Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Exist?

By Dr. Lakiea Wright, board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

WHO SNEEZES uncontrollably around your beloved pet. Allergies to pets with fur are very common and as many as three in 10 people in the U.S. with allergies are sensitized to cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

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, saliva and dander. These proteins are lightweight and can easily be dispersed in the air, landing on our furniture, mattress and even our clothes.

Many people are allergic to one or more proteins. Based on clinical studies, it is estimated that up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are only sensitized to one protein called Can f 5 made in the dog’s prostate. Sensitization to this particular protein may mean that an allergic dog-lover can tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered.

Common pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing, watery or itchy eyes, and skin rash or hives. If you experience symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about allergy testing. There is whole allergen testing (available as skin prick or blood testing) and advanced blood allergy testing, called component testing. Based on research studies, pet allergen component testing may help identify specific protein triggers which can help your healthcare provider assess your risk of developing asthma or asthma severity.

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.

• Confine the pet to a room with a polished floor and wipeable furniture • Restrict your furry pet from the bedroom and keep the animal off furniture • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and vacuum cleaners • Wash your pet weekly in warm water and soap

Finally, it’s important to note that so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs do not exist. All dogs make one or more of the proteins in their urine, saliva and dander. But an allergy doesn’t have to be a barrier to petownership. By undergoing advanced allergy testing patients can determine which of the major allergen components they are allergic to and can work with their doctor to develop more precise management recommendations.

Dr. Lakiea Wright is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology. She completed her allergy and immunology fellowship training at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and maintains an appointment as a staff physician. She is also the Medical Director of U.S. Clinical Affairs at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

MOVIES more often these days—the drive-in movies that is. The outdoor cinematic experience is making a small resurgence and some of these theaters are brightening their screens once again. Spending quality time with family and friends on summer nights under a canopy of stars while watching the latest the silver screen has to offer is a delightful way to spend an evening, especially if your best fur pal is along for the ride.

The first drive-in opened in Camden, New Jersey in 1933. The outdoor theater’s popularity peaked in the late 1950’s and early 60’s with over 4,000 across the United States and a few hundred more in Canada and Austra

lia according to driveinmovie.com. Then their numbers started to drop for several reasons, including the arrival of VHS movies. Eventually these mom-and-pop operations were required to replace old equipment with expensive newer technology, which forced more closures. Now the website estimates only about 330 are scattered across the states and very few beyond that. Over the past few years, however, there have been about 20 drive-ins reopened or newly built.

Many of them are Fido-friendly. Parma Motor-Vu in Parma, Idaho considers theirs a family experience and this includes the fur members as well. Owner Susan

Haaheim says, “We see all sizes and breeds, from the little ones sitting on the laps of their owners, to the big ones hanging out in the bed of the pick-up. All are offered a treat at the box office. Once inside the grounds, we don’t see or hear from most of them. Many get lots of extra pats as most of us are crazy about dogs. We also have a couple of water bowls for people to borrow if they forgot to bring one.” She adds, “Families that bring their dogs also tend to be very responsible in picking up after them. Rarely do we have to pick up doggy doo doo, which is much appreciated.”

Other than likely being Fido-friendly, drive-ins have the perks indoor theaters lack. In particular, due to the general restrictions the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on society, the outdoor entertainment venue allows families and friends an easy way to mingle while practicing safe social distancing. This is one aspect that has contributed to the recent resurgence of drive-ins. Going to one is the perfect way for Fido and his human pal to escape yet another night as fellow couch potatoes parked in front of the TV.

Many dog lovers are continually seeking out new places and experiences to enjoy with their pets. For those pooches not so much into the show, bring comfort and distraction from home in the form of blankets, treats and toys. Movie goer, Kathi Newell-Nicholson of London, Ontario, took her dog Buddy to a show featuring three movies—the first two were dog-themed. She says, “He watched them intently and when feature 3 came on (for humans) he went to sleep.”

‹ CHERYL SMYTH enjoys exploring nature and finding travel destinations she can share

with her best pal—her dog, Tessi.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARK HUNT

• A drive-in can be too hectic for dogs that are easily affected by any flurry of activity—nobody wants to listen to them barking throughout the show. • Arriving early, which allows you to not only grab a spot as they fill up quickly, but also to walk your fur pals before settling in so they are not interrupting the movie for a break. • Some drive-ins request that dogs remain in their vehicles during the entire show.

• Keeping pets leashed while outside. • Picking up after them—there may be a designated potty area. • Keeping pooches away from playgrounds, concession stands and snack bars. • Never leaving pets alone outside to pop over to these places yourself.