When I first heard that the common allergy causing proteins in dogs originated in their mouth I had my doubts. For years I understood all animal allergies was caused by proteins produced in the animals skin that was later released in the air on dander. Though this is true for cats, dogs have a different way of producing allergy proteins that cause owners to develop dog allergies.

There are two common proteins that lead to an allergic reaction to dogs, Canis familiaris 1 (Can f 1) and Canis Familiaris 2 (Can f 2). Both allergens originate in the mouth where Can f 1 (major dog allergen) is produced by the tongue epithelial tissue and Can f 2 (minor dog allergen) is produced by the tongue and parotid gland. When Can f 1 and Can f 2 were produced and tested for immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity in dog allergic subjects 45% had IgE exclusively to Can f 1 and 25% had IgE to both Can f 1 and Can f 2.
[Cited from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1364166/pdf/immunology00052-0167.pdf]

Now you might ask, if dog allergens are produced in the mouth why do all recommendations revolve around reducing allergens from their fur? Simple; when a dog naturally bathes themselves they transfer the saliva to their fur and skin. The saliva dries on the skin and is released into the air catching a ride on the animal dander right into the nasal passages of their unsuspecting owners. As a result, bathing, brushing, and wiping your dogs fur will help reduce dog allergens.

Though bathing is effective, there are other precautions you may want to consider to help reduce allergens in your home. Allergic persons in the home should not allow their dog to lick their hands or faces. If you’re one of those pet owners that adore those affectionate kisses when you get home limit how many kisses your dog is allowed to give and then wash your hands and face right away.

Recognizing that dog allergens originate in the mouth and not the skin can set you leaps and bounds ahead of fighting allergies. You can take necessary measures to limit saliva on your skin as well as reducing animal dander in your home, giving you double protection from dog allergies in your home.

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