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Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog?

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The Obamas selected Bo, a Portuguese water dog, largely because of the breed's hypoallergenic reputation.

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By RICHARD LOCKEY, MD

Tribune correspondent

Published: April 16, 2009

Sorry to break it to you First Family (and Bo) - though by now I'm sure you've heard from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - there's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog!

Advertisements abound touting breeds that don't shed as "hypoallergenic," including the Portuguese water dog that made his debut as first pet this week. While an allergic person may tolerate one particular dog better than another, no scientific studies back up the claim that any specific breed is better than another when it comes to allergies. A common misconception is that pet allergies are triggered by the animal's fur alone, when the real source of allergies is typically a protein in the saliva, feces and urine that sticks to dead flakes of skin (dander) on the animal. Even hairless breeds of dogs (and cats) produce the allergen! Theoretically, smaller dogs may be less allergenic than larger ones because they have less surface area of skin containing allergen-laden dander.

About 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers pet allergies caused by dogs, cats, guinea pigs, ferrets or other fur-bearing animals. For those with asthma, the rate climbs to 25 percent. Pet allergies have been linked to increased incidences of asthma, hay fever, allergic eye problems, and even allergic skin reactions. Some people are so sensitive that a welt appears if a dog licks their skin, or they develop allergic conjunctivitis whenever they touch their eyes after stroking the dog.

Sometimes pet allergies can be eliminated by removing the animal from the home. Yet many patients and their families are reluctant to give up their pets, even though they trigger or exacerbate symptoms such as sneezing, an itchy and runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or itchy skin.

Unlike heavier dust mite allergens that settle to the ground and only bother people when the environment is disturbed (by sitting on a sofa, lying on a mattress or vacuuming a rug, for instance), pet allergens are very light and buoyant. This means they quickly contaminate the entire home, even when the animal is restricted to certain areas. Research shows that after a dog or cat is removed from the house, it takes as many as four months for allergen levels to drop low enough not to trigger symptoms.

What can you do if you suspect you're allergic to your dog? See an allergist/immunologist who can perform a simple skin or blood test to determine whether the dog and perhaps other environmental allergens are causing your problems.

Most allergists discourage people from getting a dog if they are allergic, because continued exposure may worsen asthma and allergies. Those who simply cannot live without a canine friend may benefit from medications and avoidance measures, such as frequent home cleaning and vacuuming, using air filters, keeping the dog out of the bedroom or outdoors, and frequently bathing the pet. Allergy shots may also help reduce dog-allergic symptoms.

Another option is to look for an individual dog that is less allergenic for you. Spend some time at the breeder's with the dog you're considering, and monitor whether or how much your symptoms flare up. Ask whether you can return the pet within a week or two if your symptoms become too severe.

Dr. Lockey is a Distinguished University Health Professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health at USF, where he directs the Division of Allergy and Immunology and holds the Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair in Allergy and Immunology.

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