Our antibodies are programmed to search out and destroy all possible dangerous invaders of the body, such as pollen, dog hair, or saliva. Studies have shown that 10-15% of the U.S. population is allergic to animals. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 25% of people with allergy- and asthma-related health problems keep pets in their home.
Dog allergy is less common than cat allergy, and it has been proven that the longer-haired breeds carry more skin scales and are able to provoke allergic reactions more frequently. Not only hair, but also a dog's lick may also set off a severe allergic response.
Animal
Source of allergens
Cat
Skin, Saliva, Hair
Dog
Saliva, Skin, Hair
Rat
Urine
Guinea Pig
Saliva, Urine
Rabbit
Saliva, Urine
Gerbil
Skin, Serum
Hamster
Skin
Mouse
Urine
Horse
Skin
Cow
Skin
What is the target population?
A big problem is the fact that these allergies to dogs can strike almost anyone at any age, so, there are no rules. However, there is one thing – most people that suffer from dog allergies often have other mild allergies to pollens or molds. Not many people know this, but there is a strong genetic correlation in developing allergies, which means that if parents have allergies then the kids are more likely to have them also.
People that are allergic to dogs are, in most cases, allergic to:
1. Dander
2. The small scales of dead skin constantly being shed
3. Dog's hair,
4. Dog’s saliva
Dog allergens are small and sticky and can stay airborne for a long time. Some people are not specifically allergic to dogs, but have a primary allergy to another substance, such as pollen. In these cases, a dog can provide an additional irritant that could trigger the primary allergy attack. People who are allergic to a dog's saliva only experience an allergic reaction if a dog licks them.
Symptoms of allergy to dogs
Dogs have many allergens on them and each of them can trigger allergic response, causing several symptoms in hypersensitive people such as:
1. nasal congestion,
2. runny nose,
3. itchy nose,
4. sneezing,
5. itchy and watery eyes,
6. coughing,
7. a scratchy sore throat,
8. itchy skin rashes or hives,
9. headaches,
10. fatigue,
11. difficulties in breathing, and
12. Asthma.
All allergy symptoms are caused by one substance, called histamine, either within 5-30 minutes or much later as a delayed reaction. Histamine is being released from the basophiles and mast cells through a process called degranulation, because it is localized in special granules inside the cells. The whole process is triggered by immunoglobulin E. The severity of reaction varies from one person to the next, ranging from mild sniffling to severe asthma.
Are there any “safe” dogs?
Unfortunately, no dog is considered non-allergenic because all dogs produce dander, saliva, and urine, which could be allergens. There are dogs that produce less dander, however, and many people who are mildly allergic to dogs can tolerate some of these "low dander" dog breeds - all with proper environmental control, of course.
List of dogs known to be okay with asthma sufferers because they shed very little dander, including a short description:
1. Poodles, Standard and Miniature: Excellent with kids, bonds to whole family, excellent watchdog, highly trainable and sheds very little hair.
2. Toy poodle: Small fragile bones, therefore caution around rambunctious children – perhaps better suited for mature people; tends to bond to one person, excellent watchdog, highly trainable and sheds very little hair.
3. Chihuahuas: Perhaps better suited for adults, tends to bond to one person, excellent watchdog, average trainability. They do shed a bit.
4. Portuguese Water Dogs: Good with kids, tends to bond to one person, average watchdog, average trainability. It does shed a little.
5. Irish Terrier: Excellent with kids, bonds to whole family, excellent watchdog, highly trainable, and sheds very little.
6. Bichon Frise: Average trainability and sheds very little.
Dogs and asthmatics
Although people with asthma tend to suffer from allergies, among all possible allergens, dogs are on top as disturbance promoters in the pulmonary function of asthmatics. Several studies have shown that indoor airborne allergens (dogs, cats, cockroaches, molds, mites) are associated with more markers of asthma instability than outdoor allergens (tree, weed, grass). So, the bottom line is – dogs are pretty poor company for asthmatics.
Environmental control
There are several procedures known to be very helpful in controlling this allergy.
1. Do not allow the dog into your bedroom
2. Install HEPA room air cleaners in all the bedrooms and in the family room
3. Install electrostatic air filter in the central heating system in your house
4. Bath your dog frequently. Twice a week is recommended!
5. Try using an anti-allergen detergent to wash your dog’s stuff such as dog bedding, doggie shirts, and soft dog toys
6. Cover the room’s sofas with sheets to help prevent dog dander deposits on them
7. Try spraying areas where your dogs spend their time with an anti-allergen spray
8. Wash your hands after petting your dog!
9. Choose a breed that only breeds internally, because a house that has mixed allergens from several dog breeds is hyper-allergenic
If you learn that you are allergic to dogs, it doesn’t have to mean that you must get rid of your pet. There are certain risks, but several things could be done in order to avoid all possible symptoms of allergy. For one, if the allergic person has to groom the pet, they should wear a small dust-filtering mask. Wearing gloves can also help. If you don’t have the gloves on, wash your hands immediately after to prevent the spread of allergens to the nose, eyes, and mouth. Also, try to brush your pets outside or on a hard floor.
Nutrition and allergy
There is a special nutritional strategy for every pet owner that would like to reduce the chances of developing some kind of allergy. If the pet is fed essential vitamins, nutrients, and fatty acid supplements with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, its skin will retain moisture and reduce shedding. Poor skin health of your pet can be caused by lower-quality food or food that contains something the dog may be allergic to.
Before getting a dog
Many people consider dogs to be a disposable asset, and get pets without thinking through the difficulties of living with them. Tragically, many animals lose their lives just for this reason. So before adding a pet to the family, carefully think through the decision along with other family members. Consider who can and will follow through on pet care responsibilities, and who really understand the measures one must take to manage pets in a home. Be realistic about the commitment you can reasonably make. If you aren't sure you will be able to keep the dog in your home for life, don’t get one!
One more thing – if your child is allergic to dogs, think twice before getting a dog. Is it really worth it to put your child through possibly severe allergic reactions just to have a pet? Even after the removal of the pet, it may take several months for the allergen levels in the home to decrease sufficiently enough not to cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals.
Perspective
Several recent studies have proven that very early exposure to animals can have positive benefits. A child being around dogs during infancy may actually significantly reduce the chances that it will develop allergies later in life. Researchers found that the longer children had pets when young, especially during their first two years, the lower their frequency of developing pet allergies later.
There are also some special cleaners made for cleaning the dogs of allergic owners. The most common is Allerpet cleaner! ALLERPET/D is formulated specifically for dogs and for people allergic to dogs, made for cleaning the hair of dander, saliva, and sebaceous gland secretions, the antigens considered the prime causes of allergic reactions to dogs.
Treatment
1. Immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots, can improve symptoms but cannot eliminate the allergy. It is about desensitizing a person's immune system to the pet allergens. Interestingly enough, real allergy-causing proteins are injected under the person's skin, triggering the body to produce antibodies. Patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks or months.
2. Symptomatic treatment. This is simply relieving the already present symptoms of allergy - it can't prevent an attack. Some of the medications used are steroidal, antihistamine nose sprays, and antihistamine pills. Asthma requires a special kind of therapy; there are multiple medications, sprays, and inhalers available. Bronchodilators and inhaled sodium cromoglycate or corticosteroids can be used to control asthmatic attacks.