Are male dogs to blame for your allergies?

Pet allergies can cause unpleasant symptoms, and can be very frustrating, especially if you are an animal lover. However, there may be light around the corner! Recent research suggests that it may only be male dogs causing these undesirable symptoms, and that those with allergies may be able to tolerate female dogs. In today's blog, I discuss why male dogs may cause allergies, and give advice on how to reduce exposure to pet allergens.

Are male dogs to blame for your allergies?

If you are a dog lover, you may be disheartened if your allergies stop you from being able to have your own dog, or spend time around pets belonging to your friends or family. However, new research suggests that the gender of your dog may play a part in the severity of allergy symptoms, and that perhaps getting a female dog could be beneficial. There are a number of factors which must be considered to understand why this is, including:

How pet allergies work
Why male dogs may cause allergies
How to reduce exposure to pet allergens.

Read on to find out why male dogs may be causing your allergies, and get some tips on how to reduce your exposure to pet allergens.

How pet allergies work

According to a study by Allergy, Asthma and Immunology research, pet allergies affect between 10% to 20% of people.¹ It is common for people who have other allergies or asthma to also be allergic to their pet - in fact, this occurs in around 3 in 10 people, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.²

Many people may assume that it is the hair of the animal that triggers the allergic reaction; however, it is actually proteins in the dander, saliva and urine of the pet that causes an oversensitive immune system to react.

These proteins are spread when your pet moves around or scratches, or they accumulate on your clothes, furniture, or the carpet. When you breathe these proteins in, it can cause symptoms.

To date, 6 specific dog proteins have been identified as allergens. Some people may be allergic to all of these proteins, whereas others may only be allergic to one or two. As the proteins present in different breeds and genders of dog differ, this may mean that one dog causes you to have an allergic reaction, whereas another doesn't.

Why do male dogs cause allergies?

It is now thought that some people may only be allergic to a specific type of protein found solely in male dogs.

According to Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston, up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to one specific protein which is made in the prostate of a dog.

This protein is called Can f 5, and is specifically made in the prostate. This protein can spread to the skin and hair of a dog when the dog urinates, and since these proteins are very lightweight, they can easily be dispersed in the air, where they can often stay for a long time. Because of this, they can quickly spread, causing symptoms in those who are allergic.

In one study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, teenagers with dog allergies were tested for their reactions to proteins (Can f 1, 2, 3 and 5) from dog dander from both female and male dogs. They found that teenagers with sensitivities to Can f 5 had different reactions to dander from male and female dogs, suggesting that those allergic to that specific protein might be able to tolerate female dogs.³

It is also thought that individuals with sensitivities towards this specific protein may be able to be around male dogs who have been neutered without experiencing any unwanted symptoms.

If you are suffering with allergies, perhaps visit your doctor, as they will be able to give you advice on how to treat your symptoms. If you're looking for a quick way to ease symptoms, our Pollinosan Luffa Nasal Spray may be a beneficial product for you to try. It can help to clear the nose of animal dust and other allergens.

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Spray once or twice into each nostril 2-5 times per day.

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How to reduce exposure to pet allergens

If you are allergic to the Can f 5 protein, or any of the other proteins found on dogs or other animals, there are steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to these allergens and the symptoms they produce, including:

Changing your clothes after being around pets or animals
Keeping your pet out of your bedroom – ensure you clean your bedroom thoroughly if you have let your pet into your bedroom in the past as allergens from pets can often stick around for a few months
Pet allergens can often stick to carpets and are hard to remove – if you find your allergies are still bad after cleaning your carpet, it may be an idea to take the carpet up and have wooden floors instead – allergens find it harder to stick to wood, and wood is also easier to clean
Wear a mask if you are using a hoover to clean up allergens which have settled on the floor.