Overview
A pet allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a pet is not present.
Pet Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash orhives
Pet Allergy Management and Treatment
- Avoid being around dogs and cats; if you have a pet at home, take specific steps to limit exposure.
- Nasal sprays, antihistamines and bronchodilators can help relieve symptoms.
- Considerallergy shots(immunotherapy).
Find expert care with an Allergist.
Donât let allergies or asthma hold you back.
Cat Allergies
If your nose runs and your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a cat, you likely have a cat allergy. A cat allergy can contribute to constantallergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a cat is not present.
Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic (meaning that they donât cause allergy). Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens. Characteristics such as the length of a catâs hair, its sex and the amount of time a cat spends indoors are not associated with cat allergen levels.
Dustandpollenin a catâs coat can also cause allergy symptoms. In those cases, the allergy is to the dust or pollen, not to the cat.
Of all the pollen, and mold, and animal dander, dust mites that we have studied, the cat dander is absolutely the smallest dander. And what that means is that allergen remains airborne for at least 30 minutes after you disturb it in the room. That just allows the allergic patient to have a constant exposure to that allergen.
Allergist Dana Wallace, MD
Cat Allergy Symptoms
Cat allergy symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on an individualâs sensitivity and the level of exposure to allergens. Those variables may also influence how quickly symptoms develop after exposure. Highly sensitive people can develop symptoms, including breathing problems or a rash, within minutes of touching a cat or entering a house with a cat.
Cat allergy symptoms may include:
- Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash orhives
Some people may also develop a rash or hives after being scratched by a cat.
Diagnosing Cat Allergies
Do you suspect youâre suffering from cat allergies? Anallergistcan provide you with a diagnosis and treatment.
A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a cat allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of cat allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skinâs surface. Youâll then be monitored for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction, signaling an allergy. Results typically become evident within 15 to 20 minutes.
Even if youâre sure your symptoms are caused by a cat, itâs a good idea to be tested, since the symptoms may actually be caused by other environmental exposures.
Cat Allergy Management and Treatment
Avoidance is the best way to manage a cat allergy. If you have a cat and are allergic to cats, consider removing the cat from the home.
If you have a cat but donât want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a cat even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the cat in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
- Donât pet, hug or kiss the cat; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
- Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
- Giving your cat a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne cat allergen.
Treatments for cat allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.
Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your cat allergy. Nasal symptoms often are treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.
Allergy shots(immunotherapy) are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.
Is there an allergy-free cat?
Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic. Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens. Characteristics such as the length of a catâs hair, its sex and the amount of time a cat spends indoors are not associated with cat allergen levels.
Dog Allergy
If your nose runs or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a dog, you may be allergic to dogs.
Dogs produce multiple allergens, or proteins that can cause allergy. These allergens are found in dog hair, dander, saliva and urine. All dogs produce allergens; studies have not shown that dogs can be hypoallergenic (not cause allergy). Dog allergen levels increase if the dog lives indoors and are higher in the rooms where a dog is allowed.
Dustandpollenin a dogâs coat can also cause allergy symptoms. In those cases, the allergy is to dust or pollen, not to the dog.
If you remove a cat from a home, you clean all the walls down, do the laundry, do the draperies, it still takes six months for the level of cat protein to get down to normal.
Allergist Warner Carr, MD
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Do you suspect youâre suffering from dog allergies? An allergist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
- Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
- Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing
- Watery, red or itchy eyes
- Skin rash orhives
Some people may also develop a rash or hives after being scratched or licked by a dog.
Diagnosing Dog Allergies
Do you suspect youâre suffering from dog allergies? Anallergistcan evaluate whether can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a dog allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of dog allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skinâs surface. Youâll then be monitored for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction, signaling an allergy. Results typically become evident within 15 to 20 minutes.
Even if youâre sure your symptoms are caused by a dog, itâs a good idea to be tested, since the symptoms may actually be caused by other environmental exposures.
Dog Allergy Management and Treatment
Avoidance is the best way to manage a dog allergy. If you have a dog and are allergic to dogs, consider removing the dog from the home.
If you have a dog but donât want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a dog even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:
- Keep the dog out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the dog in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
- Donât pet, hug or kiss the dog; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
- Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
- Giving your dog a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne dog allergen.
Treatments for dog allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.
Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your dog allergy. Nasal symptoms are often treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.
Allergy shots(immunotherapy) are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.
Is there an allergy-free dog?
While poodles, Portuguese water dogs and a number of other breeds (including several types of terriers) have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, a truly allergy-free breed does not exist. A2011 studycompared dust samples from homes with dog breeds reported to be hypoallergenic and those of homes with other dogs. The levels of dog allergen in homes with âhypoallergenicâ dogs did not differ from the levels in homes with other breeds.
This page was reviewed for accuracy 4/23/2018.
FAQs
Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for pet allergies? âș
Antihistamines for mild pet allergies
For example, a person with mild allergies may do well with Claritin. Another person with more severe allergies may do better with Zyrtec. However, Dr. Qamar says that although Zyrtec may be more effective in some patients, âaround 10% of people can become sleepy with it.â
Nasal corticosteroids
OTC corticosteroid nasal sprays include budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). These medications are considered first-choice medications for pet allergies.
How to treat cat allergies. Avoiding the allergen is best, but when that's not possible, the following treatments may help: antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) corticosteroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex)
How do you get rid of pet allergies fast? âș- Wash up. Ideally, you'd wash your pets once or twice a week. ...
- Declare the bedroom a pet-free zone. ...
- Brush or comb regularly. ...
- Clean and pick up. ...
- Use an allergen-capturing air filter. ...
- Consider the whole environment. ...
- Get medical help. ...
- Sources:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claritin (loratadine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Xyzal (levocetirizine)
- Use an indoor allergen neutralizer. Always choose a natural formula. ...
- Neuter your cat. ...
- Shampoo your cat. ...
- Change the litter box frequently. ...
- Moisten your pet's fur before daily grooming. ...
- Use a HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum at least once a week and a HEPA air purifier daily.
Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends too! In fact, most doggy hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation. Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dog's warm bath.
Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for dogs? âșBenadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well. Just be aware that Benadryl has sedative properties, so your dog could get very drowsy. Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
How do you get rid of dog allergies naturally? âșApple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or aloe vera can be put on the skin to calm any itching. A relaxing oatmeal bath can relieve itching, burning, and dry skin.
Can pet allergies go away? âșOutgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also, even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.
Is there an over the counter medication for cat allergies? âș
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy); OTC antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.
Does Flonase work for cat allergies? âșFLONASE Allergy Relief helps to relieve your worst pet allergy symptoms â including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. FLONASE goes directly into the nose to provide 24-hour relief at the source of your allergies.
How do I get rid of allergies forever? âșCan you get rid of allergies forever? There is currently no cure for allergies. However, researchers continue to investigate potential therapies. People can treat their allergy symptoms with medications and take steps to reduce their exposure to the allergen causing the reaction.
What breed of dog causes most allergies? âș- Basset Hound.
- Boston Terrier.
- Bulldog.
- Doberman Pinscher.
- German Shepherd.
- Labrador Retriever.
- Pekingese.
- Pug.
All you have to do is sprinkle it on your most pungent areas and it should absorb most of the smells, especially if you're dealing with pet urine. Then after a few minutes, vacuum up the baking soda. Vinegar is also a great deodorizer but be careful using it if you have cats in the house.
What is the fastest acting antihistamine? âșCetirizine has the fastest onset of action among the newer antihistamines.
What is the best antihistamine for the elderly? âșSo what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as ClaritinÂź (loratadine) and AllegraÂź (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.
Is it OK to take antihistamines every day? âșDepending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.
How do you get rid of allergies fast naturally? âș- Saline nasal irrigation.
- Air filters. Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. ...
- Butterbur.
- Bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. ...
- Acupuncture.
- Probiotics.
- Honey. ...
- Air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. ...
- Don't pet, hug or kiss the cat; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
Are there natural antihistamines? âș
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practicesâsuch as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exerciseâmay also help you manage symptoms.
What foods to avoid for dogs with skin allergies? âșThe most common food allergens in dogs are proteins, especially those from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens, and symptoms occur.
Does baking soda stop itching dogs? âșBaking Soda
It is also an effective dog itching relief while decreasing inflammation and redness. Apply the mixture or paste to the itchy part and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it completely. You can add coconut oil to moisturize the skin.
Baking soda is often used around the home for a fresh, clean scent. Using it on your dog is just as easy. Be sure to cover your dog's fur, not just sprinkle a small amount, for deodorizing and neutralizing odors. Brushing your dog before a wet or dry bath will help the baking soda work more effectively.
Which human antihistamine is best for dogs? âșAntihistamines with the active ingredients of diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine or loratadine are usually safe for most healthy adult dogs. Hydroxyzine is another dog-safe antihistamine and one of the most effective available, but it's only available on prescription.
Why does my dog lick his paws? âșDogs often lick their paws excessively if they are itchy, irritated, or painful. A paw injury or foreign object may explain a sudden onset of paw-licking. 1 The dog may have stepped on something that causes discomfort, like a sharp object or hot pavement.
Can I give my dog human Benadryl? âșBenadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight. Make sure that the Benadryl you're giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.
Does coconut oil help dogs with allergies? âșCoconut oil for allergies in dogs is an effective way to help dogs with skin allergies and infections. Many veterinarians, including holistic veterinarians, recommend this type of essential oil to help treat a wide range of skin ailments.
How much honey do you give dogs for allergies? âșHoney works for allergies by exposing your dog to very low levels of the substance causing the allergic reaction so that your dog will develop an immunity over time. For large dogs, add 1 tablespoon of local raw honey twice a day to his food. For smaller breeds, add 1 teaspoon.
Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs? âșApple cider vinegar is made from just apples and water, making it completely safe for dogs. It is slightly acidic, with a pH of 3.1 to 5, which gives it properties that can soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract.
Do allergies get better with age? âș
People tend to experience intense allergies between the ages of 5 and 16, then get a couple of decades off before the symptoms return in the 30s, only to diminish around retirement age. Three types of explanations have been proposed: environmental, infectious, and psychological.
What are signs of dog allergies? âș- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Itchy, red or watery eyes.
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
- Postnasal drip.
- Cough.
- Facial pressure and pain.
- Clean carpets, furniture and curtains regularly. A solid steam cleaning will remove dander from surfaces as well as from deep down. ...
- Declutter the space. Pet dander sticks to any surface, including walls. ...
- Give Fido a bath. ...
- Get serious about filtration. ...
- Clean your home's air ducts.
Fortunately, Switzerland-based HypoPet AG has a cat allergy vaccine in development that has promising preliminary results. The vaccine, marketed as HypoCatâą, is not for humans but for cats, and would induce antibody production in cats against their most common cat allergen to humans, Fel d 1.
Does Zyrtec help with cat allergies? âșPet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTECÂź starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms.
Current Cat Allergy Treatments
But medications treat symptoms, not the cat allergy itself. To do that, you need immunotherapy, which is given as shots in an allergist's office. Immunotherapy retrains the immune system to tolerate more cat protein without reacting.
Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. But contrary to what you might think, it's not the fur or hair that's the real problem. People with cat allergies are really allergic to proteins in the cat's saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin).
Can I live with a cat if I'm allergic? âșYou can live with a cat if you are allergic, unless you have severe allergies. In fact, thousands of people with allergies do live with their feline friends. Some who only have mild symptoms just put up with the symptoms or treat them with over-the-counter medicine.
What are the side effects of FLONASE? âș- minor nosebleed, burning or itching in your nose;
- sores or white patches inside or around your nose;
- cough, trouble breathing;
- headache, back pain;
- sinus pain, sore throat, fever; or.
- nausea, vomiting.
Allergies may simply worsen with age because you've been exposed to the triggers longer, Parikh says. "It takes repeated exposure to develop allergies. It can take a while for the immune system to decide it doesn't like that allergen."
What is the root cause of allergies? âș
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance â such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander â or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people. Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies.
Why won't my allergies go away? âșIt is possible that you are not entirely sure what is triggering your allergy symptoms, which is why they are not going away. Allergy triggers include pollen, molds, animal dander, and food.
What is the #1 hypoallergenic dog? âșPoodle. Likely the most recognizable of all the hypoallergenic dogs, the Poodle continues to make the top 10 of the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dog breeds year after year.
Why are dogs allergic to chicken? âșIf the digestive system doesn't completely break down the proteins, the enterocytes see them as intruders and attack the body. An allergy to poultry is an over-reaction of your dog's immune system to an unwelcome protein, in this case, a poultry protein, that is present in a particular ingredient of their diet.
Can I live with a dog if I am allergic? âșThe good news is that dogs and people with allergies can live together. What causes allergies from dogs? Allergies are caused by a reaction to certain proteins found primarily in oil secretions from a dog's skin and in a dog's saliva. It is not hair itself that causes allergies.
Does Lysol get rid of pet dander? âșWe recently started using Lysol Air Filters. They're the first air filter that is certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. They reduce pollen by 95%, dust mites by 92%, and pet dander by 85%.
Is there a spray that kills allergens? âșAllersearch ADMS Anti-Allergen Spray is an âinorganic anti-allergen spray that uses an oxidizing compound that destroys allergens from dust mites, pet dander, pollens, mold, and mildew on contact.â The clear, non-toxic spray obliterates allergens on carpets, curtains, and furniture without staining.
How do I remove allergens from my couch? âșSo don't just cool the air in your room, filter it! Simply cut to fit. Allergens on soft surfaces like drapes, sofa pillows and carpets can be sprayed weekly with Febreze allergen reducer to help reduce airborne allergens by up to 75 percent. Dust mites and other airborne allergens.
Does Zyrtec work for pet allergies? âșPet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTECÂź starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms.
- Antihistamines are over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Benadryl, Claritin, Allegra, and Clarinex OTC that can help relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
- Nasal corticosteroids such as Flonase (now available over the counter) or Nasonex may reduce inflammation and control symptoms.
Can you take Claritin and Zyrtec together? âș
Most allergy medicines should not be combined with one another, according to Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. âYou should not take multiple oral antihistamines together, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or Xyzal.
Can you build up an immunity to dog allergies? âșAllergy shots (immunotherapy) build up immunity to allergens through increasing doses of allergy triggers. If you or a family member have a pet allergy but wish to keep pets in the home, immunotherapy can help build tolerance to one or more allergens over time.
What is better for dog allergies Benadryl or Zyrtec? âșBenadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well. Just be aware that Benadryl has sedative properties, so your dog could get very drowsy. Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Is flonase good for pet allergies? âșA product like FLONASE can help treat your allergy symptoms while also allowing you to keep your beloved companion. FLONASE Allergy Relief helps to relieve your worst pet allergy symptoms â including nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose.
What should you not take with Zyrtec? âșAvoid the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers as cetirizine can increase the risk of drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause central nervous system depression; avoid activities requiring mental alertness until accustomed to the medication.
What breed of dog causes most allergies? âș- Basset Hound.
- Boston Terrier.
- Bulldog.
- Doberman Pinscher.
- German Shepherd.
- Labrador Retriever.
- Pekingese.
- Pug.
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or aloe vera can be put on the skin to calm any itching. A relaxing oatmeal bath can relieve itching, burning, and dry skin.
Can I live with a dog if I am allergic? âșThe good news is that dogs and people with allergies can live together. What causes allergies from dogs? Allergies are caused by a reaction to certain proteins found primarily in oil secretions from a dog's skin and in a dog's saliva. It is not hair itself that causes allergies.
Can I take Zyrtec at night and Claritin in the morning? âșSome people may need to combine different allergy medications to treat their allergy symptoms. However, you should never take different oral antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine together since doing so can result in dangerous complications.
Why is my nose still stuffy after taking allergy medicine? âșSometimes, despite aggressive allergy treatment, nasal congestion persists. It's possible that the culprit is sinusitis. Sinusitis, not to be confused with rhinitis, is characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Swelling can cause sinus drainage passages to become blocked and mucus to accumulate.
Can you take 2 antihistamines a day? âș
Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
Can pet allergies go away? âșOutgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also, even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.
Does bathing a dog help with allergies? âșConclusions: Washing the dog reduces recoverable allergen from dog hair and dander. The dog needs to be washed at least twice a week to maintain the reduction in recoverable Can f 1 from its hair. Washing the dog achieves a modest reduction in the level of airborne Can f 1 in homes with a dog.