How long does pet allergy rash last

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

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Pet Allergy

How common are allergies to pets?

Cat and dog allergy is common, especially in people who also have allergic asthma or hay fever. It is also possible to be allergic to other types of animals including those with hair (fur), feathers or even scales, including:

Rabbits
Rodents such as guinea pigs, mice and hamsters
Birds
Horses
Reptiles, such as iguanas
In addition allergy to pet bedding (straw, shredded paper, moulds ) is a possibility

What causes pet allergy?

Pet allergy is caused by the protein in a pets saliva, urine or dander (shed skin particles). Cats and dogs produce multiple proteins with the potential to cause a pet allergy. It is commonly thought that the hair causes symptoms, however it is the pets dander that is mainly responsible. This is spread when pets shed their hair or feathers or groom themselves. Cat allergen is found on the skin and fur and is due to their sebaceous and salivary glands: when a cat licks itself the allergen is transferred onto the hair. Dog allergen is found mainly in the hair, dander and saliva. The main source of allergen for rodents, such as mice, is in their urine.

Allergic signs and symptoms are seen in people whose immune system mistakenly recognises pet dander, saliva, or urine, as a harmful substance (allergen) and, as a result, produces IgE antibodies as a defence mechanism. On further exposure to that pet allergen, allergic signs and symptoms may be seen as an allergic reaction.

Pet hair itself can also act as a carrier of other airborne allergens: pollen, house dust mite and mould, which can cause allergic symptoms in individuals with hay fever, asthma, or eczema. Pet dander alone can also be an allergic trigger in these allergic conditions. Having a cat or dog allergy is also a risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Exposure to pet dander in the environment

It is possible to develop an allergy to an animal or pet at any time, even where that animal has previously been a pet, or where a pet does not live in your home. Workplace exposure can occur for occupations such as vets, farmers, and laboratory scientists.

Pet allergens can also be found in schools and public places where they have been transferred on clothing and shoes from pet owners. Exposure to cat allergen in schools can exacerbate symptoms in asthmatic children with cat allergy.

Cat allergen is particularly persistent and can remain in homes long after a cat is no longer there. Pet dander can become airborne as hair is shed by grooming and collects on furniture and other surfaces.

Horse allergy is an important problem even in a young urban population. It causes a wide range of allergic symptoms from urticaria (rash) to respiratory problems. This type of allergen can also be carried on clothing with the dander being transferred.

Hypo-allergenic pets

There is no such thing as a truly non-allergic dog or cat.

Signs and symptoms of a pet allergy

Allergic symptoms of a pet allergy can be mild, moderate or severe, depending upon the individuals sensitivity and level of exposure. They can start within minutes of exposure or can be delayed (late phase response) and include:

Sneezing
Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Wheeze
Watery, red, itchy eyes
Skin rash/Hives
Eczema flare
Anaphylaxis

Diagnosing a pet allergy

Identifying allergic triggers is an important part of managing an allergy.

If you suspect pet allergy it is important to discuss this with your GP or Health Professional, especially if you have other allergic conditions such as asthma, rhinitis or eczema.

Your GP/Health Professional may refer you for allergy testing to confirm or exclude a pet allergy. This can be done by a blood test for specific IgE to the suspected animal and/or by skin prick testing. Referral to an allergy specialist may be needed. Allergy testing before getting a pet for people without any symptoms of allergy is unhelpful. This is because subsequent exposure may still lead to allergy in a person who has previously not been allergic to pets.

Practical advice on reducing animal dander exposure

Using a combination of the following pet allergen control measures may help to reduce symptoms and control existing allergic symptoms that are triggered by pet allergen.

Inside the home:

Keep pets outside if possible and always out of the bedroom
Do not allow pets to sit or sleep on soft furnishings such as sofas, cushions, or beds
Wash pet bedding regularly on a hot wash
Remove horse-riding clothes before entering the home. Bag and wash them and shower after riding
Using an air purifier may help reduce indoor airborne allergens

Outside the home:

Avoid contact with relevant animals
If possible avoid visiting homes/areas where pets live
If exposure is likely, try taking an antihistamine beforehand and use your prescribed preventative treatment for asthma / rhinitis. Avoid touching the pet or being in the same room
Wash hands after touching or being licked by a pet
Washing and grooming pets regularly (by a non-allergic person) may help reduce allergen shedding.

By cleaning:

The aim of these recommendations are to reduce the amount of allergen in the air and environment, including on surfaces, soft and hard furnishings and the floor.

Damp dust as often as possible to help keep pet dander (as well as dust mites and other allergens) to a minimum
Clean carpets using a vacuum (but it must be one with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and wash hard floor surfaces with hot, soapy water
Wash soft furnishings like duvet covers, curtains, cushions, soft toys on a hot wash cycle
Super- heated steam cleaning has the potential to disrupt allergens so that they no longer cause symptoms
Clean animal cages outside and replace any bedding or litter that has urine on it.

Pet allergy management and treatment

Avoid the pet or animal where possible
If this is impossible or insufficient then medication to help alleviate the symptoms can be used after advice from a Health professional (GP or Pharmacist). Medicines include:

Non-sedating antihistamines
Antihistamine nasal sprays
Eye drops
Nasal sprays
Asthma inhalers
Allergen barrier balm

In moderate to severe pet-induced allergy, allergen-specific immunotherapy may be appropriate. This requires initial GP assessment then referral to allergy/immunology specialist. It is unlikely to be NHS funded.

Pet Allergy

Avoiding animals is not always possible nor the choice many people make. When you cant completely avoid pets or animals, there are medicines and steps you can take to control your symptoms.

Over-the-counter or prescription medicine options for animal allergies include antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Allergy Medicine Guide for Pet Allergy

Nasal rinse: Using a saline (saltwater) nose rinse can help cut down mucus and rinse pollen out of your nose. Remember to use these as directed.

Nose sprays: Corticosteroid nose sprays are effective and have few side effects. They treat the swelling and inflammation in your nose. (Examples include Nasacort, FLONASE, and RHINOCORT.) Antihistamine nasal sprays such as Astelin and Patanase are also effective options.

Eye drops: Allergy eye drops can be very helpful in managing eye allergy symptoms. They can relieve burning sensation, itchiness, redness, increased tearing, and swelling. Common eye drops include SYSTANE ZADITOR, Optivar, and Pataday. In addition, artificial tears can be helpful.

Antihistamines: Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, or nasal spray form. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness. Look for a long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamine. (Examples include ZYRTEC, Claritin, Allegra, CLARINEX.)

Decongestants: Decongestants are available as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. They generally are only used for a short time (usually three days or less examples include SUDAFED, Vicks Sinex, Afrin). Check with your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or trouble urinating.

Leukotriene modifiers (such as montelukast): This medicine can help by blocking chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction. (Examples include SINGULAIR, Zyflo CR, ACCOLATE.)

Cromolyn sodium: This is a nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes. This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it four times a day. (Examples include NasalCrom)

Allergy shots: If other treatments and steps are not working, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be very effective. They require a time commitment and multiple appointments. Your allergist injects a small amount of allergen into your skin. They watch you for symptoms. Over time, the amount of allergen they inject is increased. This treatment trains your immune system to tolerate the allergen better. Talk with your allergist to see if this option is right for you.

Allergen-reducing cat food: If you have a cat, you can now buy cat food that can reduce cat allergens. One product available is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear. The food neutralizes a common allergen, Fel d1, found in cat saliva.

How To Help Pet Allergies

How Long Do Pet Allergy Symptoms Last?

Pet allergies are frustrating for animal lovers and everyone else who ends up in contact with animals. Symptoms of pet allergies can affect everyday life as pets shed fur and skin. If an animal has fur, they can cause a pet allergy, but cats and dogs are the most common animals to cause allergies. Avoiding animals may not be possible or desired. Let's take a look at pet allergies and what you can do to combat the symptoms.

How long do pet allergy symptoms last?

Pet allergy symptoms will last until the animal is permanently removed from the home. However, many symptoms can last for months afterward as pet dander and fur can stay in a home for months and even years later. Often, carpets hold animal dander and fur much longer. If you want to reduce symptoms, you will need to thoroughly clean carpets with a HEPA filter or replace the carpets. The same for fabric furniture, although other furniture can be washed.

The initial allergy attack can last around two weeks until you find a new baseline, but that new baseline does not include immunity. Everyone is different though, and some people may not feel a difference until all the allergens are gone. Consider other places where animals may live, as going to those places can increase and prolong allergy symptoms. These places include friends' homes, camping, zoos, animal shelters, pet stores, and much more.

How long does animal dander last?

Pet dander can attach to everything in the house and last for a very long time. Typically pet dander can stay in a house for four to six months after a pet leaves home. Cat dander lasts longer than dog dander as it's more airborne.

Do allergies to pets go away?

Outgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also, even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.

How do you treat pet allergies?

The most effective treatment for pet allergies is to avoid animals completely. However, if you cannot or will not avoid animals, you have a few treatment methods available.

First, you can use nasal sprays, antihistamines, and bronchodilators to relieve symptoms, but this will not fix the problem long-term. You may need to try a variety of options to find out which one works best for you. Also, consider combining medications such as nasal sprays and antihistamines. Speak to your doctor if you are taking other medicines.

Second, you can get allergy shots to slowly reduce symptoms with time. Taking allergy shots includes weekly injections of allergens over a period of three to ten years. Another option is to create a pet-free zone in your home. Use HEPA purifiers to reduce airborne allergens. If you can, keep animals outside and out of the house completely.

Homeopathy remedies can offer some relief too. Local honey can help in some cases, as can essential oils. Vitamin C can improve the immune system and may offer mild support for pet allergies. Always talk to your doctor before trying new treatments.

How do you get over pet allergies?

Currently, allergy shots are the only potential cure for pet allergies. All other methods help to mask the symptoms. Simply getting over pet allergies would be akin to getting over cancer or getting over diabetes. While some people seem to outgrow their allergies, most people do not lose their allergies and need to plan accordingly.

What does a cat allergy look like?

Cat allergies can look different in everyone. However, most people experience one or more of the following symptoms: coughing, wheezing, hives, rash, itchy or red eyes, runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Some people may experience breathing problems to the point of needing an inhaler.

Can you suddenly become allergic to cats?

Yes, it is possible to suddenly develop an allergy to cats. Doctors and scientists are not sure why allergies for animals can randomly pop up, but the treatment is the same for the sudden emergence of lifelong allergies.

How long do allergic reactions to cats last?

The allergic reactions last until the cat is gone and all of the pet dander is out of the house and everything in the house. Also, cats often shed more in the heat, and you may find allergy symptoms will last longer when they shed.

Can you suddenly become allergic to dogs?

Yes, you can suddenly develop an allergy to dogs even if you never had problems before. As our immune systems age or move, they can react poorly to new or even old things in our life-like pets. Furthermore, you may find you are only allergic to some breeds of dogs with more dander. Not all dogs are the same, and you can find even in the same breed that you are allergic to one dog and not another.

Do dog allergies get worse over time?

Dog allergies can get worse with time, the same with cat allergies. As allergies are an immune system response, if your immune system weakens, it does mean allergies can worsen over time. Allowing your dog to lick you and sit on your lap can help to make your allergies worse. Try to reduce what you can, like licking, and bathe your pet regularly to help reduce allergens.

Can you build up an immunity to dog allergies?

With allergy shots, you can safely build up immunity to dog allergies. However, simply having dogs and dander around will not improve immunity over time. Being miserable is not a solution to hopefully improve immunity. Over time, you may find yourself getting sick often and harm your health. However, working with an allergist, they can help you to improve your immunity over time with allergy shots.

Is it possible to get used to dog allergies?

While you can get used to sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes over time, it will take a toll on your body and immune system. People who experience breathing problems from dog allergies cannot get used to breathing poorly.

With help, you can live more comfortably with dog allergies. Keep one-room dog-free. Clean often, keep air filters up to date, get an air purifier, and try to reduce shedding by bathing the dog often and brushing the animal often. Next, take over-the-counter medicine to reduce symptoms. If possible, keep your dogs outside to reduce allergens in your home. Change your clothes if your dog decides to sit or slobber on you.

What are the worst dog breeds for allergies?

If you want a dog but have allergies, you need to avoid several breeds that are worse for allergy sufferers. Avoid basset hounds, dachshund, siberian husky, springer spaniel, boxer, akita, labrador, pomeranian, saint bernard, german shepherd, doberman, and boston terriers. Look instead for dogs with hair instead of fur to reduce but not eliminate allergens.

Can pet allergies weaken your immune system?

Yes, pet allergies can weaken your immune system. Moreover, not treating the allergy can lead to more sickness and breathing issues. Allergens put a strain on your body and reduce health over time. It's never a good idea to become complacent about your immune system.

Do air purifiers work for pet allergies?

Air purifiers can reduce airborne allergens, but you do need to get a purifier with a HEPA filter to remove more and smaller particles. However, an air purifier is not a fix-all and cannot remove all pet dander or fur. Also, they are expensive and require regular maintenance and new filters to help.

What is the best medicine for pet allergies?

Antihistamines are the best medicine for pet allergies as they block the effects of the allergens that affect your immune system. You can buy a variety of over-the-counter medications or speak to your doctor for a stronger antihistamine. Nasal sprays are another option to reduce symptoms, as are decongestants. There are no good options for those with breathing problems from pet allergies.

Conclusion

Pet allergies are frustrating for animal lovers and everyone else who ends up in contact with animals. Symptoms of pet allergies can affect everyday life as pets shed fur and skin. If an animal has fur, they can cause a pet allergy, but cats and dogs are the most common animals to cause allergies. Avoiding animals may not be possible or even desired. Hopefully some of the tips and tricks above can help you manage your pet allergies.