Allergy to dog urine (Canis familiaris) is an allergy caused by a specific protein found in the dog's prostate. Therefore, it may be the case that you are only allergic to the unneutered male, but not to the female or the neutered male. It is estimated that up to 30% of people who suffer from allergies to dogs are actually allergic to urine. When the animal urinates, this protein can spread to the skin and hair. These particles are very light, so they are dispersed throughout the air as the animal moves. Since all dogs produce one or more types of these proteins, there is no such thing as a "hypoallergenic" breed. However, not everyone is allergic to all of these allergens, so determining which proteins you are allergic to is very helpful in understanding the race or gender causing the reaction. The symptoms are rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma or contact urticaria. As a prevention it is recommended to avoid contact with dogs, but if this is not possible, avoid carpets and rugs, use vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter, wash the animal weekly with products that prevent flaking, and avoid the entrance the animal in the allergic person's room.
At Rekom Biotech, we desing and manufacture IVD reagents for diagnosis of Dog urine allergy. If you do not find what you are looking for, you can request our custom-made recombinant proteins service. Do not hesitate to contact us!