‘Cat and Dog Allergies’ What Are the Symptoms? Know How to Care for Yourself and Prevention Methods
Cats and dogs are popular pets that many families in Thailand choose to keep as companions. However, for some people, being close to these pets can cause annoying and sometimes severe symptoms known as “cat and dog allergies”.
This problem is a common health issue worldwide. Pet allergies are not caused directly by “fur” as many people mistakenly believe, but have more complex causes and mechanisms. What causes cat and dog allergies, the symptoms, self-care methods, and proper treatment approaches are explained below.
What Are ‘Cat and Dog Allergies’?
Cat and dog allergies are reactions where the body’s immune system overreacts to proteins from pets. When these substances enter the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to fight them, causing inflammation and allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, and more.
Pet Allergens
The cause of allergies is not the “fur” itself but allergenic proteins embedded in various substances from pets, including:
- Dander: Skin cells that shed, very small in size, allowing them to float in the air for a long time.
- Saliva: Pets often lick their fur, spreading allergenic proteins throughout their coat.
- Urine: Contains high levels of allergenic proteins, especially in male cats.
- Fur/Hair: The fur itself is not a direct allergen but acts as a carrier for proteins from skin, saliva, and urine, spreading them into the environment.
For dogs, allergens are mainly found in dander, fur, and saliva, with smaller amounts in feces and urine. Different dog breeds produce varying amounts and types of allergens.
Did you know: Cat allergens are very small, only 2.5–10 microns, allowing them to remain airborne for a long time. They are found not only in homes with cats but also in schools and public places because these allergens can be carried on the clothing of cat owners.
What Causes Allergies?
When pet allergens enter the body of a sensitive person, the immune system mistakenly identifies these substances as harmful foreign invaders and produces IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies to fight them.
Upon subsequent exposure, these antibodies trigger cells to release histamine and other chemicals, causing inflammation and allergic symptoms. Because cat and dog allergens have similar structures, it is possible to be allergic to both cats and dogs simultaneously, especially allergens from cat fur and dog dander.
Places to Watch for Allergen Accumulation
- Dust on floors and walls
- Furniture, sofas, cushions
- Carpets and curtains
- Beds and bedding
- Clothing of people who have contact with pets
Symptoms of Cat and Dog Allergies
Symptoms of cat fur allergy or allergies to cats and dogs can appear quickly within minutes after exposure or gradually accumulate over hours, with varying severity among individuals.
Respiratory Symptoms
- Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing
- Itching in the nose or throat
- Chronic cough, wheezing
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness (commonly seen in asthma patients allergic to pets)
- Asthma exacerbation in those who already have the condition
Eye Symptoms
- Red, swollen eyes, tearing
- Itchy eyes, allergic conjunctivitis
- Swollen eyes or swollen areas around the eyes
Skin Symptoms
- May trigger flare-ups of atopic dermatitis
Guidelines for Controlling and Eliminating Pet Allergens
Environmental control is a key approach to managing pet allergies. Although it is impossible to eliminate allergens 100%, reducing their amount can help lessen symptoms.
Pet Care Management
- Bathed pets at least 1–2 times per week to reduce allergens on their fur
- Regularly wash pet bedding
- Wash hands after touching pets and avoid touching the face, eyes, and nose
- Brush pets outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
- Try to keep pets out of bedrooms, especially off the bed
House Cleaning and Indoor Air Conditioning
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter at least 2–3 times per week
- Wash bedding, pillowcases, and curtains with hot water (temperature >55°C) weekly
- Reduce carpets, cushions, and soft toys that accumulate allergens
- Wipe floors and surfaces with a damp cloth instead of dusting
- Install HEPA air purifiers in bedrooms and living rooms
Important to know: There are specialized cat foods, such as Pro Plan LiveClear (Purina), that help reduce the Fel d 1 allergen in cat saliva and fur. The special proteins in the food neutralize Fel d 1. However, this food does not cure cat allergies and does not prevent others from being allergic to cats.
How Can Cat and Dog Allergies Be Treated?
There are various treatment approaches for pet allergies. Doctors will consider the severity of symptoms and the patient’s condition individually.
The goal of treatment is to achieve remission of allergy symptoms. Treatment usually starts with medication, depending on the allergic conditions present. For allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis, treatment includes:
- Use of nasal sprays, eye drops, and possibly antihistamines to control symptoms
- Environmental modifications
Afterward, the doctor will evaluate the treatment response. If symptoms are not controlled, additional treatments such as allergen immunotherapy may be necessary.
Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)
This treatment targets the “root cause” of the disease by injecting small amounts of allergens regularly to stimulate the immune system to gradually adjust and reduce overreaction.
- Treatment duration is 3–5 years
- Suitable for patients with severe symptoms or those unresponsive to medication
- Must be done under the supervision of an allergy specialist
- Currently available in both injection (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy) and sublingual (Sublingual Immunotherapy) forms
The best treatment should be guided by a doctor for accurate diagnosis, as allergy symptoms can resemble other diseases. Self-medicating without diagnosis may delay proper treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat and Dog Allergies
Q: I’m allergic to cats but still want to keep one. Is it possible?
It is possible, but strict environmental management is necessary as described above. If allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, intermittent itchy rashes, or asthma occur, consult an allergy specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Q: Can dog allergy symptoms go away on their own?
Generally, allergy symptoms do not resolve without treatment, but severity may vary over time. Some children may improve as they grow, but in adults, symptoms usually persist or worsen without treatment. Allergy immunotherapy may help reduce symptoms in the long term.
Q: How is pet allergy testing done?
Doctors will take a history and may perform tests such as the Skin Prick Test or Specific IgE Blood Test. Both methods help confirm which animals cause allergies and the severity.
Q: Are cat and dog allergies different?
Cat and dog allergens are different proteins, but the proteins causing allergies in cats and dogs have about 57% structural similarity, especially allergens from cat fur and dog dander. Therefore, some patients may be allergic to both cats and dogs.
Q: Which pet breeds cause fewer allergies?
Many believe that “short-haired pets” or “hairless breeds” cause fewer allergies, but in reality, no pet is truly hypoallergenic because allergens come from skin, saliva, and urine, not just fur.
However, some factors may affect the amount of allergens produced by each animal, such as:
- Some breeds may produce fewer allergens or shed less, such as Siberian and Balinese cats or Poodles and Bichon Frises
- Gender: Allergen production in cats, especially Fel d 1, is influenced by male hormones (testosterone), so male cats produce more allergens than females
Summary: Cat and Dog Allergies Can Be Managed and Prevented
Cat and dog allergies significantly impact quality of life but do not mean you must choose between “health” and “beloved pets”. With correct understanding of causes, symptoms, and management methods, along with regular environmental care and appropriate medical treatment, many people with pet allergies can live happily with their pets.
The most important thing is to see an allergy specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Do not self-medicate without advice, as allergy symptoms vary among individuals.
