can dogs be hypoallergenic
Does a Completely Hypoallergenic Dog Exist?
Do you or a member of your family suffer from allergies when around dogs? Perhaps you sneeze, get itchy or watery eyes, hives on your skin, or even more serious respiratory issues. If you are a dog lover, you may have avoided owning one because of this problem, especially if the allergy symptoms are extreme.
In recent years, people have been referring to types of dogs as hypoallergenic. Given thatup to 20% of western country populations are allergic to dogs, its no surprise that this hypoallergenic label has grown in popularity. But, if you have been pinning all your hopes on one of these dogs being the perfect solution, dont believe the hype.
True Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Dont Exist
Although some individual dogs may indeed elicit fewer allergy symptoms than others, studies suggest that there is no specific breed (or mix of breeds) that is truly hypoallergenic.
Dr. Tania Elliott is an allergist and a spokesperson for theAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She explains that somewhere along the line, the fact that a dog didnt shed became synonymous with the word hypoallergenic. While some people can be allergic to dog hair, others may be allergic to the dander (skin cells) and even their saliva.
In 2011 theAmerican Journal of Rhinology and Allergypublished a study that found no major differences in the levels of the primary dog allergen, Canis familiaris (Can f 1), in homes with dogs labelled as hypoallergenic compared with those that werent. While the study authors state that there is a need for more research to confirm these findings, the results threw a wrench in most allergy sufferers plans.
The results ofa further study in 2012actually found low-sheddingPoodleshad some of the highest levels of Can f 1 present in their coat samples. Surprisingly,Labradors Retrievers, often regarded as a breed more likely to trigger allergies because of their excessive shedding, had significantly lower allergen levels. This study also found no major difference in the amount of Can f 1 found in the air of homes with hypoallergenic and other dog breeds.
Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabelled as Hypoallergenic
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, its possible to findless-allergenic purebred dog breeds that are better suited for allergy-sufferers. Some popular purebred dogs frequently referred to as hypoallergenic include Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers,Bichon Frise,Maltese, andSchnauzersall low, no-shedding orhairless dogs. Unlike Labs or Huskies, for example, these dog breeds do not molt excessively. While these breeds are typically better for allergy sufferers, and can help minimize the amount of vacuuming and clothes brushing you may have to do, there are no guarantees they will result in fewer allergy symptoms in all people. There may be less hair, but you cant avoid their dander and saliva!
Mixed-breed dogs marketed as hypoallergenic are just that marketing. No dog, whether purebred or mixed-breed, is actually hypoallergenic, no matter what fancy name or designer label someone tries to put on it.
What Can You Do to Help Cope if You Are Allergic to Your Dog?
For some allergy sufferers, their reaction to the Can f 1 allergen is too severe to consider owning a dog. For others, their desire to share their home with a furry friend could become a reality.
You may hear other dog owners referring to how they have built up a tolerance to the allergens. However, as Dr. Elliott says, many people who report tolerance have mainly learned a new normal of everyday congestion and rhinitis. Encouragingly, though, allergen immunotherapy shots are an option for building up true tolerance against allergens. By giving you very low levels of what you are allergic to and building up tolerance over timeyou essentially train your system to no longer be allergic, she explains.
Good housekeeping habits can also help to keep allergies at bay. Some of these include keeping your pet out of your bedroom, using a HEPA air filter appropriate for the size of the room, and regular vacuuming. Dr. Elliott even suggests wearing a mask while interacting with your pet, and this could also be a good option when vacuuming. It is also possible to get a vacuum cleaner with a certified asthma and allergy-friendly filter.
It is worth noting that in the 2012 study mentioned above, homes with carpets had higher levels of the Can f 1 allergen present than those with hardwood floors. If you prefer to keep carpets in your home, opt for one with a low pile and regularly steam clean it.
One suggestion for allergy-sufferers looking for a new pet is to spend 15-20 minutes with a breed to see what level of reaction they produce. While someone might have a great reaction to, say, a Schnauzer, their reaction might be less with an American Hairless Terrier or even a Portuguese Water Dog. Allergy sufferers will also be better off with a purebred dog than a mixed-breed dog. Mixed-breed dogs or dogs mixed with Poodles have unpredictable genes and do not result in non-shedding dogs.
Some people opt to bathe their dogs more regularly. However, this might not reduce the symptoms, andover frequent bathingcould strip the coat of its valuable oils.
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.
