Pet Allergy – Symptoms and Causes

Health Issues

Pet allergies occur when people react to proteins in animal skin, saliva, or urine. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and sometimes breathing difficulties. These reactions typically happen when someone encounters pet dander (dead skin flakes).

Various products and services can help manage pet allergy symptoms.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters capture tiny dander particles floating in the air. Meanwhile, pet-specific shampoos reduce allergens when bathing your pet regularly.

Allergen-blocking covers for furniture and bedding create barriers against dander buildup.

Helpful items for pet allergy sufferers:

• Allergy medications (antihistamines, nasal sprays)
• Danger-reducing pet wipes
• Vacuum cleaners with specialized filtration
• Professional home cleaning services with allergy focus

Some people might benefit from immunotherapy treatments, which gradually build tolerance to pet allergens over time. Consult with a healthcare provider to develop the best management plan for your specific symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Pet allergies can cause various skin problems when your immune system reacts to pet proteins. When you touch an animal you’re allergic to, you might develop:

• Hives – raised, red, itchy bumps on the skin.
• Eczema – dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin.
• Skin itchiness – general scratchy feeling on contact areas.

Besides skin issues, pet allergies often affect the airways and eyes. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Red, watery, itchy eyes
• Nasal stuffiness
• Itchy throat or roof of mouth
• Coughing
• Face pain or pressure

Children with pet allergies may frequently rub their nose upward. Some people develop bluish, swollen skin under their eyes.

If pet allergies trigger asthma, you might experience:

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing sounds when breathing out
• Sleep problems due to breathing issues

These symptoms typically appear shortly after exposure to pet dander, saliva, or urine.

When to See a Doctor

It can be hard to tell if you have pet allergies or just a cold since they share symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. If your symptoms last longer than two weeks, allergies might be the cause.

Contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severely blocked nasal passages
• Difficulty sleeping
• Wheezing
• Persistent symptoms

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if:

• You notice rapidly worsening wheezing
• You become short of breath with minimal activity

Don’t ignore these warning signs. Proper medical care can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What Causes Pet Allergies

Pets with Fur: Cats and Dogs

Pet allergies happen when your body’s defense system reacts to proteins found in animal dander, saliva, urine, or sweat. Cat and dog allergens are particularly troublesome for many people.

Sources of allergens in cats and dogs:

• Skin flakes (dander) that shed naturally
• Saliva deposits on fur from grooming
• Dried urine or sweat on fur
• Hair (though the hair itself isn’t usually the main problem)

Animal dander is especially problematic because these tiny particles can float in the air for hours with minimal air movement. These particles easily stick to furniture, clothing, and bedding. When pets lick themselves, their saliva dries and becomes airborne.

Important note: No breed is truly “hypoallergenic.” While some breeds might shed less fur, they still produce the proteins that cause allergic reactions.

Small Pets: Rodents and Rabbits

Mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and rabbits can also trigger allergies in sensitive people.

Common sources of allergens in small pets:

• Hair and dander
• Saliva from grooming
• Urine (especially in rodent cages)
• Dust from bedding materials

The sawdust or litter used in these animals’ cages can become a secondary problem. When disturbed, these materials release tiny particles containing allergens into the air.

Other Types of Pets

Pets without fur rarely cause allergic reactions. Fish, turtles, snakes, and other reptiles are usually good choices for people with pet allergies.

These animals don’t produce dander like furry pets do. They also don’t have the same proteins in their skin secretions that typically trigger immune system responses in allergic individuals.

Risk Factors

Pet allergies often run in families. If your parents or siblings have allergies or asthma, you have a higher chance of developing pet allergies yourself. Genetics plays an important role in determining who will experience these allergic reactions.

Interestingly, early exposure to pets may actually help prevent allergies. Research shows that children who live with dogs during their first year may develop stronger immune systems.

These children tend to have fewer upper respiratory infections throughout childhood compared to those without dogs.

Health Problems

Sinus Infections

Pet allergies can cause ongoing swelling in your nasal passages. This swelling may block the hollow spaces connected to your nose, known as sinuses.

When these spaces get blocked, you’re more likely to get bacterial sinus infections. Signs of a sinus infection include:

• Pain and pressure around your face
• Thick nasal discharge
• Headache
• Fever

Asthma

People who have both asthma and pet allergies often struggle to control their asthma symptoms. When exposed to pets they’re allergic to, they may experience:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing

These reactions can sometimes lead to severe asthma attacks that need immediate medical help.

Prevention

Before bringing a pet into your home, check if you have allergies. Getting tested for pet allergies ahead of time can save both you and the animal from a difficult situation.