Dogs can be strongly allergic to house dust mites too, but the allergens that cause dermatitis in dogs are different from the major mite allergens that affect humans. Dogs react to the enzymes, which act to degrade chitin. Dogs can be strongly allergic to house dust mites too, but the allergens that cause dermatitis in dogs are different from the major mite allergens that affect humans. Dogs react to the enzymes, which act to degrade chitin. Chitin comes from the outer part of arthropods and from the cell walls of fungi. Both dead insects and fungi are an important part of the mite’s extensive diet. For dogs, scientists have named the guilty allergens as Der f 15 and Der f 18. For humans, similar ‘chitin-busting allergens’ called Der p15 and Der p18, can also cause allergy. To guard your dog against mite-related dermatitis, you should keep all resting places mite free and wash your dog regularly with a shampoo that contains a small amount of tea tree oil.* The oil will act to clog up the breathing holes on the mite’s shell and suffocate the mite. *Please refer to your vet before taking this action.
Reference:
The chitinase allergens Der p 15 and Der p18 from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
O’Neil SE, Heinrich TK, Hales BJ, Hazell LA, Holt DC, Fischer K, Thomas WR, Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 2006, 36, 331-339 |
