No Scientific Studies Exist to Support “Hypoallergenic” Dog Breeds
There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that certain dog breeds cause less of an allergic reaction than others. Many people with pet allergies choose a “hypoallergenic” breed as a solution, but there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Studies show there are no dog breeds that will cause less of an allergic reaction than others.
Many people incorrectly believe that the hair or dander produced by dogs causes allergies, but this isn’t so. The real problem comes from a protein called “Can f 1” which is found in the saliva and urine of ALL dogs, and in high concentrations in the sebaceous glands of dogs with thick or double coats. When a dog licks his coat, the saliva dries and becomes airborne which is how it gets into your nose and onto your clothes. Studies have shown that so-called hypoallergenic dogs had higher Can f 1 levels in hair and coat samples than non-hypoallergenic dogs! Study Here.
The reason that shedding plays a role in pet allergies is because people are allergic to proteins found not only in saliva but also in the sebaceous glands and the fur/feathers of animals. All dogs and cats, no matter what breed, produce dander (tiny pieces of dry skin which are shed all over the house) and saliva (which mixes with dander to become even more potent).
The only way that you can truly avoid pet allergies is to avoid all contact with animals. People who are allergic to dogs or cats must avoid touching, petting, and even looking at furry friends in order to keep symptoms from flaring up. Make sure that you sleep in a different room from your pets because animal dander can stay airborne for hours after being shed.
If you are a sever allergy sufferer and NEED to have a dog, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor about desensitizing shots . These injections work on a molecular level and can greatly reduce symptoms. Make sure you find a doctor who specializes in dog allergy treatments because not all allergists provide this service. Desensitization shots are often paired with hypoallergenic supplements because the shots work on a molecular level to reduce symptoms. Popular supplements include fish oil, flax seed oil, and vitamin C.
Common belief is that “hypoallergenic” dog breeds are the solution to pet allergies, but these breeds do not shed less or produce less saliva than other dogs. All canines produce saliva and have sebaceous glands, regardless of how much hair they have. Even “hairless” dogs like the Chinese Crested are not hypoallergenic because they still produce dander!
Another popular belief is that short-haired breeds tend to be less allergenic than long-haired breeds. In reality, all dogs and cats produce saliva and dander regardless of their coat length. Long-haired dogs shed just as much as short-haired ones do so they don’t actually contribute to the problem any differently than a dog with less hair would.
A truely hypoallergenic breed would have to produce less or no saliva. No scientific studies exist to prove claims about the “hypoallergenic” qualities of certain breeds, in fact, research indicates that the quantities of dog allergens in homes with supposedly hypoallergenic breeds are no different from those in homes with dogs widely considered non-hypoallergenic! If you are looking for a pet that won’t give you allergies, talk to your doctor about desensitization shots and supplements.
Some of the “hypoallergenic” dog breeds recommended by the AKC are:
- American Hairless Terrier
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Coton de Tulear
- Schnauzer
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo
- Maltese
- Inca Orchid
- Poodle
- Xoloitzcuintli
Article Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-myth-of-hypoallergenic-dogs-82709
