Some people have an allergic reaction to specific proteins found in an animal’s cells, saliva, urine, or skin. It is known as pet allergy and it causes symptoms similar to those of hay fever (such as runny nose, sneezing, and others). Sometimes, people with this allergy type can experience asthma symptoms including trouble breathing, wheezing, and others.
Commonly, this allergy is provoked by dead skin flakes (dander) a pet sheds. Generally, all animals with fur can provoke this type of allergy but it is most associated with cats and dogs.
If you experience pet allergy it is recommended to reduce or avoid the exposure to the animal as much as possible. However, different treatment options are available to lessen asthma and other pet allergy symptoms.
Symptoms
The primary pet allergy symptom is inflammation of the nasal passages. For example:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itchy nose
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Postnasal drip
- Frequent awakening
- Facial pain and pressure
- Swollen skin under the eyes
Check below some symptoms associated with asthma:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sleeping problems due to shortness of breath, wheezing, or coughing
- Breathing problems
- Whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
Skin Symptoms
There are some people who can also experience skin symptoms along with previous ones. This is known as allergic dermatitis and happens due to an immune system reaction. It usually appears when you get in direct contact with an allergy-causing pet. Check below some symptoms:
- Eczema
- Skin itchiness
- Red and raised patches of skin (hives)
In most cases, it may be challenging to diagnose pet allergy because the symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. However, if the symptoms do not disappear within 2 weeks, you may have an allergy. In addition, immediately contact your healthcare professional if you experience the following symptoms. For example sleeping problems, wheezing, or blocked nasal passages.
Causes
An allergy usually happens due to an immune system reaction to pollen, mold, or pet dander. It makes special proteins (antibodies) that help to protect you from different invaders that could cause an infection or make you sick. When you experience an allergy the body’s defense (immune system) produces antibodies for something harmful while it is not.
The inflammatory response in the nasal passages or lungs of the immune system happens when you are exposed to allergens or inhale them. If you are exposed to allergens for long periods it may lead to chronic airway inflammation which usually leads to asthma.
Cats and Dogs
Allergens from these pets usually are found in dead skin cells, saliva, urine, and sweat on the fur. A more serious problem is pet dander because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods, especially where there is low air circulation. Furthermore, it easily collects in upholstered furniture or can stick to the clothes. In addition, pet saliva usually remains on carpets, bedding, furniture, or clothes and dried saliva can become airborne.
However, maybe everyone heard about hypoallergenic cats and dogs that shed less fur than other pets but unfortunately, a true hypoallergenic breed does not exist.
Rodents and Rabbits
These animals also can cause pet allergies. Rodents include mice, gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs. The allergens of rodents are usually found in hair, dander, saliva, and urine. Moreover, litter or sawdust located in their cages also may contribute to airborne allergens. Rabbit allergens include dander, hair, and saliva.
In rare cases, pet allergy can occur due to animals that do not have fur (such as fish and reptiles).
Risk Factors
This type of allergy occurs quite commonly and your risk of allergies can increase significantly due to a family history of allergies. However, if children are exposed to pets it can help to prevent future pet allergies. As per studies, children who live with a dog in the first years of life are more resistant to respiratory infections that can occur during childhood compared to those who do not have a dog in early childhood.
What Are The Possible Pet Allergy Complications?
If you ignore this allergy type, it may lead to some complications. For example:
- Asthma – This is a respiratory condition that is considered a medical emergency. In other words, once you are diagnosed with this condition, you should receive treatment immediately.
- Sinus Infection – Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages tissue can lead to obstruction of the cavities linked to the nasal passages (sinuses). Such people are at increased risk of developing bacterial infections of the sinuses (such as sinusitis).
One way to prevent pet allergies is to make sure you are not allergic to pet dander, saliva, urine, or hair before buying or adopting one.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually suspect a person has a pet allergy based on the nose examination and answers to questions. Doctors usually ask questions about symptoms and medical history. If they are not sure you have a pet allergy, you may need to do some additional tests. For example:
Allergy Skin Test
This test involves small purified extracts of allergen (including animal extract proteins) that are pricked into the skin’s surface. Thereafter, doctors will wait roughly 15 minutes to check for symptoms of allergic reactions. For instance, if you develop red, itchy bumps where the extracts were placed, it means you have a pet allergy. Commonly, adverse reactions to the test go away within 30 minutes.
Blood Test
Sometimes, it is not possible to perform a skin test because of certain interactions between medications or skin diseases. Thus, doctors will order you to do a blood test to check for antibodies to different allergens. This test also can help to determine how sensitive you are to allergens.
Treatment
The main treatment option is usually limiting or avoiding exposure and direct contact with allergens. However, it is challenging to avoid complete exposure to animal allergens because if you do not have pets, you may get in contact with allergens carried by other people’s clothes. Moreover, to control the symptoms people usually need medications. Check below some medicines usually recommended by doctors:
- Antihistamines – These medications are often recommended by doctors to decrease antibody production in an immune system. Thus, it helps to lessen the following symptoms. For example runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Antihistamine medicines include Azelastine, Olopatadine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine, and Cetirizine. Prescription drugs include Levocetirizine and Desloratadine. This group of medicines comes in different forms such as nasal spray, oral tablets, and syrup (for children).
- Corticosteroids – Doctors usually prescribe the following corticosteroid nasal sprays. Examples include Mometasone furoate, Fluticasone propionate, Triamcinolone, and Ciclesonide.
- Decongestants – This group of medications helps to shrink the swollen nasal tissue. Therefore, breathing through the nose becomes easier. In addition, oral decongestants should not be used if you have hypertension, eye disease (such as glaucoma), or cardiovascular disease.
- Leukotriene modifiers – These medicines block the action of certain chemicals produced by the immune system. Physicians usually prescribe Montelukast. This medication is recommended by doctors if other treatment options are not effective for you. Common adverse reactions of Montelukast include respiratory infection, headaches, and fever.
Other Treatment Options
- Immunotherapy – This treatment option involves “training” the immune system not to be sensitive to allergens. Consult with your doctor for more details.
- Nasal irrigation – This involves a saline solution that helps to get rid of mucus and other irritants from the sinuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common pets that provoke allergies?
Between 10%-20% of the population in the entire world experience pet allergies due to cats or dogs.
What dog breeds usually provoke allergies?
- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Labrador Retriever
- Boston Terrier
- Doberman Pinscher
Talk with your healthcare professional for more details.
What are the most effective medicines for pet allergies?
Physicians usually prescribe Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine. However, do not use any of them without a doctor’s recommendation because it may lead to certain unpleasant outcomes.
