Dog allergy

What it is

Dog allergy is a reaction to proteins that dogs make. They are found in a dog’s saliva, dander (dead skin flakes), urine and the oily secretions of its skin.¹ People react to these proteins rather than to fur itself.⁴

Scientists have named several dog allergens. Can f 1 is made in the tongue and found in dander, hair and saliva; Can f 2 comes from the tongue and salivary glands; Can f 3 is a protein from the dog’s blood; and Can f 4 and Can f 6 are found in skin, saliva and urine.¹ Can f 1 is considered the major dog allergen.²

One allergen depends on the dog’s sex. Can f 5 comes from the prostate and is found in the urine and saliva of intact male dogs, with much less in neutered males. About 20 to 30% of people with dog allergy are sensitive to it.¹

Pet allergy is common. The AAFA says cat and dog allergies affect 10 to 20% of people worldwide.⁷

Symptoms it causes

Dog allergen can cause symptoms when it is breathed in or gets into the eyes or onto the skin.⁷ Symptoms include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain from congestion, and watery, red or itchy eyes, and some people cough, wheeze, feel short of breath or have chest tightness.⁶ A lick or scratch can make the skin red and itchy, and some people get hives.⁷

After a short exposure, symptoms usually appear within minutes. With ongoing exposure they may be longer-lasting and less sudden, and for some people they build and are worst 8 to 12 hours after contact.⁴ In people with asthma, a pet allergy can trigger an asthma attack.⁷ The AAAAI says as many as one in five people with asthma may be allergic to pets.⁵

Where it’s found

Dog allergen gets into the air easily and clings to clothing, carpets, furniture and even walls. It has been found in public spaces, schools and homes without dogs.¹ Levels are higher in homes where dogs live indoors and in the rooms dogs are allowed into.⁶ Keeping a dog outdoors is only a partial solution, because homes with outdoor pets still have higher allergen levels.⁴

Whatever the marketing says, every dog makes these proteins, and no dog is free of allergen.¹ In one study, hair and coat samples from four breeds called hypoallergenic (Labradoodles, Poodles, Spanish Waterdogs and Airedale terriers) had more Can f 1 than samples from Labrador retrievers and other dogs. Airborne allergen in homes did not differ by breed, and only Labradoodle homes had less in settled floor dust. Differences between breeds were small next to the differences between dogs of the same breed.² Another study compared dust from homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs and homes with other dogs, and found no difference in dog allergen levels.³

US agencies and allergy societies describe these ways to cut exposure:

• Keep the dog out of the bedroom of anyone with asthma, and off furniture.⁸
• Vacuum carpets and furniture when the person with asthma is not around, and use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter.⁸
• Replace carpet with hardwood, tile or linoleum where possible.⁴
• Wash your hands with soap and water after touching a dog.⁶

The EPA says the most effective way to control animal allergens is to not have the animal in the home. If a pet is removed, floors, walls, carpets and upholstered furniture should be cleaned thoroughly.⁸