No, that expensive doodle you just paid thousands for is not hypoallergenic. There is this pervasive myth that breeds such as Poodles, Poodle mixes, Portugese Water Dogs, and Airedale Terriers are considered hypoallergenic. Those who sexually exploit dogs and cats for profit have capitalized on this myth by marketing these individuals as “hypoallergenic.”
The problem is, some allergic humans are lead to believe in order to have a dog or cat family member, they need to find a particular breed, and then purchase individuals instead of adopting, thinking that they are actually getting a “hypoallergenic” individual.
Many believe if a dog doesn’t shed, they are less likely to cause allergies in humans. However, the hair has nothing to do with the allergic reaction. Human diseases associated with allergens include allergic asthma, which leads to difficulty breathing, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis leading to nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and itching of the nose or eyes and atopic dermatitis, leading to itchy skin.
When a human is allergic to a dog, they are usually reacting to the proteins Can f 1 and Can f 2, produced in the salivary glands, not the skin! The tongue epithelial tissue produces the Can f 1 protein and Can f 2 is produced by the tongue and parotid salivary glands. Can f 1 is also a ubiquitous protein found in public areas, carpets and soft furnishings and is also present in households without dogs.
About 10% of humans worldwide are allergic to cats. When a human is allergic to a cat, what actually causes their reaction is a protein (globulin) called Fel d 1, found in their salivary, sebaceous, and perianal glands which is transferred to the skin and fur by licking and grooming. While Fel d 1 is found in higher concentrations in households that have cats, it is a ubiquitous compound that is found in the environment everywhere.
Diet
A new diet by Purina is available called ProPlan LiveClear, reduces allergens by deactivating some of the Fel d 1 by binding it to antibodies derived from the eggs of chickens. This diet is reported to work best if the cat can free feed throughout the day instead of being given just 1 or 2 meals a day.
As of yet though, no formal studies have shown this diet actually reduces allergy symptoms in the human companions of these cats.
Vaccine
A Swiss biotech company called HypoPet AG, developed a vaccination given to cats called HypoCat which uses the antigen-antibody interaction to neutralize Fel d 1. The vaccine is given once every 3 weeks for 3 injections to reach full effect. The cat’s human companions did notice a reduction in their symptoms according to this study. This vaccine is not yet widely available.
Hypoallergenic Breeds?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website states that “there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds.”
One study looked at allergen levels in the homes of people with “hypoallergenic” breeds vs “nonhypoallergenic” breeds and found “there was no evidence for differential shedding of allergen by dogs grouped as hypoallergenic.” They also state that there is no published data to indicate that hypoallergenic dogs exist (Nicholas et. al 2011).
If you say, “but wait, I heard there is someone that selling animals for a lot of money and they say they have these scientifically proven hypoallergenic dogs and cats, and they have a physician saying its true too” … no… just read here, first page, its not true. http://allergyasthmadoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Article_Hypoallergenic_Pets_Annals_Publication.pdf.
How to live with someone you are allergic to
Bathe them regularly- at least twice a week to diminish the allergen concentration. If you adopt a dog who has their own allergies, your dog will benefit from the frequent bathing anyway with prescription shampoo! This is shown to be more beneficial in dogs than cats. Get rid of your carpeting and soft furniture and clean your house regularly.
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, eradicate allergies entirely in 80% of patients completing the full course of treatment. They are administered weekly at first and then monthly over the course of about 3 years.
Satyaraj E, Li Q, Sun P, Sherrill S. Anti-Fel d1 immunoglobulin Y antibody-containing egg ingredient lowers allergen levels in cat saliva. J Feline Med Surg. 2019;21(10):875-881. doi:10.1177/1098612X19861218
Thoms F, Jennings GT, Maudrich M, et al. Immunization of cats to induce neutralizing antibodies against Fel d 1, the major feline allergen in human subjects. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;144(1):193-203. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.050
Thoms F, Haas S, Erhart A, et al. Immunization of Cats against Fel d 1 Results in Reduced Allergic Symptoms of Owners. Viruses. 2020;12(3):288. Published 2020 Mar 6. doi:10.3390/v12030288
Morris DO. Human allergy to environmental pet danders: a public health perspective.” Vet Dermatol. 2010;21:441–9.
Lockey, Richard L. The Myth of Hypoallergenic Dogs (and cats). Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Vol 130, Number 4. August 2012. http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(12)01380-2/pdf
Nicholas CE, Wegienka GR, Havstad SL, Zoratti EM, Ownby DR, Johnson CC. Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2011;25:252-6.
Butt A, Rashid D, Lockey RF. Do hypoallergenic cats and dogs exist? Ann Allergy
Asthma Immunol 2012;108:74-6. http://allergyasthmadoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Article_Hypoallergenic_Pets_Annals_Publication.pdf
Vredegoor DW, Willemse T, Chapman MD, Heederik DJJ, Krop EJM. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012;130:904-9.