PETS AND ANIMALS

Millions of people have allergies to pets, with dogs and cats being the most common culprits. The most common reactions are to the animal dander, hair, and saliva. Allergy symptoms relating to pets range from mild to severe. Even if someone doesn’t have a pet, they can still react when they go to the homes of people who have pets and experience symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog or hypoallergenic cat. But there are some species that elicit less of a response.

Some people may think they have a pet allergy when in fact they are only reacting to what is on the animal’s fur from being outside or rolling around. Common culprits are mold spores, pollens, grasses, weeds or even dust that stay on the animal’s fur and cause allergic reactions. This may also contribute to a worsening of symptoms when the person is also reacting to the pet.

Main symptoms associated with dogs and cats

• Chronic nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, or asthma
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Skin conditions such as eczema, hives, rashes or itching skin