Allergies to dog hair

What many people cannot make sense of: for millions of Germans, contact with dogs and animals in general is not without risk. They develop a skin rash, shortness of breath or even asthma. When dogs shake themselves, for example, hair, skin flakes and saliva inevitably fly around. This spreads protein molecules that trigger allergies in many people.

Are there hypoallergenic dogs or not

Some dog and also cat breeds are described as allergy-friendly, especially in advertising. However, this has not so far been scientifically proven. Why the allergies and the symptoms mentioned above arise has not yet been fully clarified scientifically. The despair of dog lovers following a positive allergy test is certainly understandable. Hypoallergenic dogs, however, are often not a lasting solution. It is unfortunately a hallmark of the allergy that even small amounts of the antigen can trigger an allergic reaction.

Since the allergen Can f 1 is a component of the hair and skin epithelia of all dog breeds, it would hardly be possible to avoid the allergen completely. Offers of so-called hypoallergenic dog breeds, which are supposed to release fewer of these allergens, must probably also be treated with scepticism in view of more recent studies.

Children from the village and from the farm are less affected

Interestingly, it is proven that people who grew up on a farm as children are in most cases protected against animal allergens. But that is simply not the case for everyone, and going on holiday to a farm twice a year is not something one does just like that. In Germany, however, there is now a trend to set up kindergartens on farms in order to strengthen the immune system at an early age.

• Protein structures in saliva and skin flakes as triggers
• Scientific scepticism towards hypoallergenic breeds
• Early contact with natural substances can have a protective effect
• The need for a precise medical diagnosis when symptoms occur

Medical examination when symptoms of an allergy occur

If symptoms occur that indicate an allergy, a medical examination is absolutely necessary. Many patients even suffer from cross-allergies. This means they react to several types of animal at the same time. Anyone who shows only mild signs of an allergy when dealing with animals can try to counteract it with a suitable nasal spray and tablets. It may then even be possible to keep the pet. Anyone who develops severe symptoms such as asthma will receive the advice from the medical professional to keep their distance at all costs. Parting with one's four-legged friend is, as doctors often experience, understandably extremely difficult. For some people it is even almost impossible.

This article serves as general information and to raise awareness of the complexity of animal allergies in everyday life.