Pet allergy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention

Introduction

Does your dog make you sneeze? Does your cat start your eyes watering? If so, you're not alone. Having a pet allergy — whether to dogs or cats, or even to hamsters or birds — is fairly common.

You may be surprised to learn that in most cases it's not your pet's fur or feathers that cause the allergic reaction. Instead, it's the small, invisible flakes of animal skin (dander) that trigger the itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and stuffy nose in people with a pet allergy. Less frequently, pet saliva may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

A pet allergy can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a pet allergy often occur within minutes after exposure to the pet. The most effective way to alleviate the signs and symptoms of a pet allergy is to find a new home for your pet, although for many people, separating from a loyal companion can be difficult to do.

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Signs and symptoms