Have you ever been holding your beloved dog, cat, or bird for a while and then suddenly started scratching, red eyes, and sneezing? Does your nose get stuffy and you feel a little difficult to breathe? If so, you may have what's called a "Pet Allergy." Don't worry, this is a common condition that affects many people around the world. Let's talk about it in simple terms today.
What is a pet allergy?
Simply put, a pet allergy is an overreaction of your body's immune system to certain normally harmless proteins in your pet's body. These proteins are called allergens .
Think of it this way, our body's immune system is like an army that protects a country. When bad things (invaders) like viruses and bacteria from outside enter the body, this army fights and destroys them, saving us from diseases. But the immune system of someone with allergies is a little too sensitive. Their body's "army" mistakenly identifies even harmless things like pet dander and saliva as big "invaders." Then a big fight begins against it. As a result of that fight, we develop allergy symptoms.
Many people think that this allergy is caused by the animal's fur. But that's not the truth. The main culprit is the tiny, powdery particles that fall off the animal's skin . We call this pet dander . These are too small for our eyes to see, so they can float in the air and settle all over the house.
What are the main things that cause allergies?
Not just hair, but several other things can cause this. Let's see what they are.
| Allergen Source | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Pet Dander | This is the main reason. Dead skin cells form on the animal's skin, forming tiny, powdery particles that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. |
| Saliva | When an animal licks its body, the allergens in its saliva get deposited on the fur. When this fur dries, the allergens are released into the air. |
| Urine | When the proteins in the urine of small animals, especially mice and hamsters, dry up, they can accumulate in the air and cause allergies. |
| Fur or Feathers | Even though fur or feathers are not directly allergic, they act as a carrier of allergens because they contain the aforementioned skin dust and saliva. |
Which animals cause the most allergies?
Although any pet can cause allergies, dogs and cats are the most common. That's because they are the two most popular pets in the world.
In particular, studies have found that cats are about twice as likely to cause allergies than dogs.
In addition to these animals, allergies can also come from other animals.
- Birds
- Horses
- Rabbits
- Small animals like mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters
How do you know if you have a pet allergy? What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of a pet allergy can vary from person to person. Some people may experience very mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms. Let's take a look at the most common symptoms.
| Symptom category | How it affects and common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Regarding the nose and eyes | Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, eyes, and throat, red, watery eyes. |
| Skin-related | Hives, itching, and worsening of eczema in areas where the animal has directly come into contact with the animal or elsewhere. |
| Respiratory system related | Coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may worsen in people with asthma. |
Sometimes these symptoms may seem like a common cold, but if you only experience these symptoms when you are near a pet or in an environment where there are animals, it is more likely that you have a pet allergy. The best thing to do is to see your doctor if these symptoms persist and find out the exact cause.
Can pet allergies cause fatigue?
Yes, it definitely is. When you have a stuffy nose and a persistent cough due to allergies, you can't sleep well at night. It's not uncommon to feel tired and fatigued the next day if you don't get a good night's sleep. So if you're constantly feeling tired, allergies could be the cause.
Why do we really get these allergies? What's going on inside the body?
This is a bit of a scientific story, but let's keep it simple. If you have a pet allergy, when your body is first exposed to an allergen from a pet, it makes a special type of "defense soldier" against it. This is called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) . These IgE antibodies are very specific. Each type of IgE can only recognize one specific type of allergen.
Then, when you go back to that animal, those previously made IgE soldiers go and grab the new allergens that have entered the body. They grab them and take them directly to special cells in our body called mast cells . That's where the biggest process happens. These mast cells are stimulated and release a lot of chemicals like histamine .
Histamine is the main reason why your eyes are itchy, your nose is runny, your skin is itchy, and you have trouble breathing. This is actually a defense mechanism in the body; an attempt to get rid of the allergen that it thinks is an "invader."
How does a doctor confirm that this is a pet allergy?
If you have symptoms like these, when you see a doctor, he will ask you a few questions and examine you.
- Does anyone in your family (mom, dad) have allergies or asthma?
- Have you had any other allergic conditions before?
- At what times and when approaching what kinds of animals do these symptoms occur most often?
- Are you currently taking any medication for this?
Based on the answers to these questions, the doctor can get a general idea. Then, he or she can do some tests to confirm it.
1. Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a very small drop of various allergens on the skin of your hand and pricking the skin with a small needle. If you are allergic to that allergen, within 15-20 minutes the area will become slightly red and swollen, as if you were bitten by a mosquito.
2. Blood Test (IgE Test): Here, a blood sample is taken from you and the level of IgE antibodies produced against various allergens is tested.
These tests can help you find out exactly which animal you are allergic to and how severe it is.
Treatment and management: How do you live with this?
There is no cure for pet allergies, but there are many ways to manage symptoms and live comfortably.
Medicines
Your doctor will recommend medications that are appropriate for your symptoms.
- Antihistamine pills: These are the most commonly used. They block the action of histamine, quickly reducing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Nasal sprays: These are very helpful for nasal congestion and other symptoms. Some are antihistamines, while others are corticosteroids.
- Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): This is a long-term solution. This involves giving your body a shot of the allergen you are allergic to, starting with a very small amount and gradually increasing the dose at regular intervals. This will help your body become less sensitive to the allergen over time. It's like getting your body used to the allergen.
The most important thing is, don't use any medication without consulting your doctor. He or she is the one who will decide what treatment is best for you.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to medication, small changes in your home and lifestyle can provide great relief.
- Create "pet-free zones": Never let your pet into your bedroom. Since you'll be there most of the day, it's important to keep it allergen-free.
- Purify the air: If possible, use an air purifier with a good HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter . These remove small allergen particles floating in the air.
- Bathe and clean your pet regularly: Bathing your pet thoroughly at least once a week can help reduce the amount of allergens on its skin. If possible, have someone who is not allergic do this.
- Vacuum your home regularly: Vacuum at least twice a week. Be especially careful to clean things like carpets and sofas. If possible, it's best to remove carpets and use tile or wood floors, as carpets hold a lot of allergens.
- After handling a pet: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling or petting an animal. Never touch your eyes or nose with your hands.
Are there really hypoallergenic pets?
Many people think that low-shedding dogs and cats (such as Poodles) are not allergic to dogs. But that's not entirely true. As we discussed earlier, the main cause of allergies is not fur, but dander and saliva. These things also come out of animals that shed less hair. Therefore, there is no dog or cat that is 100% allergy-free.
However, if you have an allergy but still want to have a pet, you can consider an animal that does not have fur or feathers. These animals are very unlikely to cause allergies.
- Fish
- Reptiles like turtles, snakes, and lizards
- Amphibians like frogs
Take-Home Message
- Pet Allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins in the dander, saliva, and urine of pets, rather than their fur.
- Sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms.
- Although this condition cannot be completely cured, it can be managed very successfully with medication and lifestyle changes prescribed by a doctor.
- There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog or cat breed.
- If you have symptoms of pet allergies, do not self-medicate, but definitely see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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