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Signs & Symptoms of Allergies Due to Pet Dander

There are more than 100 million pets in the United States, or about four pets per every 10 people, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Between 15 percent and 30 percent of people with allergies are allergic to cats or dogs.

  1. Definition

    • Pet hair is not an allergen. People with pet allergies are allergic to proteins in pet saliva, urine or dander, dead skin that is shed.

    Itching and Swelling

    • Airborne allergens that find their way to the membranes lining the eyes and nose can make the membranes itch and swell. A stuffy nose and inflammation around the eyes are also possible signs of pet dander allergy.

    Redness

    • Skin redness around the area of a pet scratch or lick may indicate an allergy to pet dander.

    Breathing Problems

    • If the allergens from pet dander are inhaled, they can cause coughing, wheezing and breath shortness in people who are allergic to dander. These symptoms may occur within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure.

    Rash

    • People who are particularly allergic to pet dander may get a rash on the face, neck or upper chest when exposed to it.

    Consideration

    • If only a small amount of pet dander is present, or a person's sensitivity to it is minor, these symptoms may not occur until after several days of exposure to the pet dander.

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