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Understanding Your Genetic Risk for Dog Allergy

Dog allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to proteins found in a dog’s dander, saliva, or urine, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, eczema flares, or asthma. A key part of this process is the Human Leukocyte Antigen or HLA system. HLA genes help the immune system recognize foreign substances and decide whether to mount a response. Certain variations near HLA can make the immune system more likely to identify dog proteins as threats, increasing the chance of allergic reactions.

This article explains how one specific genetic marker, rs7775228, relates to dog allergy risk and offers practical, approachable steps you can take to support immune health and reduce allergen exposure. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and not a diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical questions, testing, or treatment decisions.

How HLA Variations Affect Allergy Risk

The HLA region encodes proteins that present small fragments of proteins to immune cells. Variants in HLA can change which protein fragments are presented and how strongly the immune system reacts. At rs7775228, different genotypes are associated with different levels of immune sensitivity to dog allergens:

2 effect alleles — CC (higher immune sensitivity)

If you have the CC genotype for rs7775228, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with higher immune sensitivity to dog allergens. The HLA variation may make your immune system more inclined to identify proteins from dog dander, saliva, or urine as harmful, increasing the likelihood of symptoms such as sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, skin irritation, or asthma symptoms.

Important points

  • This is a predisposition, not a diagnosis. Clinical testing and symptom history are required to confirm an allergy.
  • Being proactive with exposure reduction and immune-supportive strategies can lower the chance or severity of symptoms.
1 effect allele — CT (moderate potential)

If you have the CT genotype for rs7775228, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a moderate potential for allergic reaction to dog allergens. Your immune system may be somewhat more likely to react to dog proteins, but the overall risk is lower than for two effect alleles.

Important points

  • This genotype indicates a moderate predisposition and does not guarantee clinical allergy.
  • Monitoring symptoms and adopting preventive measures can help you stay comfortable around dogs.
0 effect alleles — TT (lower likelihood)

If you have the TT genotype for rs7775228, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This result suggests a lower likelihood of developing heightened immune sensitivity to dog-related allergens compared with carriers of the effect allele. Your immune system may be less prone to treating dog proteins as threats.

Important points

  • Even with a lower genetic risk, environmental factors and other genes can still lead to allergy development.
  • Continuing good exposure-reduction and immune health practices is still helpful.

Practical Steps to Manage Exposure and Symptoms

Whether your genotype shows higher, moderate, or lower genetic sensitivity, these practical measures reduce allergen exposure and can lower symptom frequency or intensity.

  • Groom pets regularly. Frequent brushing and bathing (every 1 to 2 weeks) reduces dander and saliva build-up. Use a designated grooming area outdoors if possible.
  • Create pet-free zones. Keep bedrooms and sleeping areas off-limits to pets to reduce nighttime exposure when respiratory symptoms and asthma risk can increase.
  • Use high-efficiency filters. HEPA air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaners capture dander particles. Replace HVAC and vacuum filters on schedule.
  • Wash fabrics often. Clean bedding, rugs, curtains, and pet bedding in hot water weekly to remove allergens.
  • Hard surfaces help. Replace heavy carpeting with hard flooring where practical and wipe down surfaces frequently with damp cloths to reduce settled allergens.
  • Limit close contact if symptomatic. If you notice sneezing or eye irritation after interacting with dogs, reduce face-to-fur contact and wash hands afterwards.

Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle to Support Immune Balance

An anti-inflammatory lifestyle supports a balanced immune response. These recommendations can be helpful regardless of genotype and may reduce the severity of allergic responses.

  • Anti-inflammatory diet. Focus on colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include a variety of vegetables and fruits daily for antioxidants and fiber.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines or plant sources like flaxseed provide omega-3s that can reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Probiotic-rich foods. Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, fermented vegetables, and other probiotic foods support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to immune regulation.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and stay active. Regular exercise supports immune health and lung function, and weight management can reduce inflammatory burden.
  • Sleep and stress management. Aim for consistent quality sleep and use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to lower stress-driven inflammation.

Supplement Options to Consider

Supplements may support immune balance, but consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

  • Vitamin D. Supports immune regulation. Consider testing blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and supplementing to reach optimal range if low.
  • Quercetin. A flavonoid with natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties that some people use to reduce allergy symptoms.
  • Omega-3 supplements. Fish oil or algal oil can help increase omega-3 intake if dietary sources are insufficient.
  • Probiotic supplements. Specific strains may help immune balance; choose clinically studied blends and discuss with your clinician.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

  • Get evaluated if you have recurrent sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, skin reactions, or asthma-like symptoms triggered around dogs.
  • Consider allergy testing such as skin prick testing or specific IgE blood testing to confirm sensitization to dog allergens.
  • If you have asthma or trouble breathing with exposure, seek prompt medical advice and an asthma action plan.
  • Discuss immunotherapy options with an allergist if symptoms are significant and exposure reduction is insufficient. Allergists can advise about allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy when appropriate.

Key Takeaways

  • rs7775228 near HLA can influence how strongly the immune system reacts to dog allergens. CC indicates higher genetic sensitivity, CT indicates moderate potential, and TT indicates lower likelihood.
  • Genetic predisposition does not equal a diagnosis. Clinical testing and symptom history are needed to confirm allergy.
  • Exposure reduction, an anti-inflammatory diet, targeted supplements under medical guidance, and healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms and support immune balance.
  • PlexusDx provides educational genetic information. This content is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis, testing, and treatment decisions.