Dog allergy J30.4

Second most common form of animal hair allergy (after cat allergy). Hypersensitivity is to dog proteins (see below) that have been detected in the hair, saliva and skin scales of dogs. The allergic symptoms are not only triggered by direct contact with the dog, but also indirectly via people who have had contact with dogs. A dog allergy or an allergy to dog proteins is often limited to a single breed of dog. Cross-allergies with cat allergens have been proven (see below cat allergy). In contrast to cat allergens, which are very airborne, dog allergens do not spread in the air in a pronounced way; they are also less aggressive.

Relevant and analysed allergens in Canis familiaris (dog) -s.a. http://allergen.org

• Can f 1: Lipocalin (23-25) - Major allergen, is produced by the salivary gland of the dog. 50-75% of dog allergy sufferers have specific IgE against Can f 1.
• Can f 2: Lipocalin 19 (27) - is produced by the salivary gland of the dog.
• Can f 3: Serum albumin - highly cross-reactive allergen
• Can f 4: Lipocalin 16 - was isolated from dog hair. About 35% of dog allergic persons have specific IgE against Can f3
• Can f 5: Argininesterase, prostate alkaline. There is a high homology to human prostate antigen (PSA). 70% of dog allergy sufferers have a specific allergenicity to Can f 5.
• Can f 6: Lipocalin 27 - 40-60% of dog allergy sufferers have specific IgE to Can f 6. Can f 6 has a high identity to other lipocalins such as Equ c1, Fel d 4, Ory c 4. This is responsible for cross reactivities with horse, cat and rabbit.

Rhinoconjunctivitis, headaches, even allergic asthma.

• Basically the general avoidance of dogs is advisable. Remark: The practicability in the daily practice is questionable and in contrast to the "cat allergy" not absolutely necessary!
• When buying dogs, breeds with little hair are to be preferred (recent studies dispute this thesis - Vredegoor 2012). During these investigations it was found that so-called hypoallergenic dogs (Labradoodle, Spanish Water Dog) even had higher concentrations of Can f 1 than comparable control breeds. Among the investigated dog breeds, the Labrador retriever was the one with the lowest allergen concentration.
• Washing hands after direct contact with dogs.
• Changing clothes after direct contact with dogs.
• Dogs must be kept away from living rooms and bedrooms!
• Washing hair in the evening. Skin scales and dog hair do not get onto pillows and thus onto the mucous membranes of humans.
• In the apartment as few dust catchers as possible (carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture).

SCIT with dog allergens seems to be little effective so far (Klimek L 2018).

1. Brajon D et al(2014) Immunoallergic skin manifestations associated with new pets: Three cases. Ann Dermatol Venereol 141:588-592
2. Davila I et al (2018) Consensus document on dog and cat allergy.
   Allergy. 2018 Jan 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29318625
3. Hilger C et al. (2015) Molecular diagnostics for mammalian allergy. In: Kleine-Tebbe J et al. Hrsg Molecular allergy diagnostics. Springer Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg S 277-289.
4. Clinic L (2018) Animal Epithelia: Dog and Cat. Skin 01: 15-21
5. Konradsen JR et al (2014) Allergy to furry animals: New insights, diagnostic approaches, and challenges. J Allergy Clin Immunol 135: 616-625
6. Vredegoor DW etal. (2012) Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic.J Allergy Clin Immunol 130:904-909.