Introduction
Many people grow up surrounded by dogs without any issues. But it is possible to suddenly develop allergies to dogs later in life. Dog allergies result when the immune system overreacts to proteins found in dog dander, saliva or urine. An allergic reaction causes the body to release histamine and other chemicals that lead to allergy symptoms. While rare, some people do abruptly develop dog allergies even after years of exposure without problems.
In this article, we will explore the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for new onset dog allergies. We will also provide tips for living with and managing new dog allergies.
Causes
The most common cause of dog allergies are allergenic proteins found in dog dander, saliva, and urine. Dander is made up of tiny, flaked off skin cells and is a major cause of allergies in people sensitive to dogs. Proteins found in a dog’s saliva and urine can also trigger allergic reactions when they come in contact with a person’s skin or mucous membranes.
Some of the primary allergy-causing proteins in dogs include:
- Can f 1 – a protein found in dog dander, skin cells, and saliva
- Can f 2 – a protein found in dog dander and saliva
- Can f 3 – a protein found in dog dander, skin cells, and saliva
- Can f 5 – a protein found in dog urine
When a person with sensitivity to these proteins is exposed to them, their immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins as harmful and releases histamines and other chemicals that cause an allergic reaction.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing new allergies to dogs later in life:
Genetics: You may be more prone to dog allergies if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema. Allergies often run in families.
Other allergies: If you already have allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, or other triggers, you’re more likely to develop dog allergies too. Having one allergy often leads to more.
Asthma: Asthma and allergy triggers like pets often go hand-in-hand. Having asthma puts you at higher risk for developing pet allergies.
New dog or increased exposure: Being around dogs more often or getting a new dog may trigger the onset of pet allergies if you have a genetic predisposition.
The more exposure you have to allergens like dog dander, the more likely you are to become sensitized and react with allergy symptoms over time.
Onset
Dog allergies can sometimes develop suddenly, even in adulthood or later childhood, despite having prior exposure to dogs without issue. There are a few reasons this can occur:
– As children grow older, their immune systems mature and may start recognizing dogs as allergens even though they didn’t previously.
– Some people develop dog allergies after not being around dogs for an extended period of time. Their immunity can downgrade and then react upon reintroduction.
– Major hormonal changes like puberty or pregnancy can make allergies more likely to develop.
– People with other allergic conditions like hay fever are at greater risk of new allergy onset due to having overreactive immune systems.
– Allergies that develop in adulthood often point to shifting immunity as people age or underlying inflammation that triggers the body to identify new allergens.
– Dog allergies that seem to come out of nowhere later in life could also be the result of changed protein production in dogs due to breeding practices and environmental factors.
The takeaway is that dog allergies can arise at any age, even with lifelong dog exposure. Our immune systems evolve throughout our lives, meaning new allergic sensitivities may emerge down the road.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of dog allergies include:
Sneezing – Allergic reactions often lead to sneezing fits shortly after exposure to allergens. Sneezing helps expel mucus and irritants from the nasal passages.
Runny nose – Excess mucus production causes a runny nose. The nose may run clear or thick and discolored mucus.
Itchy, watery eyes – Allergens like pet dander can irritate the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and itchiness. This may lead to excessive blinking and tearing up.
Coughing – Some people experience coughing spasms as the body tries to clear irritants from the throat and bronchial tubes. Coughing can become chronic in severe allergies.
Skin rashes and hives – Contact with allergens may trigger rashes, raised itchy welts (hives), or eczema flares. Rashes often appear where the allergen touched the skin.
In severe cases, dog allergies can also cause shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, trouble swallowing, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Diagnosis
Dog allergies are diagnosed through skin or blood tests that check for antibodies associated with dog allergens. The two main types of tests are skin prick testing and allergy blood tests.
Skin prick testing involves pricking the skin with diluted extracts from common dog allergens like dander, saliva, or urine proteins. If a raised, itchy bump (called a “wheal”) forms at the prick site, it indicates an allergy to that allergen. This is the most sensitive type of allergy testing.
Allergy blood tests check the blood for elevated levels of dog-specific IgE antibodies. This can help confirm dog allergies but is less sensitive than skin testing. Blood tests are easier to perform but skin tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosing dog allergies.
In some cases, an allergist may recommend combining skin prick testing and blood tests to improve accuracy. They may also consider allergy testing for other pets to determine if its a specific dog allergy or a wider pet allergy. Proper diagnosis is important before pursuing allergy shots or other treatment.
Prevention
There are several steps you can take to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms when exposed to dogs:
Limit exposure – Spend less time around dogs to reduce allergen exposure. Consider avoiding houses or spaces with dogs if your allergies are severe.
Wash dogs frequently – Bathing dogs regularly (at least once a week) can significantly reduce the amount of dander and allergens on their fur. Use a mild shampoo and thoroughly rinse.
Vacuum and clean regularly – Vacuuming floors and dog beds at least every 2-3 days removes dog allergens like dander. Also wash dog bedding frequently.
Air filters and purifiers – HEPA air purifiers can filter out dog allergens and dander that may be circulating in the air. Portable air filters in rooms with dogs can also help.
Take allergy medication– Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and asthma inhalers can alleviate allergy symptoms when exposure is unavoidable. Talk to your doctor about prescription options.
With some planning and consistent mitigation efforts, those with mild to moderate dog allergies can often successfully manage their symptoms when interacting with dogs.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for people who develop dog allergies.
Allergy medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids can help reduce allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which the body produces during an allergic reaction. Common antihistamines used for dog allergies include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra). Corticosteroids like prednisone reduce inflammation and can be used for short-term relief of severe symptoms.
Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can retrain the immune system to tolerate dog allergens. This involves receiving regular injections containing tiny amounts of the dog allergen over the course of 3-5 years. The doses gradually increase until the immune system builds up a tolerance. Immunotherapy is often effective at reducing dog allergy symptoms long-term.
Avoiding exposure to dogs and their allergens is important for managing symptoms. Keeping dogs out of the bedroom and restricting them to only certain areas of the home can help reduce allergens. Frequently washing the dog, vacuuming pet areas, and bathing after contact may also minimize exposure. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap dog allergens and reduce them in indoor air. Those with severe dog allergies may need to consider finding a new home for their dog.
Living with Dog Allergies
If you develop dog allergies, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and continue living with your furry friend:
Keep dogs out of the bedroom – Since pet allergens can collect on bedding and are easily inhaled while you sleep, designating your bedroom a pet-free zone can provide some allergy relief at night.
Clean frequently – Thoroughly vacuuming carpets and dusting surfaces at least twice a week can help reduce allergens. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results.
Invest in an air purifier – An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove pet allergens circulating in the air. Place it in rooms where you spend the most time.
Wash hands and clothes – Be diligent about washing your hands after touching your dog to avoid spreading allergens. Also wash clothing and blankets frequently to rid them of allergens.
Consider allergy medication – Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots can help manage allergy symptoms. Talk to your doctor to find the right treatment options.
While dog allergies can be frustrating, taking steps to reduce allergen exposure and using medication can make living with your furry companion possible.
Conclusion
Allergies to dogs can develop suddenly, even in people who have lived with dogs for years without any issues. The exact cause isn’t always known, but potential triggers include changes in the dog’s skin and saliva proteins as they age, increased exposure to allergens as the dog spends more time indoors, and changes to the person’s immune system. Symptoms of dog allergies are similar to other allergies and include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, and skin irritation. See an allergist for allergy testing if symptoms persist after removing the dog from the home. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms with antihistamines, nasal sprays, allergy shots, and avoiding exposure. While dog allergies can develop at any time, steps like bathing dogs regularly, restricting them from bedrooms, using air purifiers, and taking medication at the start of allergy season can help prevent their onset.