Pet Allergies

This allergic reaction results from the proteins that are found inside the skin of an animal’s cells, urine or saliva. The signs of a pet allergy are similar to a person experiencing hay fever such as runny nose and sneezing. Other signs include breathing difficulties and wheezing.

Most of the time, pet allergies are triggered whenever a person is exposed to the dead flakes from skin that a pet sheds. Nearly all animals that have fur can be the source of a pet allergy, but it is often associated with pets such as rodents, cats, dogs and horses.

People who are suffering from pet allergies should reduce or avoid being exposed to animals as much as possible. It may be necessary to apply treatments and medications to relieve the symptoms or manage asthma.

The allergic symptoms from pets, which are caused by the inflammation of nasal passages, will include the following:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery, red or itchy eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose or throat
• Frequent awakening
• Facial pain and pressure

You could also experience the following symptoms if your pet contributes to your asthma:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Breathing difficulties
• Wheezing when exhaling

Some people experience skin symptoms from pet allergies. An immune system reaction, known as allergic dermatitis, can cause inflammation in the skin. Being in direct contact with a pet that causes allergies could trigger symptoms such as itchy skin and red patches.

Causes

These allergies happen whenever a person’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as bee venom, pet dander or pollen. Antibodies are produced by the immune system, which protects the body from external invaders that could make a person sick or infected.

Whenever a person has allergies, the immune system is going to identify a specific allergen as a harmful substance and thus will respond and produce inflammatory responses in the lungs or nasal passages. Continuous exposure to the allergen can be the cause of chronic inflammation, which is associated with asthma.

Appointment With a Doctor

Some symptoms and signs from pet allergies, like sneezing or runny nose, are the same as having a common cold. At times, differentiating an allergy from a cold is difficult. If these symptoms persist for more than a week, then you may have an allergy.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms like wheezing or nasal congestion, then it is time to call a doctor. You should seek medical care if the shortness of breath or wheezing that you are experiencing becomes worse rapidly. The same should be done if you are experiencing shortness of breath after performing minimal activities.