pets out of specific areas, using allergen-proof covers, regular cleaning, and using HEPA filters. Bathing dogs frequently can also help reduce the presence of allergens, although bathing too often can dry out your dog's coat and skin.
(Credit: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock)
"Generally speaking, the [allergy management] approach should be the combination of several measures, although results can vary from one individual to another," explains Dvila.
The decision to bring a dog into the home should be made with careful consideration of these factors, balancing the joy of pet ownership with the realities of allergy management.
Read More: Are There Any True and Tested Hypoallergenic Cats Breeds?
Why Theres No Such Thing as a Truly Hypoallergenic Dog
- Almost 10 million pet owners are allergic to their animals.
- While getting a dog marketed as hypoallergenic might sound like a good solution, it may not work for someone with a true allergy.
- When dogs shed, some people can develop an irritant response to the hair. While the symptoms can be the same, an irritant response is different from an allergic response.
- Irritation doesnt trigger the production of antibodies the way an allergy does.
- The proteins all dogs produce are what trigger a true allergic reaction. However, not all people with dog allergies are allergic to the same proteins.
If you become congested and start to sneeze anytime youre near a dog, youre not alone. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) reports that almost 10 million people are allergic to their pets.
For many pet owners, buying a hypoallergenic dog sounds like the perfect solution. No more allergy pills or shots and you can still have a cute, furry friend. It sounds perfect, right?
However, when Healthline asked several allergy experts about hypoallergenic dogs, they all gave us a very emphatic no.
Theres no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.
However, there are many options to consider that may allow you to own a dog without triggering a reaction if youre a person living with pet allergies.
According to allergist Dr. Tania Elliott, a spokesperson for the ACAAI, people can develop allergic reactions to pet dander (similar to dandruff in humans), saliva, urine, and hair.
When exposed to these substances, our body can mistakenly see certain proteins within them, called allergens, as a threat. To protect us, our body develops antibodies against those proteins.
When were exposed to those proteins again, we then have an allergic response. Our immune system will be activated, causing the release of histamine.
Histamine causes symptoms, such as sneezing and increased mucus production, which protect us from the invading protein.
These symptoms are what cause the discomfort we associate with an allergy.
In the case of a dog allergy, Elliott says you could develop symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma attacks, sneezing, and/or congestion.
You might also develop hives if youve been touched or licked by a dog.
According to Dr. Jill A. Poole, professor, division chief of allergy and immunology at the department of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, theres no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog because all dogs produce the same proteins.
Its those proteins to which youre reacting. Thats why even a so-called hypoallergenic dog can still trigger an allergic reaction.
It would be more appropriate, Poole said, to call these shedding versus non-shedding dogs.
Shedding dogs release more dog hair into their environment, leading to a buildup of dog hair in your home.
Non-shedding dogs tend to not shed their hair as easily. They must be regularly groomed to prevent matting.
When dogs shed, some people can develop an irritant response to the hair.
While the symptoms can be the same, an irritant response is different from an allergic response. Irritation doesnt trigger the production of antibodies the way an allergy does.
If you experience an irritant response to dog hair, having a dog that sheds less would reduce this.
Being vigilant about keeping loose dog hair cleaned up would also help those who are experiencing an irritant response, says Poole.
Poole says your first step in getting tested for a dog allergy would be to talk with a doctor or allergist about your symptoms and medical history. If these indicate a possible dog allergy, they can order a test for you.
This testing would be either a skin test or a blood test.
Skin and blood tests are similar in that they can detect the antibodies in your skin and blood that trigger an immune response to a particular allergen.
In a skin test, a small amount of a diluted allergen is placed under your skin, either by pricking the skin or by injection.
If you develop a red, itchy bump, called a wheal, within about 15 minutes, youre considered to be allergic to that particular allergen.
A blood test would involve drawing blood and testing it in a laboratory for the presence of antibodies.
While theres no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, it appears that some people with dog allergies may not be allergic to all dogs.
Theres
Poole explains this means that some people with dog allergies could potentially own either a female or a neutered male dog and wouldnt have an allergic reaction.
There are six different proteins that have been been identified as causing allergies in dogs: Can f 1 to 6.
Can f 5 is only produced in the prostate gland of the male.
Because of this fact, a female dog wouldnt produce an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to only this one allergen.
A neutered male produces less of this protein and might also be a safe choice.
About 30 percent of people with dog allergies are allergic to only the Can f 5 protein, Poole says.
Dr. Princess Ogbogu, director of allergy and immunology at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, does caution that its a bit premature to make this a standard clinical recommendation.
It is a hypothesis and not well established yet, Ogbogu said.
However, if youd like to explore this avenue further, you can speak with your doctor about testing.
A test for allergy to the Can f proteins was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in
Poole says its important that youre tested for all of the Can f allergens and not just Can f 5. You could be allergic to more than one of them.
If youre not one of the lucky few who are only allergic to Can f 5, there are several other steps you can take that may allow you to have a canine in your home.
Environmental controls
Poole suggests the first place to start is to try limiting your exposure to the offending allergens through environmental controls.
According to the ACAAI, environmental controls could include such things as:
- not having a dog
- keeping your dog out of your bedroom
- restricting your dog to only certain parts of your home
- avoiding petting or touching your dog
- washing your hands with soap and water if you do touch your pet
- keeping a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner continuously running
- regularly using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or central vacuum
- giving your dog frequent (at least weekly) baths
Medications
Another step you can take is to use medications to manage your allergy symptoms.
Your allergist can recommend which medications will be best for you, depending on your individual symptoms.
Medications your doctor might prescribe include:
- Antihistamines. These medications block the production of histamine, the chemical thats responsible for the symptoms we associate with allergies, such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Corticosteroids. When given as a nasal spray, corticosteroids can reduce allergy symptoms like inflammation.
- Decongestants. These medications can shrink swollen nasal passages and reduce congestion, making it easier to breathe. However, they may not be safe for people with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or heart disease. Talk with your doctor before using them.
- Leukotriene modifiers. If other allergy medications arent a good option for you, your doctor may prescribe a leukotriene modifier. This type of medication blocks certain immune system chemicals that can cause allergy symptoms.
Immunotherapy
Finally, although it can be time-consuming, immunotherapy does offer more of a permanent solution to dog allergies.
Poole explains it takes about 3 to 5 years to desensitize a person to an allergen.
The protocol involves giving the person a gradually increasing dose of the allergen once or twice a week until they reach a maintenance dose.
At this point, theyd then need an injection every 2 to 4 weeks over the course of about 3 to 5 years.
Each injection is given subcutaneously (in the fat layer between the skin and muscle).
The person is then observed by a medical professional for 30 minutes in case they have an adverse reaction to the allergen.
Immunotherapy can greatly reduce, or even completely eliminate, your allergy symptoms.
Many people who love dogs are unfortunately allergic to them.
While a hypoallergenic dog might seem like a good solution, allergy experts say theres really no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.
However, this doesnt mean youre without options. There are ways to reduce or eliminate your exposure to dog allergens. You can also take medications that manage your symptoms or have immunotherapy to desensitize you to dog allergens.
An allergist can help you learn more about your options.
