Dog Allergy

Dog allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in dog dander, saliva, or urine. When you have a dog allergy, your body mistakes harmless dog proteins for dangerous invaders. This triggers your immune system to release chemicals like histamine, which cause allergy symptoms.

Dog dander is made of tiny flakes of skin that dogs shed constantly. These microscopic particles float through the air and settle on furniture, clothing, and bedding. Even if you remove a dog from your home, dander can remain for months. About 10 to 20 percent of people worldwide have pet allergies, with dog allergies being one of the most common.

Dog allergies can develop at any age, even if you grew up with dogs without problems. Some people react to all dogs, while others only have symptoms around certain breeds. No dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, though some produce less dander than others.

• Sneezing and runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat
• Postnasal drip, a flow of mucus from the back of your nose down your throat
• Coughing and wheezing
• Chest tightness and difficulty breathing
• Skin rash or hives after dog contact
• Facial pressure and pain
• Waking up frequently at night
• Dark circles under your eyes

Some people with dog allergies also have asthma, which can lead to more serious breathing problems. Symptoms usually appear within minutes of exposure but can also develop gradually over several hours. The severity of symptoms varies widely from person to person.

Dog allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to proteins in dog dander, saliva, or urine. The protein called Can f 1, found in dog dander, is the most common trigger. When you breathe in these proteins or they touch your skin, your body releases histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause inflammation in your nasal passages, airways, and skin.

Risk factors include having a family history of allergies or asthma. Children with eczema are more likely to develop pet allergies. Living in a home with a dog during early childhood may increase or decrease your risk, depending on your genetic makeup. Repeated exposure to dogs does not usually make allergies go away and can sometimes make symptoms worse over time.

Doctors diagnose dog allergies through a combination of your medical history, physical exam, and allergy testing. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they occur. They may perform a skin prick test, where tiny amounts of dog allergen are placed on your skin to see if you react. Blood tests can measure specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, that your body makes in response to dog allergens.

The dog dander IgE blood test measures your immune response to the e5 allergen. This specialized allergy test is not part of our standard panel but may be available through your doctor. Talk to a healthcare provider about testing options if you suspect a dog allergy. Keeping a symptom diary noting when and where reactions occur can help with diagnosis.

• Avoid or limit contact with dogs when possible
• Keep dogs out of bedrooms and off furniture
• Use HEPA air filters to reduce airborne dander
• Wash hands immediately after touching dogs
• Bathe dogs weekly to reduce dander, though someone without allergies should do this
• Remove carpeting and use hard flooring that is easier to clean
• Antihistamine medications to relieve sneezing and itching
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation
• Decongestants for nasal congestion
• Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, to build tolerance over time
• Leukotriene modifiers to block certain immune chemicals