Why did I suddenly get pet allergies

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

What Are Allergies? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Your risk of developing allergies is higher if you:

Have asthma
Have a family history of asthma or allergies
Are younger than 18

Children sometimes outgrow allergies as they get older. Its also not uncommon for allergies to go away and then return years later.

You may have more than one allergy. Children with food allergies, for instance, are as much as four times more likely to have other allergic conditions, including asthma, than those without

food allergies

More than 100 genes are associated with allergies, although only one or two genes affect any given population. Some of these genes affect the immune response; others affect lung and airway function.

Allergic Reactions

Allergens are typically harmless substances that trigger an immune response and cause a reaction in people who are allergic. The allergic reaction occurs if the person inhales, touches, swallows, injects, or somehow comes into contact with the allergen. Allergic reactions can be mild, severe, or even life-threatening.

Normally, the immune system protects the body against harmful substances, such as viruses or bacteria. If you have allergies, your body responds to allergens as if they were invaders, explains Clifford Bassett, MD, a clinical assistant professor at New York UniversityLangone Health in New York City. Your body exaggerates the immune response. Thats what causes histamine release and other things that cause allergy misery.

Histamine also acts as a

neurotransmitter

in the brain, sending messages between cells. It plays a key role in many different physiological functions, such as telling your stomach to produce acid to digest food or helping regulate your

sleep-wake cycle

When your immune system reacts to an allergen, it produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The production of IgE is part of your bodys attempt to destroy the allergen and protect itself. Your blood vessels dilate and become leaky, so white blood cells that fight infection and other protective substances leave the blood vessels to attack the invader.

In the process, the IgE antibodies signal other cells to release certain chemicals, such as histamine, in the local tissue and blood stream. Too much histamine or excessive release in the body can cause an unwanted response that leads to skin, nose, throat, and lung irritation or more severe symptoms of anaphylaxis.

In this way, a normally protective process creates a cascade of what we know as allergy symptoms in response to harmless allergens.

There are other types of allergic reactions, such as delayed hypersensitivity reactions, which includes contact dermatitis from poison ivy or a nickel allergy these are mediated by T cells in the immune system rather than antibodies.

The most common allergens that trigger allergic reactions include:

Pollen
Dust mites
Pet dander or fur
Cockroaches
Mold spores
Foods (eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, and others)
Insect stings or bites (from wasps, bees, mosquitoes, fire ants, fleas, horseflies, black flies, among others)
Medicines, such as penicillin, aspirin (Vazalore), and others
Latex
Household chemicals
Metals (especially nickel, cobalt, and chromates)

Seasonal Allergies

Certain allergies can strike at any time of year. Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, occur at times of the year when certain types of outdoor allergens are predominant.

You can have both, says Dr.Bassett.

And about two-thirds of people with seasonal allergies actually have year-round or persistent allergies.

Seasonal allergies are most often triggered by outdoor molds and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, such as ragweed. The allergic reaction occurs during the weeks or months when the plant pollinates.

Allergy triggers may vary depending on geographic location and climate, but relocating to avoid seasonal allergies generally doesnt help. Pollen and mold spores travel great distances, and people with allergies often develop sensitivity to other allergens in a different location.

Environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change associated with rising temperatures, may be contributing to a rise in allergies. Changes in the duration and intensity of pollen and mold seasons mean more people are exposed to allergens for longer amounts of time. Thats a longer period of time for your eyes and nose and throat to become symptomatic as a result,Bassett says.

In a 2015 survey of allergists, 63 percent of respondents felt climate change was causing an increase in allergic symptoms among their patients.

3 Reasons Why You Are Allergic to Your Dog All a Sudden

For pet owners, it can be one of their worst nightmares when they develop an allergic reaction to their dog all a sudden. Here are three common reasons that may explain why this is happening.

Being Certain if it is Your Dog

First, you should check if the allergic reaction is really due to your dog. We humans can be allergic to all kinds of things so there is always a possibility that your symptoms are triggered by something else. It could, for example, could be caused by mold that has recently formed in the house.

The allergic reaction might also be due to something thats being transported home via your dogs coat. In the spring and summer, pollen might get trapped in the dogs fur and get released when you get back home. It would be worthwhile doing a close examination of your home to see if theres anything new that may have caused the allergy.

Development of Allergies

Unfortunately, allergies can develop anytime during a persons life. Allergies are unpredictable and there isnt a way of knowing how long they last.

For households with dogs, one might suddenly develop allergies to things like a dogs dander, urine, or saliva. For mild cases, it might be possible to manage this by grooming your dog regularly and getting a device such as a HEPA air purifier. For more severe cases, a cruel but necessary conversation might be required to see if it possible for you and your dog to live in the same space.

Check it isnt Something Else

In addition to making sure that the allergy is not caused by something else, you should make sure that the allergy symptoms are also not caused by other forms of sickness.

Stories from Pet Owners

Here are a few stories from fellow pet owners who also experienced sudden allergy issues with their dogs.

Story #1 Severe Allergies to My Two Dogs

Ive never had any allergy to dogs until recently. I read that allergies can randomly develop in adulthood. You could go your whole life without being allergic to anything and suddenly you wake up and find that you are allergic to that one thing. Unfortunately, my worst nightmare came true and I am now seemingly allergic to my two lovely dogs. I am specifically allergic to the dander. My eyes become itchy and starts to swell shut as soon as the allergy symptoms kick in. Ive tried most of the major allergy pills in the market with no effect.

Story #2 Sudden Allergy to Dog Dander

I have always had moderate hay fever issues but never allergies. I have a Lhasa Apso and she is turning one year old this week. Ive had zero allergy issues with her the past year. Recently, Ive noticed that I am somewhat wheezy and sneezy. My throat and sinus also feel congested. I think I am allergic to her dander. My face feels very itchy when I rub my face against her coat.

Story #3 Allergic to My Pup

We brought home a beautiful English Cocker Spaniel three months ago and everything was great until yesterday. Ive suddenly developed severe allergic symptoms and this tends to happen when my puppy comes near me. Ive had two family dogs before and never had allergic issues with them despite being around them for their whole life. Has anyone experienced something similar? I feel quite down given it hasnt been that long since I brought my puppy home. I am hoping this is temporary and my allergy symptoms will disappear at some point.

Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a veterinarian when in doubt.

Published:

01/29/2023

My Pet Child Team

Dog Health

Allergies

Overview

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander or a food that doesn't cause a reaction in most people.

Your immune system produces substances known as antibodies. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. When you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system's reaction can inflame your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.

The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can't be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause:

Sneezing
Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth
Runny, stuffy nose
Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

A food allergy can cause:

Tingling in the mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
Hives
Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy can cause:

A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
Itching or hives all over the body
Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can cause:

Hives
Itchy skin
Rash
Facial swelling
Wheezing
Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition also called eczema, can cause skin to:

Itch
Redden
Flake or peel

Anaphylaxis

Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, can trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, anaphylaxis can cause you to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Loss of consciousness
A drop in blood pressure
Severe shortness of breath
Skin rash
Lightheadedness
A rapid, weak pulse
Nausea and vomiting

When to see a doctor

You might see your health care provider if you have symptoms you think are caused by an allergy, and nonprescription allergy medications don't provide enough relief. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the provider who prescribed it right away.

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or your local emergency number or seek emergency medical help. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others), give yourself a shot right away.

Even if your symptoms improve after an epinephrine injection, you should go to the emergency department to make sure symptoms don't return when the effects of the injection wear off.

If you've had a severe allergy attack or any signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Evaluation, diagnosis and long-term management of anaphylaxis are complicated, so you'll probably need to see a provider who specializes in allergies and immunology.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

ErrorEmail field is required

ErrorInclude a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

Causes

An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain on the alert for that particular allergen. When you're exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold
Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk
Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp
Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions

Risk factors

You might be more likely to develop an allergy if you:

Have a family history of asthma or allergies, such as hay fever, hives or eczema
Are a child
Have asthma or another allergic condition

Complications

Having an allergy increases your risk of certain other medical problems, including:

Anaphylaxis. If you have severe allergies, you're at increased risk of this serious allergy-induced reaction. Foods, medications and insect stings are the most common triggers of anaphylaxis.
Asthma. If you have an allergy, you're more likely to have asthma an immune system reaction that affects the airways and breathing. In many cases, asthma is triggered by exposure to an allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).
Sinusitis and infections of the ears or lungs. Your risk of getting these conditions is higher if you have hay fever or asthma.

Prevention

Preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of allergy you have. General measures include the following:

Avoid known triggers. Even if you're treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for instance, you're allergic to pollen, stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high. If you're allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash bedding often.
Keep a diary. When trying to identify what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, track your activities and what you eat, when symptoms occur and what seems to help. This may help you and your provider identify triggers.
Wear a medical alert bracelet. If you've had a severe allergic reaction, a medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know that you have a serious allergy in case you have a reaction and you're unable to communicate.

Aug. 05, 2022