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The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth: An Allergist's Guide to Pet Allergies
You’ve heard the term "hypoallergenic dog," but is there really such a thing? Can choosing a dog with hair instead of fur, or one that doesn't shed, actually prevent your allergies?
In this myth-busting episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are tackling one of the most common questions they get from patients: "Can I get a dog if I'm allergic?"
They break down the science of pet dander, explaining why ALL dogs have the potential to cause allergies (spoiler: it's not just the fur!). Learn why you might react to one dog but not another, get an "insider's guide" to how allergy testing for dogs works, and discover the most effective, allergist-approved strategies for living happily with your furry friends—without just telling you to get rid of them!
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:32 The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth Busted
02:12 It's Not the Fur! The Real Cause of Dog Allergies
03:26 An Insider's Guide to Dog Allergy Testing
06:39 The #1 Way to "Fix" Your Dog Allergy (Immunotherapy)
09:22 Practical Tips: Creating a "Pet-Free Zone" & Managing Dander
11:29 Why We'll NEVER Tell You to Get Rid of Your Pet
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SEND US A SUGGESTION
[email protected]
ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Instagram
Facebook
By Kara Wada, Amber Patterson, Meagan ShepherdSend us a text
The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth: An Allergist's Guide to Pet Allergies
You’ve heard the term "hypoallergenic dog," but is there really such a thing? Can choosing a dog with hair instead of fur, or one that doesn't shed, actually prevent your allergies?
In this myth-busting episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – are tackling one of the most common questions they get from patients: "Can I get a dog if I'm allergic?"
They break down the science of pet dander, explaining why ALL dogs have the potential to cause allergies (spoiler: it's not just the fur!). Learn why you might react to one dog but not another, get an "insider's guide" to how allergy testing for dogs works, and discover the most effective, allergist-approved strategies for living happily with your furry friends—without just telling you to get rid of them!
EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:32 The "Hypoallergenic" Dog Myth Busted
02:12 It's Not the Fur! The Real Cause of Dog Allergies
03:26 An Insider's Guide to Dog Allergy Testing
06:39 The #1 Way to "Fix" Your Dog Allergy (Immunotherapy)
09:22 Practical Tips: Creating a "Pet-Free Zone" & Managing Dander
11:29 Why We'll NEVER Tell You to Get Rid of Your Pet
WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW
SEND US A SUGGESTION
[email protected]
ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok
AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.
Instagram
Facebook