Not everyone's pet proves to be a blessing. This applies especially to people with animal hair allergies, for whom a pet is likely to be a form of torture. Read more about how to recognise the symptoms and what you can do about them.
Approximately one in ten people in central Europe and one in three allergy sufferers is affected by a pet allergy. Cats are the most common trigger, followed by guinea pigs, rabbits, horses and dogs, and in some cases also feathered animals.
Virtually all animals with fur can trigger an allergy, although their hair is not the cause – the actual culprits are proteins, dander, sweat or other substances that stick to animal hair. Also, it doesn’t matter whether animals are a long-haired or short-haired breed, or whether they shed a lot of hair or just a little.
Symptoms: the signs of a pet allergy
An allergic reaction is most likely to occur immediately during or after you've had direct contact with an animal companion. This is referred to as an immediate-type allergy. Sometimes the symptoms do not appear immediately or all at once, but instead develop and increase over time. Hives (urticaria) and neurodermatitis are also sometimes triggered or aggravated by animal hair.
The typical signs include:
A runny or blocked nose, itching and sneezing
Itchy, irritated and watery eyes
Coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing
A feeling of constriction in the chest
«First and foremost, as with other allergies, one should avoid the allergy trigger.»
Can it be treated?
“First and foremost, as with other allergies, one should avoid the allergy trigger,” explains Silke Schmitt Oggier, Medical Director at the santé24 online practice. In the case of a pet allergy, this means avoiding contact with the animal in question. “But it’s not always easy to simply give up a beloved pet,” continues Schmitt Oggier. Medicines such as antihistamines or corticosteroids can alleviate the symptoms. But you should think carefully about whether long-term treatment can really be justified.
At present, allergen-specific immunotherapy or desensitisation is only considered for individuals suffering from cat, dog or horse allergies, and only if moderate to severe symptoms persist despite all therapeutic and medicine-based interventions. During allergen-specific immunotherapy, you will need to remove the pet from your home in order to achieve the best possible results.
Tips and measures
Unfortunately, it's not really possible to prevent a pet allergy. You can at least reduce permanent allergen exposure in your immediate environment by taking a few simple precautions, although this does not offer complete protection against allergies:
- Wash your hands every time after petting the animal you are allergic to.
- Clean your clothes using a clothes roller (not a clothes brush) after coming into contact with the animal you are allergic to or, if possible, change your clothes outside and then wash them.
- Do not allow your pet into the area where you sleep. You spend a lot of time there, and allergens that pets shed in the bedroom have the greatest impact.
- Remove rugs and carpets, or ensure your pet only has access to carpet-free rooms that can be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Clean your floors and furniture regularly with a damp cloth.
Before buying a furry or feathered pet, allergy sufferers should consider potential pet allergies and all of their consequences (long-term treatment or having to get rid of a beloved pet) and think carefully about the implications.
