Symptoms of Allergies to Pets

In the United States, almost 70 percent of all households have a cat or dog, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. With such a high prevalence of pet ownership, it's almost inevitable that pet-allergic individuals---4 to 5 million people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology---will cross paths with domestic pets. In fact, many people with pet allergies live with pets.

Symptoms

• A pet allergy feels similar to the common cold, including symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffed-up or runny nose, coughing, trouble sleeping and sinus pressure. In addition, pet allergies may cause skin irritation such as hives, rashes or itchiness. Individuals who suffer from asthma may experience complications such as difficulty breathing our tightness in the chest.
  Pet allergy symptoms often do not occur during an allergic individual's first interaction with a certain animal. You may need to have several symptom-free interactions with a pet before knowing for sure that you are not allergic.

Diagnosis

• Pay attention to symptoms. If cold-like symptoms persist for more than a week and correspond with the arrival of a pet, allergies may be to blame. Likewise, symptoms that appear spontaneously in the presence of domestic animals probably denote an allergy. To confirm a diagnosis, you can schedule allergy testing with your doctor. During allergy testing, potential allergens are injected into the skin. A raised, itchy bump, much like a mosquito bite, will result when an allergic reaction occurs. This allows you and your doctor to isolate particular allergens and rule out others.

Lifestyle Changes

• Although pet avoidance is the most obvious solution for reducing pet allergies, this is not always feasible. Many people with allergies prefer to keep their pets, in which case they must focus on minimizing allergy symptoms. Pet dander or saliva are the most common triggers for allergies, so pet owners should work to reduce dander and saliva in the home.
  Keeping a pet outside can greatly reduce allergy symptoms. If this is not an option, consider installing a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and asking someone who is not allergic to your pets to bathe them once a week and groom them daily to reduce the level of airborne dander. Talk to your veterinarian about whether changes in your pet's diet can reduce shedding. In addition, keep pets out of an allergic individual's bedroom, as the dander can be almost impossible to remove once it's embedded in upholstery, carpeting, clothes or blankets. Wear a dust mask while frequently dusting and vacuuming the rest of the house to reduce dander. Products designed to eliminate pet hair are often more effective than standard cleaning products.

Medical Treatment

• In addition to lifestyle changes, over-the-counter and prescription drugs---including decongestants and antihistamines---can reduce pet allergy symptoms. Asthma medications may also bring fast relief, but overuse can lead to reduced effectiveness. Immunotherapy is another option, in which an allergic individual receives a series of shots to gradually increase her tolerance for an allergen.
  Although uncomfortable, pet allergies are usually not dangerous. However, you should see a doctor if your allergy causes hives, difficulty breathing or chest pain. In addition, seek a doctor's input if a pet allergy consistently impairs your comfort and well-being. You can devise a treatment plan that both you and your pet---or pet-loving friends---can live with.

Best Pets for Allergy Symptoms

• Because pet dander and saliva--not pet hair--usually cause allergic reactions, there are no truly "hypoallergenic" dogs or cats. Even hairless pets will shed dander from their skin. However, cats or dogs that don't shed as much can reduce the level of dander in the air, as it can travel on shedded hair. Fish and reptiles are also usually "safe" pet choices for people who suffer pet allergies. Because someone who is allergic to one type of pet is more likely to be allergic to other pets, consider getting allergy tests for particular pets before bringing one into the home.