• De waarheid over hypo-allergene honden
  • De waarheid over hypo-allergene honden
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The truth about hypo-allergenic dogs

Mon, 07/29/2019 - 16:53

Coughing, sneezing, red eyes, running noses until total asthma attacks. Because of the presence of a dog.
One in ten people has an allergy to dogs to a greater or lesser extent. Some of them still want a dog to be part of the family. For fun, for sports or as a buddy in difficult times.

And where there is a wish comes a search and a solution. Or not? Do they really exist? Dogs that do not induce allergy?
Books are full of allergies and everyone knows about allergies to dogs. Shaggy dogs, curly-haired dogs, specially bred dogs. Everywhere there is something to be said.

CanF1 is the protein that causes allergies to dogs in one in ten people in the Netherlands. The CanF1 protein is found in the dog's saliva, in the dog's urine and on the skin and coat. Every dog ​​(species) has these proteins. As with hay fever and dust mite allergy, we speak of an inhalation allergy when the reactions mainly affect the airways and eyes. The small protein particles are inhaled and as a result the unpleasant reactions in allergic people arise.
Saliva often causes contact allergy, itching in places where the dog has licked or cuddled.

It is not possible to breed an animal that does not have this CanF1 protein or to a lesser extent, although this is sometimes claimed.
What can be tried and perhaps possible is to limit the whirling around and thereby inhaling the protein particles. The particles are mainly on the hair. And that is why a dog that continuously distributes hair is not the most obvious match with someone who is sensitive to the CanF1 protein.
Unless intensive care is done. Coat care especially in the sense of keeping the coat clean and limiting the exposure by very controlled bath treatments. Short-haired and canine-haired dogs such as Dalmatian Dog, German Shepherd, Boxer and Akita will at least continue to heal a minimal frequency of four to six-weekly baths and thereby spread little / less CanF1. A big investment, but for lovers with an allergy probably worth it.

catA non or less shedding coat, such as a shaggy, long-haired or curly-haired breed will retain the CanF1 proteins in the coat instead of spreading them. The hairs do not whirl around and therefore the proteins also whirl less. Also with these coats, to avoid problems, intensive maintenance is recommended. Not by brushing on a dry coat, then the particles still go into the air, but again by frequent and good to (let) wash. A good shampoo and a smoothing conditioner make the hair clean and supple. All protein particles between the hairs disappear in the drainage pit for that moment.

The fur care should preferably not be done by the allergic person himself. By keeping the coat a reasonable length and not short shaving or cutting, the possibility remains that the protein particles are held between the hairs. When the dog is shaved short, a 'whirlwind effect' can arise.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, having and keeping a dog for an allergic person can also stand or fall with the degree of coat maintenance. Something to be sure to take when testing a breed or coat type. Then ask yourself whether the dog has just been washed or not. This can affect the degree of response. In itself not bad but know that in crop condition is probably less reaction than when the proteins from weeks accumulate in the coat.

In 2010, almost simultaneous studies took place in Detroit and Utrecht where the allergenic substances were measured on different dogs (types) and in domestic circumstances. Both studies gave a similar outcome.
Labradoodles spread no less CanF1 than other dogs with a similar coat. More strikingly, the researchers in Utrecht found more CanF1 on Labradoodles than on the other varieties studied. In an online doodle forum, the placebo effect was discussed at that time, which perhaps would do its job anyway. In itself, of course, also fine. If boss and dog can enjoy each other, it is always good!

Author

Rosita Compagner