Pet allergy

Introduction

Does your dog make you sneeze? Does your cat start your eyes watering? If so, you're not alone. Having a pet allergy — whether to dogs or cats, or even to hamsters or birds — is fairly common.

You may be surprised to learn that in most cases it's not your pet's fur or feathers that cause the allergic reaction. Instead, it's the small, invisible flakes of animal skin (dander) that trigger the itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and stuffy nose in people with a pet allergy. Less frequently, pet saliva may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

A pet allergy can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a pet allergy often occur within minutes after exposure to the pet. The most effective way to alleviate the signs and symptoms of a pet allergy is to find a new home for your pet, although for many people, separating from a loyal companion can be difficult to do.

Causes

The tiny dander particles on your pet are sticky. They'll stick to you, your clothes and the carpets and furnishings in your home. They also can be carried through the air. Pet saliva can stick to carpets, bedding, furniture and clothing.

In most people, pet dander and saliva are harmless. But if you have a sensitized immune system, when these allergens enter your body — whether you inhale them or they enter through the membranes that line your eyes and nose as a result of being licked — they cause an allergic reaction.

During the sensitization process, your immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as an invader and produces an antibody against it called immunoglobulin E, or IgE.

Then the next time you're exposed to the pet's dander or saliva, your immune system launches an allergic reaction. The preformed IgE antibodies trigger the release of an inflammatory chemical called histamine, which swells the mucous membranes in your nose, sinuses and eyes, causing a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

Risk factors

Pet allergies are common. However, you're more likely to develop sensitivity to pet dander if pet allergies run in your family.

Some research shows that a history of exposure to pets (such as cats) in early childhood actually decreases the risk of developing animal allergy. But it's not known whether deliberate early exposure helps or is harmful.

When to seek medical advice

If you experience the signs and symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes, and you suspect pet dander or another allergen is to blame, see your doctor for an evaluation. Allergy skin tests — which expose your skin to purified extracts of allergy-causing substances — can help your doctor determine whether you have a pet allergy.

Also, check with your doctor if you have asthma and your symptoms get worse after being exposed to a new pet in the home.

 

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EditText of this page (last edited February 11, 2008)