Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What are cat/dog allergies?
- Allergies to pets with fur, such as cats and dogs, are common. Even rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and horses can cause allergy symptoms.
- People can also be allergic to animals with feathers (birds like parrots or parakeets).
- People with pet allergies have different levels of sensitivity to pet allergens. Some people have very minor symptoms, while other people have severe symptoms.
What causes allergies to some animals?
- When your child has a pet allergy, they are not allergic to the pet’s hair, fur, or feathers.
- Instead, they are allergic to the protein that is found in the pet’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. The hair, fur, or feathers collect this dander.
- Hair, fur, and feathers can also carry other allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen.
- When these proteins get into your child’s airway, eyes, nose, mouth, or on their skin, it can trigger allergy symptoms.
- All dogs and cats can cause allergy symptoms.
- People with dog or cat allergies may tolerate some breeds more than others.
- People may think those breeds are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
- Comparisons of dogs have shown large differences in levels of allergen-creation between individual dogs of the same breed.
What are the symptoms?
- Swelling and itching of the eyes and nose. Itchiness of roof of mouth and throat.
- Stuffy nose.
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Postnasal drip.
- Redness of the eyes.
- Coughing.
- Hives and other rashes.
- Sleep disruption leading to fatigue and irritability.
How are cat/dog allergies diagnosed?
- Your child’s healthcare provider will ask you questions about your child’s symptoms and exposures and perform a physical exam.
- If your child’s doctor suspects an allergy to cats or dogs, they might refer your child to an allergy specialist. The specialist might suggest a skin or blood test to check for this allergy.
How can I prevent allergies?
Getting a new pet:
- Some research suggests young children who live with pets may be less likely to develop asthma and allergies later.
- If your child already has asthma and has an allergy to cats or dogs, getting a pet they are allergic to will likely make their symptoms worse.
- When choosing a pet, consider fostering one first to see if you have an allergic reaction.
- Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers. Fish, snakes, or turtles are some good choices.
If your child is allergic to the pet your family already has, there are ways to manage pet allergies in your home:
Reduce exposure to allergens:
- Keep the pet out of bedrooms or places people sleep. Keep the doors to bedrooms closed to keep pets from going inside when no one is around.
- Keep pets off fabric furniture.
- Wipe your pet down with pet-friendly wipes or towels after it has been outside to remove pollen and urine.
- Change clothes and shower after spending time with an animal that triggers your child’s allergies.
- Have your child wash their hands and face after petting or touching the pet, its cage, or bedding. Teach your child not to touch their face when playing with or petting animals.
- Your child’s healthcare provider might suggest giving an antihistamine ahead of time, if you know your child will be around an animal they are allergic to.
Reduce allergens in your home:
- Remove dust on hard surfaces (like walls, cabinets, floorboards) often. A damp or microfiber cloth will help keep the pet dander and fur from going back into the air.
- When possible, choose furniture and window coverings that are not made of fabric.
- If possible, replace carpets with hard flooring. If you can’t change your flooring, use throw rugs, and wash them weekly in hot water. When kids play on the floor, cover the carpet with a yoga or play mat.
- Use a HEPA air filter in your home.
- Use “asthma and allergy friendly” filters in your central heating and air conditioning units.
How is this treated?
- Treatment is focused on minimizing symptoms.
- Common treatments include:
- Oral antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine.
- Nasal steroid spray.
- If your child’s symptoms are not adequately controlled, the allergy specialist might recommend “allergy shots” or immunotherapy.
When to call your doctor:
- Your child has fever with their allergy symptoms.
- Your child is having difficulty breathing.
- Your child is getting worse.
- You have other questions or concerns.
This publication was adapted from information from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Reviewed by: AR, D.O., TT, D.O. | 11/2023