Washing
dog twice weekly may decrease allergens
There are more than 100 million dogs and cats in the United States.
Unfortunately, more than 15 million Americans are allergic to these furry
animals. Although it is best to remove these animals from the homes of
allergic patients, information in the April JACI reported good news
for allergic dog owners. Researchers in the United Kingdom reported that
washing a dog twice a week significantly reduces the amount of dog
allergen in the home.
Researchers
studied 25 dogs who had not been washed in the previous three weeks. The
dogs were thoroughly washed for five minutes using shampoo. Hair and
dander samples were collected from the dogs before and immediately after
washing. For the next seven days, a tuft of hair was clipped from 16 of
the dogs once daily and air samples were collected from five homes for 10
days. Washing the dogs significantly reduced the amount of allergen
detected in the hair clippings and dander samples taken. The results of
the air samples also indicated a significant reduction in dog allergens
when compared to pre-wash levels.
To maintain this allergen reduction, the
dog needs to be washed at least twice a week because allergen buildup
occurs quite rapidly in dogs. Considering that dander, hair and saliva are
the most important sources of dog allergen, the findings of this study may
prove important in helping allergic dog owners manage their symptoms.
(Make sure to consult your vet if planning to wash your dog frequently to
prevent the dog from experiencing excessively dry skin.)
Reference: "Washing the dog reduces dog allergen
levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week." J Allergy Clin
Immunol 1999;103: 581-85. AAAAI - American Academy of Allergy
Asthma and Immunology
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