Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine. An allergic reaction occurs when a sensitive person's immune system reacts abnormally to the usually harmless proteins. Different breeds produce different dander, so it's possible to be more allergic to some dogs than others.
Can I be allergic to one dog and not others?
How hypoallergenic a dog is may depend on the individual dog and person. Not all dogs produce the same proteins, so some people are allergic to a specific dog, not a specific breed. That means that a person could react to one Poodle and live symptom-free with a different Poodle.
Can different dogs cause allergies?
People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
How do you know if you are allergic to certain dogs?
A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a dog allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of dog allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skin's surface.
Why am I allergic to other dogs but not my own?
But on the whole, experts say that isn't the case. In fact, two dogs of the same breed can each give off very different levels of allergen. It's not the dog's hair or fur that's the real problem. Instead, people are usually allergic to the dander -- flakes of dead skin -- as well as the saliva and urine.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Why am I allergic to some dogs but not all?Why do some dogs cause less allergic reactions?
