My son has asthma and my doctor suggested I avoid getting a pet. Would choosing a hypoallergenic breed be a good solution for us?
Given that over half of households in the United States own a pet, it’s not surprising that pet allergens — such as dander, which are particles shed from an animal’s skin, and saliva — commonly trigger allergies in humans. It’s estimated that pet allergies affect 10 percent to 20 percent of people worldwide. They became even more common during the pandemic, likely due to increased pet adoption and closer contact with pets in the home. Cuddling or co-sleeping with pets is especially likely to trigger allergies.
Considering all of this, it’s not surprising that the promise of an “allergen-free pet” is alluring. While you might be able to reduce the chance you’ll react to your pet by choosing a breed that sheds less frequently and taking some other allergen-reducing measures, there’s no animal that is guaranteed to be 100 percent free of potential allergens.
Here’s what to know if allergies and asthma are a concern in your house.
What triggers pet allergies
Allergic reactions occur when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, known as an allergen. When this happens, your body produces excessive amounts of an antibody called IgE (Immunoglobulin E) to fight the allergen, which triggers the release of substances like histamine — leading to itchy, red, watery eyes; sneezing and upper respiratory congestion; coughing or wheezing; or itchy skin and hives.
Allergies are common triggers for asthma, a chronic airway disease that causes persistent cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Pets produce a variety of allergens that trigger allergies and asthma, and they can also carry other allergens (such as dust and molds). The specific proteins that trigger allergic reactions to dogs are called Canis familiaris, or Can f, proteins. In cats, they’re known as Felis domesticus, or Fel d, proteins. Can f proteins are found on dog dander and in saliva; Fel d proteins are mainly found in cat saliva. Scientists have also identified the main allergens in a variety of other pets, such as rabbits and hamsters.
Because pet dander can contaminate clothing, bags and other objects, it can make its way into schools and workplaces, so even people who have no known contact with pets can experience pet allergies.
The myth of the hypoallergenic pet
Although some animals are touted as being hypoallergenic — suggesting that they won’t trigger allergies — that’s not really a thing.
There’s no difference in Can f production from one dog breed to another, but because dander is trapped by hair, dogs that shed hair infrequently (like poodles, labradoodles or Shih Tzus) might be less likely to trigger allergies, but it’s not a guarantee. Hairless dogs (like Xoloitzcuintlis, or Mexican hairless dogs) and cats (like Sphynxs) are very predisposed to skin problems, so they could end up shedding even more saliva-coated (thanks to their self-grooming behaviors) dander than a pet with hair.
Because many allergens from mammals look alike to the immune system, people can become sensitized to one pet species (such as cats) and then automatically be allergic to other pet species (such as rabbits), even if they’ve never been exposed to them. Thus, choosing a different furry friend might not resolve your allergy problem.
Thinking about an iguana or a macaw? Unfortunately, even reptiles and birds produce allergens — although if you’re allergic to a rabbit, an iguana might be a better choice than a cat. The bottom line is, there’s no such thing as an allergen-free pet, although studies are underway to determine whether gene-editing technology could one day make this a reality.
How to minimize allergic reactions to a pet
In some cases, it’s possible to reduce pet allergies without resorting to a pet-free household. Here’s some steps you can take to minimize allergic reactions in your home.
1. Bathe your pet regularly. Wash your dog’s entire coat two to three times a week with a gentle, fragrance-free pet shampoo (such as an oatmeal-based shampoo), taking care to properly rinse it afterward. If you have a cat, wipe your cat down regularly with a clean, damp cloth. Not only does this reduce the amount of dander and saliva on your pet’s coat, it also removes common environmental allergens, such as dust mites, molds and pollen.
2. Reduce allergens in the environment. If possible, replace carpet with hard flooring and vacuum regularly with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Wash pet bedding frequently. At least one household spray is available commercially that specifically neutralizes Fel d 1. Invest in a high-quality air purifier to reduce the amount of airborne dander.
3. Consider a special diet or supplement for your pet. Products are available for cats that contain proteins that bind to and neutralize Fel d 1. When fed for at least three weeks, one special diet was shown to reduce the amount of Fel d 1 in cat hair — but whether this reduces owner symptoms of allergy requires further study.
4. Minimize close contact. Keep your pet out of the bedroom, don’t let them lick you and as much as possible, keep them away from furniture and clothing (no cats in the laundry basket).
If you think your pet could be triggering your allergies or asthma, consider seeing an allergy and asthma specialist and getting tested for IgE to pet allergens. If you are diagnosed with a pet allergy, desensitization through injections or even medications placed under your tongue (sublingual immunotherapy) might be possible, and there might be other medications that can help you manage symptoms.
If you or someone in your house has known allergies or asthma and you’re hoping a breed advertised as hypoallergenic will be a good fit, talk to your doctor about getting tested for pet-specific allergies first. Because negative test results don’t rule out a pet allergy, you might also want to consider a trial with a friend or family member’s pet — or try fostering an animal from a shelter or rescue group, with the option of adoption at a later time. It’s the most considerate approach for both your own health and the health and happiness of the animal.
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