Hypoallergenic breeds a myth – so don’t shop, adopt!
People often say they shop for purebred breeds instead of adopting a waiting pet because they, or someone in their family, has dog or cat allergies. New studies show that hypoallergenic dogs and cats are a myth.
A recent study from Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital has found that Poodles, Bichon Frise Snauzers, Portuguese waters dogs (including Presidential dog Bo Obama) and other supposedly hypoallergenic dogs do not produce fewer allergens than dogs who shed more freely. Researchers studied 173 homes, each with a dog and a newborn baby. They study included sixty breeds; half a dozen of them breeds had been labeled “hypoallergenic”. The allergen levels in the dust samples that scientists analyzed showed no significant difference between breeds.
While this study did not include cats, others have found the same to be a myth with “hypoallergenic” felines like Balinese, Javanese and even hairless cats. Interestingly, uneutered male cats produce more allergenic secretions than neutered and female cats and lighter colored cats seem to have fewer allergens as well.
Another misconception about allergies is that people are allergic to hair, but really it is the dander that folks react to. People with pet allergies have sensitive immune systems that react to harmless proteins in the pet’s dander (dead skin like we all shed), saliva or urine. These proteins are called allergens. Pet hair is not an allergen but it can collect dander. It also harbors other allergens like dust and pollen. Dogs who don’t shed may carry less dander, but none are free from allergens. Pocket pets like ginnea pigs and birds also carry danders and cause allergic reactions. Generally; the more contact with saliva, urine and feces the animal has, the more allergens in their dander. Allergens need to be airborne and breathed by the allergic person to cause a reaction.
There are a number of ways to prevent allergic reactions far more effective than purchasing a specific breed. One way is to expose infants to pets early; studies indicate that this is effective in preventing them from developing allergies. Most of the other suggestions are related to cleaning and the materials in your home. It is highly recommended that household pets stay off all furniture and never go in the bedroom of the allergic person, especially on their bed.
Household allergy reduction recommendations include:
- Replace carpeting with hard surfaces. Did you know carpeted floors accumulate 100 times more pet allergens than hard floors? Switch to polished surfaces like hardwood floors, polished stone or tile. Muddy paws are easier to clean up after too!
- Limit or remove fabric upholstered furniture. Research shows that upholstered furniture and curtains contain significant amounts of animal dander and even more than what is found on the floor.
- Wash bedding and curtains. To remove pet dander from bedding and curtains, use one of these three techniques: wash in water at least 140°F with one rinse; wash at any temperature with two rinses; or wash in a steam washing machine.
- Use tightly woven coverings on all bedding. Protective coverings for mattresses, box springs and pillows are often recommended, and studies show that tightly woven fabric with openings less than 4 microns wide can reduce allergens.
- Make multiple changes for best results. Studies show that making multiple indoor environment changes is required to significantly reduce pet allergens.
There is little evidence that many commonly recommended techniques reduce allergic reactions including: washing pets with special shampoos, steam cleaning carpet and upholstery, giving pets oral agents or topical sprays to reduce shedding and using HEPA air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaners. There are studies however, that show that brushing your cat or dog frequently can help reduce allergens by 60%. When brushing your pet, it is important that you don’t breathe too close to your pet and that you wash your hands with soap after you are finished. Grooming them outdoors rather than inside will help as well.
Stafford Animal Shelter encourages you to adopt a lifelong, loving companion this season instead of purchasing one because of how they look or based on the myth that they are “hypoallergenic.” Plus, exposing your small children to a mellow older dog or cat may prevent them from developing pet allergies while giving them access to the limitless and unconditional love that only pets provide. A few house rules and cleaning routines can reduce both allergies and the regular mud and mess that pets bring indoors. There are so many loving pets waiting at the Shelter, adopting one is a surefire way to assure that both they – and you –have happy holidays this year.
See adoptable pets at: staffordanimalshelter.org
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