No Easy Cure for Pet Allergies

pet allergies kitten
Cuddly, furry mammals make excellent companions, but they can also make us sick. Pet allergies occur when your immune system recognizes an ordinarily harmless protein (secreted by the pet's skin and found in its saliva and urine) as a threatening substance. The immune system sets out to destroy the threat, thereby producing the histamine that causes an allergic reaction.
 
Pet allergies can lead to serious health problems, making awareness and treatment essential to anyone around pets – or any hairy animal, for that matter. These allergies can also worsen existing conditions, such as asthma, which increases the odds of a life-threatening situation.

Common Pet Allergies

Any animal with fur can trigger an allergic reaction, including all cats and dogs - even those without fur. Cats, in fact, tend to induce allergies twice as often as dogs. While all dogs are allergenic, some breeds pose less of a threat, particularly those that do not shed (poodles). It is important to note, however, that pet allergies vary from one individual to the next, and an animal that bothers one person may not bother another.
 
Other pets that trigger allergies include:
  • gerbils
  • guinea pigs
  • hamsters
  • horses
  • mice
  • rabbits.

Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergies can trigger a condition known as allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), along with breathing difficulties and skin irritations. Depending on the allergen level, you may not notice a reaction until several days after contact with the animal.
 
Symptoms include:
  • coughing
  • dark, swollen skin under the eyes
  • facial and jaw pressure and pain (caused by sinus blockage)
  • hives (itchy, red and raised skin)
  • interrupted sleep patterns (awakening throughout the night)
  • itchy mouth, nose or throat
  • nasal congestion and runny nose
  • postnasal drip (mucus that drains from the sinuses down the throat)
  • recurring sinus infections
  • red rash
  • sneezing
  • tightness or pain in the chest
  • wheezing, especially while exhaling.
People with asthma should use extra caution interacting with pets. Pet allergies can worsen asthmatic symptoms, leading to acute breathing problems (asthma attacks) that require immediate medical attention.

Treating Pet Allergies

Unfortunately, doctors have not yet discovered a cure for pet allergies. The best remedy for controlling your condition is avoiding exposure altogether - or at least as much as you can. For some, that means giving up a best friend, and for others, it's avoiding a neighbor's house or turning down a party invitation. Unexpected interactions with animals, however, are unavoidable, whether you own a pet or not. That's when an allergy medication might help, though you should speak with your doctor first. Remedies include:
  • antihistamines, which help offset the impact of the histamine released by the immune system during an allergic reaction.

  • corticosteroids, taken as a nasal spray to reduce inflammation of the nasal passages (allergic rhinitis).

  • cromolyn sodium, a nasal spray used several times a day to stop the release of histamine. This spray works best when used before you show symptoms.

  • decongestants (pill form and spray), which reduce the swelling of the nasal passages and clear congestion to make breathing easier.

  • immunotherapy, taken as a series of shots to trick your immune system into accepting the allergen.

  • leukotriene antagonists (or modifiers), a pill prescribed by your doctor to stop immune system chemicals known as leukotrienes.

  • saline (saltwater) rinses, used daily to decrease nasal congestion.
Asthma treatments include both short-term and long-term relief. These range from inhaled medications (albuterol) to corticosteroid injections (prednisone) to treat emergency situations.

Diagnosing Pet Allergies

At your first visit, your doctor will likely ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:
  • When did they start?
  • Are they worse at certain times of day or in certain locations?
  • Do you own a pet, and does it access your bedroom?
  • Do you groom your pet?
  • Have you tried any remedies? Have they worked?
Your doctor may also examine your nose, possibly with an instrument inserted into the nasal passages to look for swelling and discoloration. A number of other tools may help your doctor determine if you have a pet allergy, including:
  • a blood test, which looks for the presence of antibodies caused by an allergic reaction.

  • a lung examination, during which your doctor uses a spirometer (a device to measure breath) to evaluate your lung function.

  • a scratch test, during which extracts of animal proteins are inserted beneath the skin of your forearm or back. After 15 minutes, your doctor looks for signs of a reaction, such as redness and itching.

Keeping Your Pet

If you decide to keep your pet, consider these strategies to reduce allergens in your home:
  • Groom your pet regularly (bathing and brushing, preferably by a non-allergic friend, family member or professional groomer).

  • Keep your pet outdoors, or limit it to certain rooms of the house. Do not allow access to your bedroom.

  • Remove and replace your carpet with a hard surface, such as vinyl, wood or tile.

  • Vacuum regularly and use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Remember that pet allergies can cause serious health problems, and talk over your plan – whether you decide to keep or find a new home for your pet – with your doctor. Together, you can come up with an option that keeps you breathing with ease.
 
Resources
 
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2005). Pet allergies. Retrieved March 16, 2009, from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Web site: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=236.
 
Mayo Clinic. (1998-2009). Pet allergy. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-allergy/DS00859.
 
The Humane Society of the United States. (n.d.). Allergies to pets. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from the Humane Society of the United States' Web site: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/allergies_to_pets/.
 
Wonder Puppy (1998-2009). Allergies to your pet. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from the Wonder Puppy Web site: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/1allergy.php.