Get Smart about Pet Allergies

Dog allergies are unfortunately all too common, so if you’re facing this problem, let’s start with some tough truths. “Non-allergic” or hypoallergenic dogs do not exist. Sorry. While several dog breeds (and designer dog breeds) are labeled hypoallergenic, the truth of the matter is that all dogs produce allergens in their hair, dander, saliva, and urine. And researchers confirmed that homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs had similar levels of dog allergens as those with non-hypoallergenic dogs.

What’s more is that you can’t eliminate dog allergens with special shampoos, topical sprays, or oral agents. And there’s little evidence that steam-cleaning carpets and upholstery helps control pet allergies. That’s the myth-busting word from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). But all is not lost. Scientists have identified the first step towards developing a vaccine for dog allergies.

Is there a dog allergy vaccine?

Over the years, scientists have been able to identify seven different dog allergens — those that produce an unusually strong immune response that would usually be harmless. But while there are seven, just one is responsible for 50-75 percent of reactions in people with dog allergies. This protein is found in dogs’ tongue tissue, salivary glands, and skin.

Until now, there have been very few efforts to try to cure people of dog allergies entirely by artificially inducing immune tolerance. But researchers have now, for the first time, identified areas of the molecules that make up dog allergens that could give us precisely that: a “dog allergy vaccine.” Using this basic data, further research is needed to narrow the path to creating a vaccine.

“We want to be able to present small doses of these [antigens] to the immune system to train it to deal with them, similar to the principle behind any vaccine,” said Takashi Inui, a specialist in allergy research, professor at Osaka Prefecture University and a lead author of the study. “But we can’t do this without first identifying the Can f 1’s IgE epitope.”

While no vaccine is currently available, this seemingly small step provides researchers with a leap forward in pursuing a dog allergy vaccine. These latest findings suggest the development of a hypoallergenic dog-allergy vaccine — is within our grasp — which is good news for some suffering pet parents. Beyond pet allergies, if researchers are able to produce vaccines using this method, it would not only be a world-first for dog allergies but its principles could be used much more widely against other allergies.

Tips to help you manage your dog allergies.

Before you do anything, be sure to diagnose the problem accurately. “I can’t tell you how many times I see patients who assume they’re allergic to a dog and they get rid of it. Then we do the allergy testing and discover it wasn’t the animal,” says Dr. James L. Sublett, a practicing allergist in Louisville. “It’s unfortunate when you see that happen.” While there is no dog allergy vaccine yet, in the meantime, there are a few research-based suggestions for reducing pet allergen levels in your home.

Replace your flooring.

Carpeted floors act like big sponges that hold a hodgepodge of dust and allergens. Replace your carpeting with hardwood, stone, or tile.

Reduce the fabric and upholstery.

You want smooth surfaces from which you can wipe away allergens so try to limit or, better yet, remove fabric and upholstered furniture and curtains completely.

Regularly wash your bedding and curtains.

Wash bedding and curtains in one of three ways — in water at least 140°F with one rinse; at any temperature with two rinses; or in a steam-washing machine.

Protect your bedroom and bed.

Use tightly woven protective coverings (with openings less than 4 microns) on mattresses, box springs, and pillows. Keep your pet out of your bedroom, or restrict the rooms they have access to.

Don’t groom pets in your home.

Regular bathing and grooming of your pup — outside of your home — can reduce airborne dog allergens. Consider sending your dog to a groomer or bathing them at a self-service station.

Use air filters and purifiers.

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce the allergen levels in your home. Similarly, replacing the filters on your HVAC system can be another good way to reduce allergens. The ACAAI recommends choosing air filters with a MERV 11 to 13 rating for best performance.