What Causes Pet Allergies and How To Manage Them

Cat and dog allergies might be more common than you think, affecting nearly three out of 10 people in the U.S. If you’re among them, you’re likely interested in finding the best way to manage your dog or cat allergy symptoms.

We spoke with two board-certified allergists to better understand what causes someone to be allergic to cats or dogs, and to learn which dog and cat allergy treatments can help reduce symptoms so you and your four-legged friend can continue to coexist.

What Causes Cat and Dog Allergies?

While it’s common to associate dog and cat allergies with fur, Anupama Kewalramani, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center, explains that proteins found in pet dander (shed skin cells), saliva, and urine are the real culprits.

These proteins are harmless to most people, but in individual’s predisposed to allergies, they can trigger an immune overreaction.

“When someone who’s genetically prone to allergies is exposed, their immune system mistakenly labels these harmless proteins as a threat and releases chemicals like histamine,” says Kara Wada, MD, a board-certified allergy immunologist. “That immune response is what causes allergy symptoms.” 

Dog and Cat Allergy Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a dog or cat allergy affect the respiratory system, Dr. Wada says, and may include:

• Persistent sneezing

• A runny or congested nose

• Coughing

• A scratchy throat

• Itchy, watery eyes

For some people, especially those with asthma, symptoms may also include:

• Wheezing

• Chest tightness

• Shortness of breath

Skin reactions, such as rashes after petting a dog or cat, can also be a sign of allergies. Exposure to pet proteins may trigger hives or eczema in sensitive individuals.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), pet allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on a person’s sensitivity and the level of exposure.

Dr. Wada recommends seeing a doctor if your symptoms become persistent, seem to be getting worse, or interfere with sleep or daily activities.

Breathing difficulties or asthma flare-ups related to pet allergies should always be evaluated by a doctor right away.

Dog and Cat Allergy Treatment and Relief

Not everyone with cat or dog allergies needs to remove their pet from the home. Dr. Kewalramani says that, for many people, providing a combination of management strategies can reduce allergy symptoms.

Here are the most common ways to treat dog and cat allergies.

Medications

To help control animal allergy symptoms, you might use medication such as:

• Antihistamines, which block the histamine released by the immune system. Antihistamines can help with congestion, a runny nose, relieve itchy eyes, and reduce skin rashes.

• Nasal steroid sprays, which reduce stuffy noses and swollen nasal passageways

• Asthma inhalers, which help open airways or reduce inflammation during allergy reactions 

Keeping Your Environment Clean

Reducing exposure to the proteins that cause pet allergies starts with consistent cleaning. Vacuuming regularly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum can help capture pet dander and other allergens.

Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can also help remove airborne allergenic proteins, Dr. Kewalramani says.

Dr. Wada also recommends washing your hands after touching your cat or dog to prevent spreading allergens to sensitive areas like your eyes or nose.

Pet-Free Zones

Creating pet-free spaces in your home can be helpful in managing allergies.

“Most people spend at least eight hours in their bedrooms, so making the bedroom pet-free (including keeping the door closed at all times) can provide the pet-allergic person with a safe allergen-free space,” Dr. Kewalramani says.

You might also decide to keep your pets off the sofa or your favorite chair. Because allergens tend to cling to soft, upholstered surfaces, Dr. Kewalramani also suggests removing rugs and carpeting from your home.

Immunotherapy

For long-term symptom relief, you might consider immunotherapy. Allergy shots administered by an allergist work by gradually training the immune system to become less reactive to pet allergens, Dr. Wada says.

Are Hypoallergenic Pets Good for Allergies?

First, it’s important to know that no cat or dog is 100% truly hypoallergenic. All pets produce allergenic proteins in their skin, saliva, and fur.

That said, some breeds marketed as “hypoallergenic,” such as Poodles or Sphynx cats, may produce lower levels of certain allergy-inducing proteins and may be better tolerated by some allergy-sufferers, Dr. Wada says.

Because reactions vary widely from person to person, Dr. Wada recommends spending time with the specific animal before adoption rather than choosing a breed based on “hypoallergenic” claims.