Board Certified Allergist
This article is based on an expert interview with Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI, conducted by wikiHow Staff Editors. Dr. Alan O. Khadavi is a Board Certified Allergist and a Pediatric Allergy Specialist based in Los Angeles, California. He holds a BS in biochemistry from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook and an MD from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. Dr. Khadavi completed his pediatric residency at Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York, and then went on to complete his allergy and immunology fellowship and pediatric residency at Long Island College Hospital. He is board certified in adult and pediatric allergy/immunology. Dr. Khadavi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, a Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), and a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Dr. Khadavi's honors include Castle Connolly’s list of Top Doctors 2013-2020, and Patient Choice Awards "Most Compassionate Doctor" in 2013 & 2014.
This article has been viewed 1,180 times.
If you’re allergic to cats and dogs, you’ve probably thought about adding a hypoallergenic furry friend to your family. But do hypoallergenic pets really not trigger allergies? In this video, allergist Alan O. Khadavi clears up the confusion once and for all and recommends the best strategy for dealing with allergies when you have a pet.
Key Takeaways
- Some cats and dogs may give off less dander, but hypoallergenic pets that don’t cause allergies don’t really exist.
- Allergens come from pets’ skin and saliva, not their fur.
- Allergy medications and air filters can help if you’re allergic to pets.
Video Transcript
Unfortunately, hypoallergenic cats and dogs do not really exist. There are cats and dogs that may give off less dander, but having a pet that's hypoallergenic does not exist. Most of the allergen of cats and dogs exists on the dander, which is in the skin, not necessarily the fur of the animal. So even if you get a cat or a dog that doesn't shed that much, they still have dander, which is also in the saliva. Unfortunately, many patients who are allergic to cats and dogs will be allergic to their pets regardless of what type of breed they are, hypoallergenic or not. If you do have symptoms and you are allergic to cats and dogs, you can see a doctor to take medications to minimize the symptoms. Or there are other ways, like getting air filters in the house and minimizing the contact with a pet if you are allergic to them.
