Can Dog Saliva Make You Sick? Understanding the Risks
Many pet owners cherish every slobbery kiss from their furry companions, but it's important to know that your dog's saliva could make you sick—especially if you are allergic or have sensitivities to certain proteins found in it.
Dog saliva contains a range of proteins that have the potential to act as allergens. When exposed, individuals with allergies might experience a wide array of symptoms, from mild irritation to serious respiratory distress. Here's a deep dive into how dog saliva can cause illness, how to manage symptoms, and ways to lessen exposure.
What Makes Dog Saliva Allergenic?
Allergens are typically harmless substances that provoke an exaggerated immune response in allergic individuals. Common dog allergens include proteins found in:
- Saliva
- Skin (dander)
- Urine
When dogs lick themselves or surfaces, their saliva is deposited, dries, and releases proteins into the environment. These proteins can become airborne and lead to inhalation or contact exposure.
Key Salivary Allergens in Dogs
Some of the primary allergenic proteins found in dog saliva include:
- Can f 1 and Can f 2 (lipocalins)
- Can f 3 (serum albumin)
- Can f 4 and Can f 6
- Can f 5 (only in intact males)
These proteins can vary between individual dogs and breeds. This variability explains why someone might be allergic to one dog’s saliva but not another’s—even among dogs of the same breed. Crucially,
no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.
Symptoms of a Dog Saliva Allergy
People allergic to dog saliva may experience:
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Skin reactions like hives or rashes
- Shortness of breath, wheezing
- Asthma attacks or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis
These symptoms can appear almost immediately or be delayed based on sensitivity and exposure level.
Environmental Exposure to Saliva Allergens
Dog saliva allergens don’t just stay with the pet. They can become part of your home environment, adhering to:
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Carpets and upholstery
Alarmingly, these proteins can even be present in dog-free homes because they cling to individuals and get transported on clothes or shoes. They’re resilient too—remaining in the environment for months after a dog is removed.
Diagnosis: How to Know if Dog Saliva Is the Cause
If dog dander tests are negative but symptoms persist, you might be reacting specifically to saliva:
- Allergy testing can measure IgE antibodies specific to saliva allergens.
- About 20% of dog allergy sufferers with negative dander tests react to saliva.
Testing should include saliva to provide a comprehensive picture.
Strategies to Reduce Exposure to Dog Saliva Allergens
Managing exposure is crucial for pet lovers who want to keep their dogs. Some strategies include:
- Designating pet-free zones, especially the bedroom
- Using HEPA filters in your home and vacuum cleaners
- Regular wet cleaning of surfaces to capture allergens
- Washing hands and changing clothes after contact
- Bathing your dog weekly with vet-approved shampoos
- Avoiding soft furnishings or switching to washable fabrics
- Opting for hard flooring over carpets
- Having a non-allergic person do cleaning and grooming
Medical Options for Managing Pet Allergies
If environmental control isn't enough, several medical treatments are available:
- Antihistamines: Reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itching
- Nasal corticosteroids: Control nasal inflammation
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Help with asthma or rhinitis
- Eye drops: Alleviate eye allergy symptoms
- Decongestants: Provide short-term relief from stuffiness
- Allergy immunotherapy: Gradually desensitizes your immune system
Always consult with a medical professional before starting treatment.
When to Consider Rehoming
In extreme cases where symptoms are severe and unmanageable, and all strategies have failed, rehoming your dog might be recommended. Although heartbreaking, it may be necessary for your health. However, this is a last resort and should be discussed thoroughly with a medical professional.
Conclusion
While your dog’s saliva can indeed make you sick if you're allergic, you can manage reactions with a combination of environmental changes and medical interventions. Though there's no cure for dog allergies, many people find effective ways to live comfortably with their pets. Always consult an allergist for a tailored plan that suits your lifestyle and symptoms.
