Animals may be cute and cuddly but animal allergy is usually no fun at all. So let us help you find out more about the condition. We’ll talk about the symptoms, how to get a diagnosis and what some of the treatment options are. Don’t let pet allergies hold you back.

An animal allergy is part of how you’re made. It’s rooted in your immune system. The immune system’s job is to defend your body against infectious bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. It can be over-sensitive though. And that leads it to mistake harmless substances – like tiny particles shed by an animal – as a threat.

You come into contact with a pet allergen. Your immune system thinks it’s under attack and reacts by producing Immunoglobin E (IgE) antibodies. The antibodies send chemicals like histamine to the attack site; your skin, maybe, or the lining of your nose if you’ve breathed in the particles. And those chemicals cause your animal allergy symptoms.

Reptiles and amphibians are less sneezy because they don’t shed pet dander or tiny particles of dead skin. Furry and feathered animals do. And pet dander is an important source of pet allergens. You can also be allergic to proteins in saliva, urine and sebum, the natural skin moisturizer produced by the sebaceous glands. Which of these is the most important source varies from animal to animal.

Pet hair itself is not allergenic. The fur and feathers trap the allergens which fly into the air whenever the animal molts or cleans itself. Also when you get out the grooming brush or change their bedding.

Animal allergy can be more complicated than simply being allergic to cats or dogs. Each type of animal produces several different allergens. The important ones belong to two protein families, lipocalin or serum albumin. Your immune system reacts because the protein from the other animal is similar to your trigger. You might be allergic to dogs but get symptoms from cats, horses, rabbits, mice or rats. It’s called a cross-reaction. Cat allergy could get in the way of working with big cats if that’s what you want to do.

As an aside, scientists think exposure to animal allergens as babies may lower the risk of children getting allergies by the age of seven to nine. And it seems that the more pets at home, the greater the protection potentially.

Airborne animal allergens can easily find their way into your nasal passages and eyes. The delicate membranes then become inflamed and it might feel like you have a cold. Except your symptoms won’t go in a week. The medical name for it is perennial or persistent allergic rhinitis (unlike hay fever which is seasonal allergic rhinitis). This brings with it:

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose
• Itchy, red watery eyes

Someone who’s very sensitive to pet allergens might start coughing within 15-30 minutes of breathing them in.

Animals are not one of the common causes of anaphylaxis which is a severe allergic reaction. But horse allergy can be life-threatening in rare cases. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you’re with gets these symptoms:

• Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Constricted airways, or a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness or fainting

Maybe you’re getting symptoms like these and they’re leaving you sleep deprived, short on energy, struggling to focus at work or school. A diagnosis is the first step to getting a treatment plan and other advice so that animal allergy doesn’t restrict your life.

Your allergist or family doctor might suggest allergy testing to help identify your trigger(s); commonly a skin prick test or allergy blood test. You might be allergic to dogs or cats. It could also be something your pet routinely picks up in their fur like mold or pollen that’s giving you trouble.  

Be ready to talk about:

• Your symptoms including when, where and how severe they are
• How often you’re in contact with animals and which ones
• Your medical history and whether allergies run in your family

It’s almost impossible to avoid cat allergens and dog allergens completely. And you might be surprised by how widespread horse allergens are too. In general pet allergens are small, sticky, float in the air and get to places where that animal has never been. People carry them in their hair and clothes. You can pick them up too. So symptoms may strike almost anywhere: at home, where you socialize and at work. That means in offices as well as on the farm or at the riding stables. And if you own a pet and decide to rehome it after a diagnosis the allergens are likely to stick around for months.

But there are good habits you can build into your lifestyle which may help lessen your symptoms.

Mostly it’s down to cleaning and washing thoroughly when you’ve had contact with an animal. Also assuming you’ve picked up pet allergens whenever you’ve been out and about. Remember, they get everywhere. So here are three main areas to think about:

• Your pet: Ask a friend who doesn’t have cat allergies or dog allergies to take care of grooming and bathing your pet. And to do it outside. Same goes for cleaning out smaller animals’ cages. And regularly wash and replace bedding and toys.

• You:  Try to avoid touching animals. That means no petting, stroking or grooming. If you do come into contact with a furry beast wash your hands as soon as you can afterwards. And your clothes, especially if you’ve been riding. You and your clothes will be covered with horse allergens. And try always to have a shower when you get home.
• Your home: Create a pet-free zone, definitely including your bedroom. Use a HEPA air cleaner to keep animal allergen levels as low as possible. And regularly wipe surfaces with a damp cloth (keep them clear of objects that collect dust too). Vacuum upholstery and wash cushion covers or throws.
• Your pet: Ask a friend who doesn’t have cat allergies or dog allergies to take care of grooming and bathing your pet. And to do it outside. Same goes for cleaning out smaller animals’ cages. And regularly wash and replace bedding and toys.

Medication like antihistamines, corticosteroids and decongestants can help keep your animal allergy symptoms under control. They come in several forms and strengths. They can also work as a preventative measure if you take them before you have contact with an animal. Many are available over the counter so ask a pharmacist or talk to your family doctor to find out what might work for you.

If you have severe horse allergy you might be prescribed an auto-injecting adrenaline pen and trained to use it in the event of a severe reaction.

There is no cure for pet allergies. But allergen specific immunotherapy may offer long-term relief by targeting the underlying cause. Controlled repeated doses of your trigger reprograms your immune system to stop seeing the animal protein as a threat. This can stop or greatly reduce your allergy symptoms.

Your family doctor or allergist will be able to tell you if animal allergy immunotherapy is right for you and will help you through the process.