Despite our love for pets, being allergic to our most beloved companions can put a serious damper on our special human/animal bond. With the itchiness, the rashes, watery eyes, and the sneezing, allergic reactions to pets can be quite an unpleasant experience.
With upwards of 30% of the Canadian population being allergic to pet dander (that’s over 11.4 million people!), this is a problem shared by many.
Wouldn’t it be nice to make pet allergies a thing of the past? There is some good news on the horizon, as a team of Japanese researchers say they are well on their way towards developing a viable dog allergy vaccine.
Allergies to cats and dogs are common in humans, even among those who own pets. Allergic reactions stem from a variety of molecules, including those in saliva, dander, and more. While this may dissuade many would-be pet owners from welcoming a new four-legged companion into their home, others simply deal with it or do their best to mitigate their allergic reactivity.
While most allergic reactions to pets are mild, many individuals are affected on a much more serious level. It is estimated that 5-10 percent of the population experience severe allergic reactions to pets, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
When it comes to allergies, not all dogs are created equal. Many suffering from dog allergies often look to hypoallergenic breeds to reduce or eliminate their reactivity. While breeds like Bichon Frise, Labradoodles, and Schnauzers are considered hypoallergenic dogs, the reality is there are no completely hypoallergenic breeds. These particular dogs are less likely to trigger allergic reactions in humans because they produce less dander, salivate less profusely, and shed less.
There are seven known molecules that come from canines that cause allergic reactions in humans. This transpires when one of these molecules binds with antibodies in the human body, causing an overreaction of the immune system. Of these seven allergy-inducing molecules, there is one in particular that is believed to be responsible for up to 75% of human reactivity to pets.
A team of researchers in Japan have taken the initial steps towards making a pet allergy vaccine possible. Sections of the offending molecule, known as epitopes, are isolated using a special technique called X-ray Crystallography. This cutting edge technology allows researchers to identify structural information of proteins and biological macromolecules on an atomic level.
Their research has been published in the Federations of European Biochemical Societies Journal.
This state-of-the-art research could lead to a vaccine that works by providing the immune system with small, calculated doses of exposure, training it to lessen or eliminate allergic reactions.
As development of this promising dog vaccine progresses, this technology is likely to lead to future vaccines against other types of allergies, such as cats and other companion animals.
Researchers are hopeful this vaccine could be available to the public in the near future. For those suffering from dog allergies, your discomfort may soon be a thing of the past as a vaccine becomes available to the public in the foreseeable future.
Brandon Forder, known as The Pet Expert, is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, an industry leader in healthy pet lifestyles. Brandon is certified in pet nutrition, and has more than twenty-five years’ experience specializing in pet health and behaviour. He has written hundreds of informative pet-related articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, and the popular Ask the Pet Expert Blog. Brandon is highly skilled in pet problem solving, and enjoys teaching others about smart and responsible pet ownership. To learn more, visit www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
