Bo Obama, the new “hypoallergenic” First Dog, was officially introduced to droves of eager reporters on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday. The six-month-old frisky Portuguese water dog was selected for the Obama children because one of them, Malia, has allergies. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.

The great media coverage of Bo Obama and the Presidential quest to find a hypoallergenic dog has fueled a common public misconception about dog allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma&Immunology (AAAAI), a truly hypoallergenic dog is a myth.

It turns out that people with allergies react to certain proteins found in animal dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine; they usually do not have allergic reactions to animal hair itself. All dogs secrete proteins that are dispersed via microscopic airborne particles in the home and they will trigger reactions when inhaled by allergic people. And while it is true that certain dog breeds produce less potentially allergenic dander, people may even be allergic to a hairless dog.

Beside the Portuguese water dog, other breeds that are marketed by breeders as hypoallergenic include poodles, schnauzers, certain terriers, and poodle hybrids largely because they do not shed as much as other breeds.  While reduced shedding may reduce the amount of dander that ends up in the home, the size of the dog and the ability of the owner to bath the dog regularly (and remove dander) may be just as or even more important in determining whether the dog will be problem in allergic households.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 15 to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.

If you have allergies and are looking for a pet, consider spending some time with the prospective pet before taking the animal. If you do not have an allergic reaction after prolonged contact with the animal, then subsequent allergic reactions are less likely.

The AAAAI recommends the following tips for dog owners who have allergies:

• Visit an allergist/immunologist to diagnose the allergy and discuss treatment, which may include maintenance medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots).
• Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom. Animal dander will collect on pillows, leading to worsened symptoms at night and morning.
• Bathe the animal weekly to reduce the amount of dander shed at home.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood or other solid-surface flooring for easy clean-up.
• Vacuuming may not be effective in decreasing allergen levels, but using a HEPA filter and double bags may help.
• Wash bedding and clothing in hot water. While animal allergens are not easily removed by high temperatures, these measures may help.

For more information, see the Healia guides on allergies and outdoor allergies and take our allergy quiz game. If you have a question about allergies, ask Healia’s allergy community and medical students.


_{Photo: Giles Douglas, Flickr, Creative Commons}