Finding a Hypoallergenic Dog Might Just Be Barack Obama’s ‘Mission Impossible’.

President-elect Obama made many promises during the election campaign, but to his daughters, the biggest was probably that if he’s elected they would get a dog. A tough call, given that his eldest daughter, Malia, apparently has a ‘dog allergy’.

In his first press conference, Obama seemed to think that all would be okay if they found a ‘hypoallergenic dog’. Sounds like a great plan. But according to medical experts, it’s not all that feasible. In fact, soon after the press conference, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology  (AAAAI) issued a statement saying “There is no truly ‘hypoallergenic’ dog.”

According to the Academy, there are many misconceptions regarding dog allergies, chief among them being ‘that people are allergic to a dog’s hair, and it is falsely believed that a dog that sheds less will not cause a reaction.’ Not true!

Here’s the truth. The major allergen is a protein found in all dog’s serum and this protein is shed from their skin through sweat, as well as in their saliva and probably is also in their urine. So it’s next to impossible to find an allergy-free dog.

So what’s a President-elect to do? He’s made a promise that will be impossible to back out of.

Dr Corinna Bowser, an allergy and asthma expert from Pennsylvania recommends that the Obama’s do two things before bringing any puppy home: First, dog-sit a friend or neighbors dog to see how Malia’s allergies fare, and second, set some rules about how they’ll plan on handling any allergy issues.

Brower says “”What we tell our patients is draw an imaginary line in the sand. If the child has an ER visit for asthma or needs significantly more medication, or whatever you want to determine as the line, that’s when the dog has to go. And set these rules ahead of time, because then everybody knows that’s when the dog has to go.”

Combine this advice with the AAAAI guidelines list below and the Obama might just be able to pull of his most important campaign promise.

• Visit an allergist/immunologist to diagnose the allergy and discuss treatment, which may include maintenance medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots).
• Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom. Animal dander will collect on pillows, leading to worsened symptoms at night and morning.
• Bathe the animal weekly to reduce the amount of dander shed at home.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood or other solid-surface flooring for easy clean-up.
• Vacuuming may not be effective in decreasing allergen levels, but using a HEPA filter and double bags may help.
• Wash bedding and clothing in hot water. While animal allergens are not easily removed by high temperatures, these measures may help.

(Image credit: Newscom)