What causes dog allergy?
We often talk about dog hair allergy to refer to a set of symptoms that range from simple redness of the eyes to more serious respiratory problems such as asthma, including the appearance of various skin signs such as hives or eczema.
But, in reality, a dog allergy is not only caused by its hair, which is also known to be much less allergenic than cat hair. A dog allergy is due to the presence of allergenic proteins present not only on its hair but also located in the dog's saliva and in the cells of its skin (among others! )
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
Dogs considered "hypoallergenic" are dogs that have little hair or lose little or no hair among:
- the Poodle,
- the Bichon M altese or the Bichon Frisé,
- the Chinese Crested Dog, and more broadly the hairless dogs which also include the Mexican Hairless Dog and the Peruvian Hairless Dog,
- le Barbet,
- Portuguese Water Dog,
- the Kerry Blue Terrier,
- and more generally all dogs with curly coats.
On a daily basis, all these dogs make it possible to live in an environment with less hair and therefore potentially less risk for people with allergies. But, it must be kept in mind that these dogs synthesize the other allergenic proteins, contained in their saliva or in the scales of their skin, in the same way as all other dogs and, as such, they are also likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.The fact is that no breed of dog is completely hypoallergenic, because allergies differ according to people's sensitivity and combine several factors. It is therefore not enough to choose a breed of dog reputed not to lose its hair to completely avoid the risk of developing an allergy to its animal.
Did you know?
American companies market dogs that would present a genetic mutation responsible for a modification of the structure of allergenic proteins to which human beings are sensitive, by selling them as 100% hypoallergenic animals. However, no serious and independent scientific study can prove the veracity of the hypoallergenic nature of these animals or justify the prohibitive prices charged (between 7,000 and 27,000 dollars to adapt a dog) by these companies!
In case of dog allergy, it is therefore better to give up the idea of adopting an animal (even deemed hypoallergenic) at the risk of developing serious he alth problems and having to part with your dog in the process. confident to new family!
If you already live under the same roof as a dog and you (or a member of your family) show signs of allergy, there are nevertheless strategies to lower the level of allergens in a home and reduce the intensity of his symptoms at the same time:
- wash your hands systematically after petting your dog,
- avoid equipping your home with carpets, rugs, sofas and fabric armchairs, cushions in a nutshell, avoid all materials that are difficult to clean and that can retain hair and the allergenic proteins produced by your pet,
- clean your home regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, an effective filter against allergenic particles,
- use an air purifier with effective filters,
- ventilate your home every day,
- brush (or have your dog brushed if you are allergic) regularly and shampoo him once a month,
- do not allow your dog to sleep in bedrooms, on beds or on the couch/armchairs where the allergic person can sit,
- consult your doctor.