Dog allergies: answers to frequently asked questions

Why do allergies to dogs occur?

Dog allergies occur when a person's immune system reacts to proteins produced by the animal's body. These proteins are found in:

• saliva

• sebum

• dandruff (dead skin cells)

• urine

These allergens may be on the fur, but the fur is only a carrier. That is why even hairless breeds can cause allergies.

Is it possible to be allergic to only one breed?

The intensity of the reaction may depend on the breed, but allergies are not caused by the breed, but by specific proteins. For example, some dogs have less Can f 1 protein, a major allergen, and are therefore less allergenic. But there is no such thing as a completely “safe” breed.

How does a dog allergy manifest itself in adults and children?

Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. The main ones are:

• Rhinitis: sneezing, nasal congestion, watery discharge

• Conjunctivitis: itching, redness of the eyes

• Cough, wheezing — possible bronchial asthma

• Urticaria, itching, rash

• Atopic dermatitis in children

In some cases, allergies manifest in a few hours after contact. In sensitive individuals, even after being in a room where a dog has recently been.

How is an allergy diagnosed?

For accurate diagnosis you need:

• Specific IgE to dog epithelium (blood test)

• Skin prick tests

• In rare cases - provocation test under the supervision of an allergist

Diagnostics is important for making a decision about treatment, limiting contact, or starting ASIT.

What is Can f 1, Can f 2, etc.?

It allergen proteins, that a dog secretes. The most common are:

• Can f 1 — protein present in saliva and sebum

• Can f 5 — a specific allergen that is released only in male dogs (prostatic protein)

Knowing the exact allergen can help you choose less reactive rock, and also assess the probability of success of ASIT.

How to reduce allergens in the home?

• Install HEPA filters in the air conditioner and air purifier

• Do not let the dog into the bedroom or nursery.

• Minimize textiles — remove excess carpets, bedspreads, curtains

• Bathe your dog weekly with veterinary shampoo

• Combing outside, not indoors

• Wet cleaning - at least every other day

ASIT for dog allergies: is it effective?

ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy) is administration of small doses of allergen for gradual adaptation of the immune system. For dog allergies, it is possible, but:

• not shown to everyone

• effectiveness is lower than for pollen allergy

• the course continues 3–5 years

• high compliance is required (adherence to the injection schedule)

ASIT is not a panacea, but in combination with allergen avoidance can significantly reduce the manifestations.

Can I leave my dog at home if my child has a confirmed allergy?

The solution is always accepted individually, but possible options:

• Partial contact restriction, changing the placement of the dog

• Symptomatic therapy (antihistamines, nasal sprays)

• Changing the breed to a less allergenic one (but after consultation)

• ASIT, if shown

In mild cases, with a properly organized space, a child and a dog can live together without health risk.

The child has no symptoms, but there was an allergy in the family - should I be careful?

Yes. If there is familial predisposition to atopy (allergies, asthma, eczema), the risk of animal allergies is higher. In this case, it is worth:

• postpone bringing a dog until 3 years of age

• do wet cleaning from the first days

• choose a breed together with a doctor

• have periodic check-ups with an allergist