Can dogs have allergies?

Can people be allergic to certain types of dogs even though they do not have allergies to dogs?

• I have had dogs all my life with no allergies. But they have mainly been from the terrier group. We recently bought a beagle and I have been coughing and wheezing. Can you be allergic to certain breeds of dogs and not others?

• Answer:

  Debra: The allergic reaction to dogs is caused by a protein in the saliva and urine of the animal. The amount of this protein varies from animal to animal. Dogs of the same breed will have different levels of this protein. What happens is the dog licks itself or empties its bladder and small bits of the protein adhere to the skin or fur of the animal. The protein then either flakes off on its own or comes off when that bit of hair or skin is shed. When the allergic person breathes this bit of protein their body doesn't recognize it as dog protein, it thinks it is a germ. A complex process occurs where the human immunoglobulin E is produced specific to that protein and this in turn causes the mast cells in the blood to create histamine. It is the histamine that makes you cough and wheeze. So, you must deactivate or denature that protein. For starters, don't let the dog lick you...in the face or anywhere else. Be sure to wash your hands after playing with the dog. At least once a week, rub Allerpet/D on the dog to denature the proteins on the animal. I will give you a link to the Allerpet stuff. They make it for cats and dogs, be sure to get the dog one.