[Nyagdu] The Myth of Hypoallergenic dogs

[Marion Gwizdala]

Dear All,

 

                I found this article from the Tampa bay Times to be very
interesting. I thought others would find it so, as well!

 

Fraternally yours,

Marion Gwizdala

Don't fall for myth of 'hypoallergenic' dogs. Almost daily, I have parents
tell me not to worry because even though they or their children are allergic
to dogs, they have purchased a hypoallergenic dog. I hesitate sharing that
the hypoallergenic dog is just a myth. To be sure, it is an incredible
marketing ploy. Just who started this urban legend remains a mystery. If you
type in "hypoallergenic dogs" on Google, you'll find no shortage of breed
suggestions. Even the American Kennel Club has a list of many dogs that are
best for allergy sufferers. The AKC does not go so far as to endorse them as
best for people with dog allergies, but it does state that "These dogs have
a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander. Lets look at
the science behind dog allergies. The primary allergen from dogs is Canis
familiaris allergen 1, or Can f 1. This allergen, a protein, is found in the
saliva and urine of dogs. The protein sticks to the dead, dry flakes from
your pet's skin, which is dander. An animal's fur is not the source of the
allergen, although it can surely be an irritant to mucous membranes and
airways. A landmark study was done in 2011 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit
to determine whether homes with hypoallergenic dogs had less Can f 1 than
homes with other dogs. All homes were single-dog homes. The results showed
no significant difference in the amount of Can f 1 found in the homes. In
clinical practice, it does appear that certain individual dogs are less
allergenic to certain patients, but this is not a breed-specific
characteristic. Likely, it is a factor specific to an individual dog's
genetics, diet and behavior. More than 33 percent of U.S. homes have a dog,
making canine allergies quite a public health concern. These allergies are
strongly associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Up to 30 percent of
patients with allergic disease are sensitive to animals. Symptoms of dog
allergy can include: Runny, sneezing nose Itchy, watery eyes Nasal
congestion Cough Wheezing or shortness of breath Hives or itching of skin An
allergist can help identify if you are allergic to your animals. If you do
have dog allergies, you must minimize your interaction with the animal. Your
dog must not sleep in your bed or even in your bedroom. The bedroom must
become a dog-free zone with some barrier to keep the dog from entering even
when you are not there. It is important to have someone clean the bedroom
once the animal has been relocated. All hard surfaces should be wiped down
with a damp cloth to physically try to remove as much dander as possible
from walls, furniture, etc. A HEPA air purifier should be placed at the head
of your bed and run when you are home. This is a prime opportunity to
extract some dander from the air, as Can f 1 is extremely lightweight and
may remain airborne for hours. Bathing your pet weekly also can help to
reduce the amount of pet dander in your home. The very best way to deal with
a dog allergy is to remove the dog from the home. While this is very
difficult for many families, it is sometimes necessary, especially when the
patient is suffering from significant asthma that can be life threatening.
Even after removing an animal from your home, it can take six months to
several years to fully rid the home of animal dander. Talking with your
allergist can help you identify the best ways to diagnose and treat your dog
allergies. Avoidance, medications and allergy injection therapy are all
options that might be right for you. Just remember not to fall for the
"hypoallergenic dogs" myth. Dr. Mona V. Mangat is a board-certified
allergist and immunologist at Bay Area Allergy & Asthma in St. Petersburg.
Find her at bayallergy.com. Contact her at bayallergy at gmail.com..