Dog and cat allergy: symptoms and treatment

Some people are allergic to domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, which causes symptoms such as constant sneezing, dry cough or itchy nose, eyes and skin whenever they come into contact with them. Allergies occur because animals eliminate hair, flaking skin and residues that we cannot see with the naked eye, but that we inhale when we breathe.

When there is an allergy to animals, it may be necessary to undergo treatment using antihistamines recommended by the doctor, but the best way to avoid attacks is to avoid contact with animals, as there is no cure for this allergy.

Furthermore, people with allergies who wish to have a pet can choose to have species that cause fewer allergies, such as fish or turtles, as well as giving preference to breeds of dogs and cats that tend to cause fewer allergic reactions.

Dog or cat allergy symptoms

The main symptoms of dog or cat allergies are:

• Strong, dry and constant cough;
• Dry and itchy throat;
• Runny and itchy nose;
• Red, swollen and/or watery eyes;
• Bumps on the skin and intense itching in the hands;
• Constant sneezing;
• Excessive tiredness;
• Difficulty sleeping.

In some cases, the allergic reaction can be more intense, which can lead to the development of an asthma attack, in which the person experiences intense difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and noises when breathing. See more about what to do during an asthma attack.

Symptoms can vary from person to person and occur when the person comes into contact with the animal or is in an environment where animals live.

Online symptom test

To find out if you have an allergy, such as a dog or cat allergy, please select the symptoms you are experiencing:

This test is just a guidance tool. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How the diagnosis is made

To confirm an asthma attack, it is important that an immunoallergologist is consulted, as this will allow an assessment of symptoms to be carried out and tests to help confirm an allergy to dogs or cats.

The test to find out if you are allergic to cats or dogs can be done on the forearm, by applying some substances, or on the back, where an adhesive tape is placed on the back with the substances that could cause a reaction in the person.

The doctor may also request an IgE test, which measures the amount of antibody in the blood, where higher levels may be suggestive of an allergy.

Thus, through these tests, the doctor can confirm the allergy and assess its intensity, indicating the best treatment. Understand how allergy testing is done.

Treatment for allergic crisis

Treatment for an allergic attack to dog or cat hair must be carried out according to the allergist’s instructions, and may be recommended:

• Antihistaminessuch as loratadine, cetirizine or hydroxyzine;
• Inhaled corticosteroidssuch as budesonide spray;
• Nasal decongestantsand can be used for up to 3 days to relieve nasal congestion;
• Leukotriene modifierssuch as montelukast, which helps block the chemicals that the body releases when you have an allergic reaction;
• Immunotherapy, in which the allergist recommends injecting small amounts of allergens into the skin, monitoring symptoms. Gradually, the doses can be increased little by little until the immune system begins to tolerate the allergen.

Furthermore, people with asthma can be seriously affected due to contact with these animals, as they may have more frequent attacks and require the use of an asthma inhaler.

However, the main way to treat and avoid allergies to pets is by avoiding them at home. Therefore, when you choose to have animals, it is advisable to keep them outdoors or, when this is not possible, you should opt for animals that cause fewer allergies, such as fish, reptiles or hairless guinea pigs.

Dog breeds that do not cause allergies

Some dog breeds suitable for allergy sufferers include:

1. Bedlington terrier;
2. Bichon Frize;
3. Portuguese water dog;
4. Chinese crested;
5. Kerry blue terrier;
6. Maltese;
7. Schnauzer;
8. Soft Coated wheaten terrier,
9. Irish Water Spaniel and the
10. Mexican peeling.

Dogs from these breeds are the most suitable for people with allergies, as it has been proven that the peeling of the skin and hair loss in these animals cannot easily cause an allergic reaction.

Cat breeds that do not cause allergies

Cat breeds that do not cause allergies are:

1. Oriental short hair;
2. Balinese;
3. Javanese;
4. Cornish rex;
5. Devon rex;
6. Siberian.

Normally cats that do not cause allergies have short hair, are bald or when they have a lot of hair they have a smaller amount of enzyme in their saliva, which is normally the cause of allergic attacks.