Dealing with allergies can be tough, especially for those who are allergic to pets. Pet dander can be a big problem, especially for people who have pets at home. Studies show that about 15 to 30 percent of people with allergies have bad reactions to cats or dogs.
This brings up a question: Is it possible to build immunity to dog allergies?
If you are a dog owner struggling with allergy symptoms, read on to discover how to alleviate these issues for you and your furry friend.
What are dog allergies and what causes them?
In the case of dog allergies, the actual allergen the immune system reacts to is a certain protein found in the saliva or the oil secretions from a dog’s skin. Many people think that the allergy is caused by the dog’s hair, but the allergens are likely to be dander, saliva, the secretions from the skin or the newly discovered allergens found in dog urine.
It is crucial to understand that the immune system overreacts to these harmless substances, treating them as potential threats and causing allergic symptoms. The reasons why some people develop allergies while others do not are complex and could involve both genetic and environmental factors.
You might have heard that some dog breeds are considered “hypoallergenic” because they supposedly trigger fewer allergic reactions. While certain breeds, such as Poodles or Portuguese Water Dogs, may cause fewer allergy symptoms, no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic. Therefore, if you are allergic, it’s essential to spend time with a dog of that breed before deciding to get one.
Symptoms of dog allergies
Symptoms triggered by dog allergies are similar to hay fever, such as a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or cough.
If you suffer from asthma, you may experience the following reactions as well:
- chest tightness or pain
- a wheezing sound when exhaling
- shortness of breath
Another common symptom is dermatitis, an immune system reaction that causes skin inflammation. The most frequent signs of such symptoms are eczema and itchy skin.
It is important to note that the severity of these symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may experience mild discomfort, while others might have severe reactions that significantly interfere with their daily life.
If you notice any of these symptoms that might be caused by your furry friend, make sure you check in with a board-certified allergy specialist, who can indicate the appropriate tests to take to determine your specific allergen and prescribe the right treatment, if necessary. The allergy testing process typically involves skin prick tests or blood tests, which can help identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms. If it turns out that you are allergic to your dog, it is recommended you work with your doctor to create a management plan, that doesn’t necessarily include rehoming your pet. With the right strategies in place, you might be able to reduce your allergy symptoms.
Can you build up an immunity to dog allergies?
Being exposed to dogs (or pets in general) at an early age may help avoid developing allergies and to add to this, certain studies reveal that children who have a pet in their first year of life may have fewer respiratory infections than kids who don’t live with a pet. Unfortunately, there is no real or definitive cure for allergies, however, immunotherapy is your best bet to build up a tolerance.
In addition to immunotherapy, antihistamines and corticosteroids are often used to manage the symptoms of dog allergies. These medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Allergy shots or immunotherapy is the most effective way to build immunity to dog allergies. This means administering doses of allergen extracts over some time, via injections and increasing the dose triggers over time. However, immunotherapy is a long-term solution (can last up to 5 years) but it helps build a tolerance to the allergen over time, which means that you might be able to continue enjoying your dog’s company or getting one. The main focus of immunotherapy is to decrease the symptoms of allergic reactions and make them more tolerable and it always has to be performed by a medical professional.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
If you’re looking to get a dog, but you’re worried about allergies, here are a few hypoallergenic breeds that you could consider.
Poodle (and Poodle mixes)
Poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. They have a curly, dense coat that sheds minimally. Often used in crossbreeding to produce hypoallergenic mixed breeds like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.
Bichon Frise
Small, cheerful dogs with a tight curly coat that doesn’t shed much. They are playful and great companions for families.
Portuguese Water Dog
Medium-sized working dogs, they have curly or wavy hair. Gained popularity as a hypoallergenic breed during Barack Obama’s presidency due to his family’s dog, Bo.
Kerry Blue Terrier
Medium-sized terrier with a unique blue coat. Their soft, curly hair grows continuously and requires regular grooming.
Maltese
Tiny dogs with long, silky white hair. They’re known for being affectionate and good for apartment living.
Shih Tzu
Small dogs with a flowing double coat. They are known to be affectionate and lively.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Medium-sized terriers with a soft, silky, and wavy coat. Friendly and playful in nature.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Medium-sized dogs known for their curly coats and their adeptness at truffle hunting. They are active and require regular exercise.
Coton de Tulear
Small dogs with a cotton-like coat. They are lively, playful, and get along well with kids and other pets.
Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard, and Giant)
Distinctive for their bearded snouts, they have a wiry coat. They are alert, spirited, and come in three sizes.
Basenji
Known as the “barkless dog”, they make a unique yodel-like sound. They have a short, fine coat and are quite independent.
Chinese Crested
Comes in two varieties – Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless variety has skin exposed on most of its body, with hair only on its head, tail, and feet.
Bedlington Terrier
Resembling a lamb in appearance, they have a curly and woolly coat. They are playful and energetic.
Havanese
Small, sturdy dogs with a soft double coat. They are social, affectionate, and good with families.
Irish Water Spaniel
One of the oldest spaniel breeds, they have a curly, water-resistant coat. They are energetic and intelligent.
How to get rid of dog allergies naturally
Apart from immunotherapy, you should also consider reducing your exposure to allergens as much as possible. It’s also worth noting that using hypoallergenic bedding and wearing a mask during periods of heavy shedding can help manage dog allergies.
Here are some ways in which you can do this:
- Make sure you always wash your hands after handling your pet.
- Keep your dog off of furniture, especially the couch, which can bear an impressive number of allergens and restrict your dog from some of the areas in the house, such as the kitchen or the bedroom.
- Ideally at least once a week, make sure you bathe your pet using a shampoo specially formulated for dogs, as these can reduce allergens.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and vacuum cleaners.
- Regular cleaning of your house, especially areas where your dog frequents, can significantly reduce allergen levels.
- Try to avoid hugging or kissing your pet as much as possible and don’t let them sleep in your bed.
The take home
Pet allergy is one of the most common allergies, so before committing to having a furry friend, make sure that you or your family members will not suffer from any allergy symptoms. If you discover that you have allergic reactions to your dog, make sure to see a doctor to determine the exact allergen that triggered it and has a treatment plan in place which can help you build up an immunity to dog allergies. Remember, with careful management and the right treatment, it’s possible to enjoy a happy and healthy life with your furry friend.
Our specialized team of allergy associates are here to give you advice, testing, and healthcare plans – give us a call today!
Whether you’re dealing with dog allergies or any other form of allergies, we’re here to help you navigate your symptoms and live your life to the fullest.
