Allergic reactions can be caused by a wide variety of triggers – from peanuts to pollen to certain types of medicines.
However, one of the most common causes of allergies is the furry friends we choose to surround ourselves with.
Whether it be a cat, dog, rabbit or bird, pet allergies can be brought on by any type of animal with fur, feathers or even scales, and may result in a wide range of symptoms. But what do these symptoms look like? And what can you do to help prevent them? Let’s find out.
What causes a pet allergy?
Pet allergies are most commonly caused by cats and dogs, leading to year-round symptoms in some people. In fact, allergies to cats and dogs are estimated to affect up to 20% of the world’s population!
However, while many people think pet allergies are caused by their fur, this isn’t the full story.
Many pet allergies are actually triggered by microscopic proteins in a pet’s saliva, urine or dander (flakes of skin shed by the animals). For people who are allergic to these proteins, these are known as allergens. The animal’s fur just acts as a carrier for these allergens, which can then lead to various symptoms in some people (but more on those later!).
Cat allergens are mainly found in cat saliva and stick to fur when cats lick themselves. However, they can also be shed as dander or secreted in the urine of male cats. Cat allergens are also particularly buoyant, meaning they can stay in the air more easily.
Meanwhile, dog allergens are often found in their dander, saliva, urine and blood. Different breeds can have varying levels of allergens, but even hairless dogs can carry them and trigger allergic reactions in some people.
They’re also incredibly stubborn and can remain both in and on soft furnishings like carpets, sofas, rugs and even clothing for months or even years after the animal has been there.
Pet allergy symptoms
Coming into contact with an animal you’re allergic to may cause your immune system to mistakenly recognise the allergen it releases as a harmful substance. This may trigger an allergic reaction and lead to mild, moderate or severe symptoms, such as:
- A runny nose
- Coughing, wheezing or breathing difficulties
- Sneezing
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Skin rash
Pet allergies may also lead to a condition known as allergic rhinitis – an inflammation of the inside of your nose. This may cause you to develop cold-like symptoms, as well as a cough or an itchy roof of your mouth, often within minutes of being exposed to the pet you’re allergic to.
If you have asthma and a pet allergy, you may also notice your symptoms become triggered when you’re around pets with fur or feathers, such as dogs, rabbits and birds.
It’s important to speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or would like further support in diagnosing whether you’re allergic to a particular pet or not.
Pet allergy risk factors
It’s not always clear why our immune system develops an allergic reaction to certain substances. But, most people with allergies tend to have a family history of allergies or closely related conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
Pet allergies can also develop at any stage of life. So, even if you had a pet that you weren’t allergic to when you were younger, you could become allergic to that same type of animal later on in your life.
What’s more, having asthma may increase your risk of developing a pet allergy. And, at the same time, having an allergy to pets like cats or dogs may also increase your risk of developing asthma.
But don’t worry – there are several treatments available that can help reduce or alleviate symptoms, as we cover later on.
Pet allergy complications
For some, having a pet allergy can lead to further complications, potentially impacting the quality of sleep and, ultimately, affecting overall quality of life.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms may also eventually cause you to develop other conditions, like nasal polyps, sinusitis , allergic conjunctivitis and middle ear blockages.
That’s why it’s important to seek professional advice if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Many of these complications can often be managed with the right type of treatment plan. Sometimes, surgery may also be needed in severe or long-term cases.
Pet allergy treatment and management
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a pet allergy, such as allergic rhinitis, several types of treatments may be able to help.
These can be found in various forms at your local pharmacy or supermarket, including:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestant tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or liquids
- Steroid medication, such as nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Allergen barrier balms
While these types of medications won’t be able to cure your allergy, they can be used to help manage the symptoms that pet allergies cause.
Identifying which type of treatment is best suited to you will depend on the specific types of symptoms you’re experiencing and their severity.
For example, if you’re struggling with symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing or a runny nose, Clarinaze® Allergy Control Nasal Spray is available over-the-counter and can provide you with prescription-strength relief.
Clarityn® Allergy Tablets also contain an active ingredient known as loratadine, which can offer 24-hour relief from over 150 indoor and outdoor allergens, including pets. So, whether you’re playing outdoor sports or at a social event, you can soon feel clarity again by using Clarityn®.
If you’re still unsure about which type of treatment you should use, or find that your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of taking a medicine, speak to your doctor or local pharmacist for their advice.
Pet allergy prevention tips
While there are various treatments available to help manage pet allergy symptoms, the more you can do to minimise your risk of exposure, the better. However, this isn’t always easy or practical.
One of the best prevention techniques you can start with is getting tested if you suspect that either you or a loved one is allergic to a pet.
By discussing your symptoms, your GP can arrange allergic tests or refer you to a specialist allergy clinic. These tests may include a blood test, a skin prick test or a special diet to determine not only if you have an allergy but also which specific pet allergen you’re allergic to. That way, you’ll be able to find the most suitable methods to minimise your exposure.
The NHS and Allergy UK also recommend various prevention practices to help reduce your likelihood of coming into contact with pets and their associated allergens. These prevention tips include:
- Keeping your pets outside as much as possible or limiting their access to particular parts of the house, especially any areas without carpet
- Not allowing any of your pets into the bedroom
- Not allowing your pets to sit or sleep on your sofa, cushions or bed
- Using hypoallergenic bedding and covers
- Regularly dusting around your house with a damp cloth
- If possible, grooming your pets outside regularly (or asking a person who’s not allergic for help!)
- Regularly washing your pet’s bedding on a hot cycle (at least 60°C)
- Cleaning any animal cages outside and replacing bedding with urine on it
- Avoiding touching or coming into contact with pets
- Using an air filter or air purifier in rooms where you spend most of your time
- Cleaning your carpets with a high-efficiency particulate air vacuum cleaner
- Avoiding visiting any homes or areas where the pet you’re allergic to lives
- Washing your hands after touching or being licked by pets
Pet allergens are a common cause of allergies, but there are a variety of treatments available to help manage any associated symptoms. If you’re looking for information on specific pet allergies, keep scrolling to discover our articles on allergies to dogs, cats and many more.