By Cormac DePan, MD
Division of Allergy and Otolaryngology

Many of us enjoy having pets, but for some of us they can cause serious issues with allergies. Pets, including cats and dogs, can cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and red, itchy eyes. For some people, pet allergies can make asthma worse.

It’s not your pet’s hair or fur that causes allergy symptoms. The problem is pet dander. Dander is made of tiny pieces of skin that pets shed each day. These carry proteins that can trigger allergies.

Almost any Animal with Fur can Cause Allergies.

Allergies to pets with fur, such as cats and dogs, are very common. Cat allergens are in their saliva, skin, and urine. When cats lick their fur, the allergens stick to it. These tiny particles can float in the air for a long time. In dogs, allergens are found in their dander, saliva, urine, and even blood. All dogs can cause allergies, even breeds that people call “hypoallergenic.”

Other animals like rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, and horses can also cause allergies. People can even be allergic to animals with feathers, such as birds.

How Do These Allergens Spread?

Pet allergens are very small and light. This allows them to:

• Stay in the air
• Stick to carpets, furniture, and clothes
• Travel to places where pets don’t go

This means you can be exposed to pet allergens even if you don’t own a pet.

Be Aware of Common Allergy Symptoms 

If you are allergic to pets, you may experience:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, or skin
• Red and watery eyes
• Coughing or wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Hives (an itchy skin rash)

Touching a pet and then touching your face can make symptoms worse. For people with asthma, pet allergens can trigger an asthma attack. So be especially careful when you are around pets if you have asthma.

Are There Hypoallergenic Pets?

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a completely allergy-free cat or dog. Some breeds may cause fewer symptoms, but all cats and dogs produce allergens. If you have allergies, you might want to consider pets without fur or feathers, like fish, snakes, or turtles.

How Can You Reduce Pet Allergens?

If you think you or a family member has a pet allergy, a doctor can test for it. You can also take steps to reduce allergens at home:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms
• Use special covers for pillows and mattresses
• Vacuum often with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter
• Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter
• Keep pets off furniture and out of cars
• Bathe dogs at least twice a week
• Wash your hands and clothes after playing with pets
• Avoid cleaning litter boxes if you are allergic
• Dust often with a damp cloth

These steps can help lower the amount of allergens in your home.

What Else Can You Do?

When you can’t completely avoid pets or animals, there are over-the-counter and prescription medicines available to help with your symptoms. If you have a cat, you can try feeding it food that can reduce cat allergens. One product available is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear. This food neutralizes a common allergen, Fel d1, found in cat saliva. It may reduce your reactions to cats that have that allergen. However, you may still be allergic to other cat allergens.

Can Allergy Shots Help?

Yes, allergy shots are a highly effective treatment option for people with pet allergies. Also known as immunotherapy, this is a long-term treatment that uses desensitization to help with the allergy. A patient receives injections that contain small amounts of the problem pet allergen, which allows the immune system to build up a tolerance without triggering a severe allergic reaction.

Interestingly, some research suggests that babies who are exposed to certain allergens early in life may be less likely to develop allergies later. Scientists are still learning more about this.

The Bottom Line:

Pets bring us great joy and happiness, but they can also trigger allergies. Understanding what causes pet allergies—and how to reduce exposure—can help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying your pets. If you think you are suffering from an allergy caused by your pet, talk to your primary care provider about testing and treatment options.