Hypoallergenic Dogs A Myth?

It turns out that the so-called "allergy-free dogs" are not so allergy-free.According to a study by a team of researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that alleged hypoallergenic dogs, such as Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Labrador Retriever-Poodle mixes, do not have lower allergen levels in their homes.



People with pet allergies suffer bouts of congestion, coughing, sneezing, and red, itchy eyes. The harmless proteins, found in a dog's saliva and sebaceous, or skin, glands cause the adverse reactions. The proteins are then deposited on the coat through self grooming, or flakes of dead skin (dander) fall off the body, sticking to just about anything.....walls, carpets, and clothing.

For this study, Henry Ford researchers analyzed dust samples, collected from the carpet or floor of 173 homes, for the dog allergen Can f 1. In all, 60 dog breeds - 11 of which were widely considered hypoallergenic - were involved in the study.

Researchers found no significant differences in allergen levels between home3s with a "hypoallergenic" dog and those with other dogs.

The findings are published online in the July/August issue of the American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy.

Does Dog Hair Cause Allergies?

True or false - Dog hair in your home can cause allergies.

While the answer to this question may seem like an obvious "truth," research shows that it's not necessarily the hair that causes allergic reactions.

Dog hair is not an allergen. Dogs secrete fluids and shed dander that contains the allergens. Dander is the microscopic particles of your dog's skin, fur and hair. These particles stick to walls, clothing and other surfaces. They collect each day and stay actively suspended in the air for periods of time, sometimes for several months. For those with sensitive immune systems, the result is often an allergic reaction with sneezing, stuffy nose and inflamed eyes.

Despite some of us having to deal with these symptoms, most dog lovers don't plan on parting with their canine friends anytime soon. And besides, it still wouldn't prevent us from coming into contact with pet dander. Do you know that studies have found cat and dog allergens present in 99.9% of homes including homes that have never had pets? Amazing!