The search for a “presidential dog” has dominated the headlines since President Obama’s campaign.  It has been reported that President Obama’s 10-year-old daughter, Malia, is allergic to dog hair, and thus starts the search for a “hypoallergenic” dog.  Many of my patients find themselves with the desire to have a pet, despite a pet allergy as well. 

There is a myth that pet allergies are caused by animal hair!  It is actually a protein found in pet skin/dander, saliva and urine that causes the allergy.  Hairless dogs are still going to have at least some allergen. Some dog breeds, are said to be “hypoallergenic,” as they shed less, but no dog breed is completely 100 percent hypoallergenic.  

In some cases, there are individual differences between breeds, and a particular pet allergy sufferer may do better with one breed as compared to another.  Lastly, it has been postulated that perhaps female dogs might produce less animal allergen, but the jury is still out on this one! 

You may look for breeds with shorter hair and less shedding, although there isn’t any real scientific evidence this will really help.  Some allergists have also advocated that there may be an advantage to keeping a dog that tends to keep their coat throughout the year. Also, there is a consideration to selecting a smaller dog, as these animals may shed less dander than a bigger dog.  Other factors discussed are the animal’s temperament or disposition that might make frequent bathing more feasible.

Tips that can help reduce dog allergy suffering:

• Create a pet-free bedroom

• Wash bedding in hot water

• Bathe your dog frequently and have a non-allergic family member perform grooming

• Use a HEPA air purifier, double bag and/or HEPA vacuum cleaner/home A/C,  and as well as vacuuming carpets, cleaning walls

• Shampoo carpeting frequently or better yet, go with wood or washable tile/linoleum flooring

• Increase time your pet spends outside, when the weather allows
 
• Visit an allergist to discuss treatment options
 
Nevertheless, there are no guarantees that an individual who is truly allergic to pets (about 10 percent if those with allergies) will tolerate living with a pet dog or cat.  What I have found helpful is actually trying out a pet on a “temporary or trial basis” for a future pet, to ensure a successful ending to this story.  An even better strategy is to begin allergy treatment before getting a pet if you are allergic, including allergy injections! 

For more information on pet allergies go to: http://www.aaaai.org/media/news_releases/pressrelease.asp?contentid=8326

For for home and animal allergy management tips check out: http://www.allergyandasthmarelief.org/animal_allergens.html

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Our soon-to-be First Family faces a personal struggle that millions of other American families face every day: Their daughter suffers from allergies.

An estimated 10-15 percent of people with allergies in the U.S. are allergic to dogs or cats. And about two million people who have cat allergies apparently live with at least one cat in their households. For many pet allergy sufferers, the importance of keeping their pet outweighs the difficulties present due to their allergies. 

The major pet allergens are produced in glands in the skin and can easily get into the animal’s fur, hair and saliva as well.  These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction if an individual is allergen-sensitive.  There are a variety of allergy symptoms including itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, as well cough, asthma and hives.

If you have pet allergies, consider the following proven survival tips:

• Create an “allergy free” bedroom (where we spend about one third of each day).
• Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom.
• Purchase allergen mattress and pillow covers which may help to prevent pet hair brought into the bedroom from getting into the bedding.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and/or a double-bag filter to better catch pet allergens.
• Some studies indicate weekly bathing of a pet may substantially reduce the level of pet allergens in the fur (speak with your vet about any specific suggestions on best ways to do this).
• Learn which prescription or OTC allergy medications are helpful if you have pet-allergic symptoms.
• Allergy injections for pet allergies can be helpful in reducing symptoms if avoidance measures are not successful.
• One study found that it’s easier to transfer pet allergens form person-to-person when wearing wool rather than cotton.
• Washable wall covering, wood and linoleum flooring is easier to clean and remove adherent pet allergens than other surfaces. 
• Ask a non-allergic friend or family member when animal grooming is required.  It is best to do this on non-carpeted flooring. 
• Avoid the area around the cat’s litter box if you suffer with cat allergies.
• Wash your hands after handling a pet to keep from transferring the allergens to your eyes and nose.

LIVE SMART WITH YOUR PETS!  

Check out more tips about pet allergies from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at their consumer friendly website at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/just4kids/pet_allergies.asp

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.