Pet allergy symptoms

How do you know whether you are allergic to pets?

Most people are born with the ability to tolerate animals with little to no allergic reaction. However, it is possible to have developed allergies to animals. You may have wondered whether it is safe to get a pet or be near someone's pet, allergy-wise. You may be suffering from some other allergy or are cautious and want to know for sure. Either way, there are some clear, unmistakable signs that you may be allergic to pets.

It is always better to know whether you are allergic to our furry friends, especially if you are planning on having a pet. In case you are worried and want to make sure your kids aren't allergic as well, we conduct a thorough evaluation. We provide you with the insights you need to manage your allergies effectively. By understanding your allergy triggers, we develop a plan to help you minimize your symptoms and feel your best.

What Are The Most Common Pet Allergies?

Although you can be allergic to any furry animal, cats and dogs render some of the most common allergic triggers. You can have symptoms like hay fever, experiencing runny nose/eyes, sneezing, or itching in your throat. Sometimes you can develop skin rashes or sometimes even asthma or bronchitis. The protein that causes these allergic symptoms is found in the dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, and urine of these animals. However, pet dander can be a particular problem because it can remain airborne for long periods of time and can stick to clothes.

Duration of the Allergy Drops Treatment

Allergy drops efficacy is much more than allergy shots. Allergy drops take less time to show results in patients suffering from allergic symptoms. It is usually observed that for allergic reactions to subside allergy drops take a months’ time or even less.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pet Allergies?

Nasal Passage Inflammation- If you are sensitive to animal dander or tiny bits of dead skin shed by the animal, you may notice sinusitis-like symptoms. Because your body reacts badly, inflaming your nostrils as a result, you may experience some difficulty breathing through your nose.

Sneezing - Anyone who has sneezed repeatedly in a relatively short period knows how painful or disruptive sneezing can get. Animals' stray hair and dander are lightweight and can get into your nose or mouth. They can cause immense irritation, causing you to sneeze uncontrollably. Sneezing then causes other reactions like watery eyes and swollen throat.

Itchy Skin - If your skin is sensitive, raised red patches like hives or Eczema can be a common allergic reaction to any skin-to-skin contact with an animal. Extra antihistamines also cause itchy skin that is not dangerous but disturbs you from your daily routine nevertheless.

Scratchy Throat/Mouth And Coughing - Sneezing, wheezing, and coughing often lead to an intensely scratchy throat or mouth. Your tongue may be a little swollen, and the back of your throat may be a little itchy. It may not sound that bad, but those who have experienced it know that a scratchy throat is all they can think about then!

How Long After Being Around Pets Do Symptoms Appear?

Allergic reactions can vary in terms of when they begin to show. For those who are highly allergic, reactions can start within minutes. For others, it may take hours or even days for the reaction to develop. This is based on how the body perceives the allergen as a threat. There is no specific time after which you may notice any allergic symptoms toward pets. There is also no certain way of knowing what animals you may be allergic to. However, it is essential to check it with an allergy specialist if you suspect you are allergic to a pet. The specialist will test to determine if you are allergic to a specific animal and will provide you with information on how to avoid an allergic reaction in the best possible way. You can also suddenly develop allergies to dogs or cats, even though you have never been before. Likewise, if your allergies seem to be disappearing, it may be due to a change in your immune system. There are a few things that can cause these changes. If you've recently moved, you may be allergic to something in your new home that you weren't allergic to before and instead interpret it as a reaction to your pet. Or, if you've started or stopped taking a medication, that could also be the culprit of your changing immunity. In such cases, our experts help you determine if your symptoms are indeed allergies, and if so, what you can do to manage them.

Allergy drop therapy has historically not been covered by most insurances, however, if your allergist and you believe this is the best option for you, feel free to contact your insurance provider for an estimate on cost and coverage. 

In addition, you may have heard that allergy drop therapy is not FDA-approved. However, the same allergen extracts that are used in subcutaneous shot therapy are used in sublingual drop therapy. Rather, it is the method of administration (tablets or bottled drops versus injections) that is considered “off-label.” Allergists across the nation recommend this type of legal, widely-accepted therapy to their patients.

FAQs

Can Pet Allergies Go Away With Treatment Over Time?

• With a properly guided treatment, pet allergies can diminish over time. Medication can help you deal with the reactions better, and following the pointers to avoid an allergic reaction will help. If you believe you may be suffering from a pet allergy, our staff at Frontier Allergy Asthma and Immunology are here to help.

What Is The Best Pet To Get If You Have Pet Allergies?

• You can choose from lower-allergen breeds for pets. Apart from that, you can opt for fish or discuss your options with your allergy specialist.

What Can I Do About My Pet Allergy?

• You can get checked to know with certainty what animal you are allergic to. Check what treatment is available, that you are comfortable with your allergy specialist and know your allergy triggers. Regular treatment can make a difference.

Learn more at https://www.aaaai.org

Next steps

If you are interested in further discussion about your specific needs, Dr. Reshamwala is happy to see you and answer any questions you may have. Please call (512) 535-2655 or email clinic@frontierallergist.com to schedule an appointment today! Book an appointment