Diagnosing and Managing Pet Allergies
PHOTO CREDIT: BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM/ MOTORTION
By Dr. Lakiea Wright, board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
FINALLY, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT SO-CALLED “HYPOALLERGENIC” DOGS DO NOT EXIST.
IF YOU OWN A DOG OR CAT, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE COME ACROSS SOMEONE
• Confine the pet to a room with a polished floor and wipeable furniture
WHO SNEEZES uncontrollably around your beloved pet. Allergies to pets
• Restrict your furry pet from the bedroom and keep the animal off fur-
with fur are very common and as many as three in 10 people in the U.S.
niture
with allergies are sensitized to cats and dogs, according to the Asthma
• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and vacuum cleaners
and Allergy Foundation of America.
• Wash your pet weekly in warm water and soap
A common misconception is that the animal’s fur is the source of the
allergy, but rather, reactions are typically triggered by proteins in urine,
Finally, it’s important to note that so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs
saliva and dander. These proteins are lightweight and can easily be dis-
do not exist. All dogs make one or more of the proteins in their urine,
persed in the air, landing on our furniture, mattress and even our clothes.
saliva and dander. But an allergy doesn’t have to be a barrier to pet-
Many people are allergic to one or more proteins. Based on clinical
ownership. By undergoing advanced allergy testing patients can de-
studies, it is estimated that up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs
termine which of the major allergen components they are allergic to
are only sensitized to one protein called Can f 5 made in the dog’s pros-
and can work with their doctor to develop more precise management
tate. Sensitization to this particular protein may mean that an allergic
recommendations.
dog-lover can tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered. Common pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose,
ABOUT DR. LAKIEA WRIGHT
coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing, watery
Dr.
or itchy eyes, and skin rash or hives. If you experience symptoms, you
physician in internal medicine and allergy
should talk to your doctor about allergy testing. There is whole allergen
and immunology. She completed her allergy
testing (available as skin prick or blood testing) and advanced blood al-
and immunology fellowship training at
lergy testing, called component testing. Based on research studies, pet
Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Wom-
allergen component testing may help identify specific protein triggers
en’s Hospital in Boston and maintains an
which can help your healthcare provider assess your risk of developing
appointment as a staff physician. She is also
asthma or asthma severity.
the Medical Director of U.S. Clinical Affairs at
Even if testing confirms your pet allergy, you may still be able to welcome a dog into your home. The following steps can help reduce your exposure to the allergen.
32 Summer 2020
Lakiea
Wright is
Thermo Fisher Scientific.
a
board-certified
