Is being allergic to dogs rare

Think youre allergic to cats? These are the symptoms to look out for

Being allergic to cats is no fun. As well as causing a host of miserable symptoms, it can mean thinking twice before cuddling up with one of these adorable felines. In some cases, it may even force you to make some difficult decisions. Can you really live with a cat in your home or move in with someone who owns a cat?

Cat allergies are caused by an abnormal response from the bodys immune system to certain proteins (allergens), says companion animal vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. Affected people produce an immunoglobulin (called IgE) and may start to develop symptoms. The severity of these symptoms varies considerably between individuals.

Here we take an in-depth look at the issue of being allergic to cats, exploring the main symptoms and addressing whether you really need to flinch whenever a cat wanders nearby or whether there are ways to relieve your symptoms. Could it be a case of using one of the best cat brushes and learning the most effective way of brushing cats? Dr MacMillan helps us find out.

Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. She works in the South West and loves complex medical cases.

Symptoms of allergies to cats

If you're allergic to cats, then youre not alone up to 20 percent of people are allergic to cats according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The problem appears to be more acute among those with respiratory allergies and you're also twice as likely to have a cat allergy than you are a dog allergy. The most common symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny or blocked nose
• Itchy roof or mouth or throat
• Red or itchy eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Whistling when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry, itchy skin
• Rashes or hives

You may find yourself quickly coming down with one or more of these symptoms whenever a cat is close by but you won't necessarily suffer to a great degree the symptoms can be mild and moderate as well as severe.

If you do suffer from any of these symptoms when you're around cats, then it may be worth talking to your doctor to be absolutely sure moggies are the cause. It is possible to have skin or blood tests to confirm you're allergic to cats.

What triggers a cat allergy?

It's often said that hair is the cause of a cat allergy and it's easy to see why people would think this is the case. Indeed, when cats shed their fur, they not only leave it on furniture, carpets and clothes, but they also send it flying into the air. It's a reasonable assumption to believe you may be breathing in the hair and therefore falling ill.

But that's not strictly true. The hair itself is not actually the problem. Instead, the issue lies with proteins. The proteins that cause allergic reactions are secreted in the saliva of cats (called Fel d 4) and in the sebaceous glands of the skin (called Fel d 1), explains Dr MacMillan.

These proteins are found concentrated in the fur because, as the cat grooms itself, it spreads saliva and skin secretions throughout their coat. So, it is not the hairs themselves that cause problems per se, but the proteins that end up covering them. Fel d 4 is also shed in urine and feces, so dirty litter trays could be a trigger for some people too.

Since the proteins are smaller and lighter than dust allergens, the molecules can stay airborne for hours, making it possible to breathe them deep into your lungs which is why the protein can cause respiratory problems.

What's more, the protein is also very sticky. Once it gets into the air, it will land on furniture, clothes and your skin and it can also take a good few months before it ends up breaking down. This means coming into contact with a cat owner rather than the moggy itself can also be triggering. The protein is often found in public areas where there are no cats because owners can transfer it there.

Cat owners could transfer proteins to non-cat owners, via loose fur or sebaceous secretions on their clothing, affirms Dr MacMillan. These proteins (allergens) are also lightweight and can become airborne in the environment. So, in theory, it would be possible for someone who has not come into direct contact with a cat to develop an allergy, if they were highly susceptible. People who are more at risk of developing allergies tend to have a family history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, or other allergies.

Can you live with cats if you are allergic?

Yes, absolutely, although much depends on how severe your symptoms are. If you are only mildly allergic to cats, then it may be possible to own one if you take some sensible precautions, Dr MacMillan says. These include not allowing the cat to sleep in your bedroom, having hard flooring in your home rather than carpets, vacuuming regularly, using air purifiers, and washing your hands after handling the cat. You should also ensure your cat has access outdoors via a cat flap so that they dont spend all their time inside with you.

Using the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair will help to remove fur that could be coated with protein. You may also want to try different types of cat brushes to groom a kitty and ensure as much allergen-carrying hair is removed as possible.

You may want to do this outdoors rather than risk spreading the protein inside your home and it could be an idea to wear goggles and gloves if you think you're going to suffer. It's a good idea, too, to ensure one or two rooms (including the bedroom) are cat-free. Wash cat bedding in a hot setting and wipe down surfaces in rooms where cats tend to roam. Consider allergen-trapping carpets and high-efficiency particulate air filters.

Can I build up a tolerance to cat allergies?

If you're struggling with an animal allergy, avoidance is the best remedy. But talk to your doctor about immunotherapy which involves small injections of the allergen each week for about six months followed by monthly shots for up to five years. You can also get over-the-counter medicines for temporary relief from the symptoms.

Always discuss your allergies with your doctor, as antihistamines and inhalers are required to manage symptoms in some people, says Dr MacMillan. If you suffer from a severe allergy, then it would not be recommended to own a cat and you should put your health first.

How can you stop being allergic to cats?

Building up a tolerance is one way and, if you take the measures detailed above, then there is a chance you can reduce symptoms. But there's no real quick fix, unfortunately, and it's not even as simple as opting for hypoallergenic cat breeds since all cats produce allergens.

The benefit of these breeds lies in them producing a lower level of allergens than others (they also shed less fur). Female cats also produce a lower level of allergens so avoiding the males may go some way to relieving your symptoms too.

The production of these proteins explains why even hairless cats can cause reactions in certain individuals,| says Dr MacMillan. However, the amount of proteins produced by different felines varies, which might explain why some cats trigger greater symptoms than others.

Long-haired cats are more likely to provoke a reaction, but this is probably due to a greater accumulation of saliva and sebaceous secretions in their coat or because they shed more hairs around the house. Intact male cats also produce for Fel d 1 than females (though neutered male cats are similar to females). There are no truly hypoallergenic cats.

If you want a bit of relief from a cat, then consider the best outdoor cat enclosures or help your kitties get in and out of the house with ease with the best microchip cat flaps.

Dealing with your allergies to dogs

by Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD

If youve found yourself sniffling and sneezing since you got your new puppy, you might be allergic to dogs. There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about allergies to dogs, and were here to help provide some strategies that can help you successfully live with a dog, even if you are allergic.

*Although rare, some people can be extremely allergic to dogs, and people with asthma or other respiratory disease will be at greater risk. Always discuss with your healthcare provider whether you absolutely cannot live with dogs!

Why are people allergic to dogs?

First of all, its important to understand exactly what you are allergic to when you are allergic to dogs. Many people have the misconception that they are allergic to a dogs fur. However, what many people are actually allergic to is a protein in a dogs skin and saliva known as Can f 1. Their hair is a carrier of the proteins, which is why people may react more strongly to dogs that shed more fur.

What are the signs of dog allergies?

Symptoms are often similar to that of a common cold, but they dont go away after a few weeks like a cold should! Signs include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, difficulty sleeping, hives, and chest tightness.

How we can ease our dog allergies

The best way to ease your allergic symptoms is to limit your exposure to Can f 1. Here are some effective ways to reduce the amount of allergens in your environment:

• Keep your dog out of your bedroom: you spend about 8 hours a day in your bedroom, so keeping your dog out of this room will give you a large chunk of time in an allergen-free zone.
• Use HEPA filters: Air purifiers can be your friend. Be sure to use air purifiers with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration in heavily used areas of your home, and consider using HEPA filters in your central air system as well.
• Get rid of carpet if possible: Hardwood floors are easier to clean and dont hang on to dog hairs. Use washable throw rugs instead of carpet when you can.
• Try leather or vinyl furniture: If your dog is allowed on the couch, you should make sure their hair isnt clinging to it. You can also cover your furniture with pet bedding that can be removed and washed - and be sure to wash frequently.
• Effective cleaning: Get a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or use a central/whole house vacuum system to keep dog hair under control.
• Wear a mask when cleaning: If you are dusting, vacuuming, or otherwise cleaning around the house, wearing a mask will protect you from the dust and allergens that get kicked around.
• Groom your dog - carefully: Maintain your dogs coat with regular (weekly) brushing, but its best to brush your dog outside your home to minimize your exposure to allergens (even better yet, get a non-allergic household member to do the dog brushing!). Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog would benefit from regular bathing or professional grooming.
• Consider medication or immunotherapy: Visit an allergist who can help you confirm if your allergies are actually to your dog, or to something else in your home. Your allergist can recommend any medications to ease your allergy symptoms, and they can advise you as to whether immunotherapy (allergy shots) could give you relief.

Will I outgrow my allergy?

Allergies can make you feel downright miserable - and while some people do seem to adjust to living with allergens, some people will start to feel worse with increased exposure. It is much better to limit your exposure to allergens and work with a medical professional who can make sure youre feeling your bestwith your dog!

Can I just get a hypoallergenic dog?

Unfortunately (and despite the false advertising), there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Some breeds may cause fewer allergic symptoms due to shedding less or having less hair. It is also possible that some breeds produce less of the protein that causes allergic reactions, but there is little evidence to date to support that.

Living with dogs and allergies

Although some people do need to rehome their dog due to allergies, it is possible to keep your dog while keeping your sniffles in check. With allergies, it is best to engage in as many of the abovementioned control strategies as possible. While there is no truly allergy-free dog, we can minimize allergens in the environment effectively and often enough to help you forget that Fido ever made you sneeze.

Resources

The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Allergic to your dog? Easy tips to prevent and control your allergy

The Mayo Clinic: Pet Allergy

Nicholas, C. E., Wegienka, G. R., Havstad, S. L., Zoratti, E. M., Ownby, D. R., & Johnson, C. C. (2011). Dog allergen levels in homes with hypoallergenic compared with nonhypoallergenic dogs. American journal of rhinology & allergy, 25(4), 252-256. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680143/

Vredegoor, D. W., Willemse, T., Chapman, M. D., Heederik, D. J., & Krop, E. J. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 130(4), 904-909. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22728082/