Pet Allergy
WHAT IS A PET ALLERGY?
An allergen is an irritant that may result in symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (refer to Allergic Rhinitis
patient information sheet).
Pet allergy occurs if an individual develops allergy antibodies to proteins (allergens) from the pet.
The most common allergies are to dogs and cats with the allergen protein being found mainly in the
animals’ saliva or fur.
Patients with asthma may find their asthma is exacerbated as a result of a pet allergy. Symptoms are
usually persistent and present throughout the year.
INFORMATION ON OTHER RELATED ALLERGIES:
- llergic Rhinitis: An allergy of the nasal passages causing sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes from triggers like pollen, dust mites, pets, and mould.
- Dust Mite Allergy: A reaction to dust mite proteins in bedding and soft furnishings that leads to sneezing, stuffiness, and itchy eyes, often worse at night.
- Mould Allergy: Sensitivity to indoor/outdoor mould spores from damp areas causing congestion, cough, wheeze, and itchy or watery eyes.
- Pollen Allergy: Seasonal allergy to tree, grass, or weed pollens that triggers sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, especially on windy days.
- Skin Prick Test: A quick, safe clinic test that identifies specific allergen sensitivities within 15–20 minutes to guide targeted treatment.
What treatment options are available to manage pet allergies?
Treatment options available to manage allergic rhinitis include:
- Aeroallergen avoidance/minimisation
- Medications prescribed by your doctor or ENT specialist
- Allergen specific immunotherapy
What are the aeroallergen avoidance strategies to manage pet allergies?
- Keeping pets restricted to certain rooms of the house and not allowing them in the bedrooms
- Limiting soft furnishings where possible and vacuuming carpets, mattresses and upholstery regularly
- Washing your hands after stroking or playing with your pet
- Changing clothes after coming in contact with your pet in severe cases of allergy
- Washing pets once a week
- If an individual has severe allergic tendencies, do not bring the pet into the home
- Do not smoke as exposure to environmental smoke can worsen allergic symptoms and make a number of allergies including pet allergy more likely to develop
What medications are available to manage pet allergies?
- Antihistamines (tablets/nasal spray): are effective in managing histamine-related symptoms such as itching, watery nose/eyes and sneezing. This medication is not helpful for nasal blockage.
- Nasal steroids spray/drops: often used as first line management in children aged over 2 and adults, mainly to treat nasal congestion or blockage.
- Nasal irrigation: washing out the nasal cavity has been shown to reduce the amount of allergens in the nose (refer to Nasal Irrigation patient information sheet).
Is allergen specific immunotherapy available for pet allergies?
Allergen specific immunotherapy is available to manage pet allergies in very severe cases. It involves
exposure to a small amount of the allergen in order to induce tolerance. Specific immunotherapy is the
only treatment that modifies the immune response to allergens rather than just treating the symptoms.
A typical treatment may require monthly injections over 3-5 years or giving the allergen sublingually
(under the tongue) on a daily basis for 2-3 years. Immunotherapy is usually considered in older children
and adults when symptoms are not well controlled with other measures.
CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS?
To know more, Reach out to the Leading ENT Clinic in Dubai here at Tarabichi Healthcare. Our team will connect you with the Best Ent Specialists in Dubai. for more details.
Call +971 44 131 000