Could You Be Allergic to Your Furry Pet?
According to the 2025-2026 National Pet Owners Survey, approximately 94 million U.S. households own a pet, representing about 71% of households. While dogs and cats are the most common furry pets, many families also have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and other small animals.
Pets provide companionship, comfort, and joy, and for many people, they are truly part of the family. But what if you are allergic to your pet? Unfortunately, approximately 20% of the population is allergic to pets, with cat and dog being the most common pet allergy.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system over-reacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet allergens. This triggers an allergic cascade, giving rise to mild, moderate, or severe allergy symptoms.
The typical symptoms of pet allergy include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Watery, itchy eyes
Some individuals may also experience asthma symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Others may develop skin symptoms such as:
- Itchy hives (urticaria)
- Swelling or angioedema
- Worsening eczema
You are more likely to develop a pet allergy if allergies or asthma run in your family.
Is There a Truly Hypoallergenic Pet?
No. There are no true hypoallergenic breeds for dogs or cats. It is a common misconception that pet allergies are caused by the hair or fur of the animal.
While certain breeds may shed less than others; all cats and dogs produce allergenic proteins that can trigger symptoms in those who are allergic. As these proteins often collect on the hair, reduced shedding may decrease the spread of allergens, but it does not eliminate them.
Cat Allergy
Cats produce allergenic proteins that are found in the skin cells (dander), fur, and saliva. The most well-known cat allergen is Fel d 1.
These proteins are very small in size and can remain airborne for long periods, spreading throughout the home. In fact, studies have shown that these proteins can persist in the home months after removal of a cat.
Homes with multiple cats have higher levels of cat allergens. Additionally, cats can carry other allergens, such as dust mite and pollen, on their fur, which may worsen symptoms in individuals who are allergic to those substances.
Dog Allergy
Dogs produce allergenic proteins that are found in their skin cells (dander), fur, saliva, and urine. The most common allergen they produce is Can f 1.
These proteins tend to be higher in homes where the dog lives primarily indoors vs primarily outdoors. Allergen levels are often highest in rooms where dogs spend the most time.
As with cats, dogs can also carry dust mite and pollen on their fur, which may worsen allergy symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to these allergens.
Rodent and Rabbit Allergy
Common pet rodents include mice, gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Rabbits, although not rodents, are another small pet that some may have in their homes.
The allergenic proteins associated with rodents are usually present in their hair, dander, saliva, and urine. Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair, and saliva.
These small animals may also carry environmental allergens such as dust mites and pollen, which may contribute to your symptoms.
Can Pet Allergies Develop Later in Life?
Yes, it is possible to develop a pet allergy later in life. Allergies develop when the immune system becomes sensitized to an allergen over time. This can happen at any age, even if you have had pets for many years without any symptoms.
In some cases, symptoms may begin after bringing a new pet into the home while in others, an individual may develop symptoms after having the same pet for years. As pet allergens can accumulate in the home and linger for long periods of time, symptoms may become more noticeable the longer you have a pet in the house.
How Are Pet Allergies Treated?
Avoidance
The most effective treatment for a pet allergy is reducing exposure to the allergen. If the pet remains in the home, there will be chronic exposure which could lead to persistent symptoms.
However, many families choose to keep their pets, who are members of their family. There are several options for improving your comfort while sharing your home with pets you may be allergic to.
Here are recommendations for reducing allergen levels in your home:
- Restrict access to your bedroom and other designated allergy-free areas
- Limit your pet’s access to upholstered furniture whenever possible
- Bathe your dog regularly (1-2 times per week) to help reduce allergen levels. (This measure tends to be more effective for dogs than for cats)
- Vacuum frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum
- Use HEPA air purifiers
- Wash bedding regularly
- Allergen-proof encasements for pillows and mattresses
- Reduce or eliminate common allergen reservoirs, such as carpets, drapes, and upholstered furniture, when practical
Medications
Several medications can help alleviate the immediate and chronic symptoms of pet allergies. They can also be taken to help prevent symptoms when you know you will be exposed to a pet allergen. Some of these medications include:
- Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, Claritin, Benadryl)
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays (Flonase, Nasonex)
- Decongestants (both nasal sprays and oral- do not to use frequently or chronically)
- Anti-leukotriene inhibitors (Montelukast)
Saline nasal rinses are a natural remedy that helps clear allergens from the nasal passages.
Immunotherapy
Allergen Immunotherapy works by gradually training the immune system to become less sensitive to specific allergens.
Allergy-causing proteins are slowly introduced to the patient, either through allergy shots or allergy drops. Over time, immunotherapy can significantly reduce allergy symptoms, decrease medication requirements, and improve quality of life.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Pet Allergy?
If you experience sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, eczema flares, or hives around cats, dogs, rabbits, or other furry animals, you may have a pet allergy. An evaluation by a board-certified allergist can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by pet allergens or another environmental trigger.
At North Texas Allergy and Asthma Center, we diagnose and treat cat allergies, dog allergies, and other pet allergies using a detailed medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive allergy testing. In many cases, skin prick testing can identify sensitivities to cats, dogs, and common indoor and outdoor allergens, with results available in approximately 15–20 minutes.
Once testing is complete, we create an individualized treatment plan that may include environmental control measures, medications, or allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops) to reduce symptoms and improve long-term quality of life.
You do not have to choose between feeling well and loving your pet. Our goal is to help you breathe easier, control your allergy symptoms, and continue enjoying life with the animals that matter most to you.
Michelle Walker, FNP-BC, CCRN and Shikha Mane, MD
Board Certified Allergist
