Pet Allergy – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Testing Reactions on the Skin
Doctors often use a procedure where they put small amounts of allergens on your skin.
Common allergens tested:
- Pet dander (from cats or dogs)
- Mite particles
- Flea proteins related to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
Usually, they do this on your lower arm or upper back. After about 15 minutes, they check your skin for redness, swelling, or a small bump.
If you see these signs, youâve probably reacted to one or more allergens. Most people notice the reaction fades within half an hour.
Blood Testing for Allergen Sensitivity
If you canât have a skin testâmaybe because of a rash or certain medsâa doctor might take a blood sample instead. They look for antibodies your immune system makes in response to allergens like animal dander, mites, or even urine.
Blood tests can show if youâre sensitive to specific animals, like cats or dogs. They also give a sense of how strongly your immune system reacts.
Treatment
Medicines for Allergic Reactions
People with pet allergies usually try different medicines to control their symptoms. Some of the most common options include:
| Medicine Type | How It Helps | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Antihistamines | Stops itching and runny nose | Available OTC and prescription |
| Steroid Nasal Sprays | Reduces swelling | Lower risk of side effects than oral steroids |
| Decongestants | Opens nasal passages | Use nasal sprays for less than 3 days |
| Leukotriene Blockers | Blocks allergy chemicals | Usually prescription only |
Antihistamines: These block the effects of histamine, the stuff in your body that causes most allergy symptoms. You can take antihistamines as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays. Kids can get OTC liquid versions too. There are prescription options if you need them.
Steroid Nasal Sprays: These sprays shrink swelling inside your nose, so itâs easier to breathe and you sneeze less.
Decongestants: These medications shrink blood vessels in your nose, opening up your nasal passages. Some products mix antihistamines and decongestants for extra relief. Youâll find these as pills or nasal sprays. Donât use nasal spray decongestants for more than three days in a row, or your nose could get even stuffier.
Leukotriene Blockers: If steroid sprays or antihistamines donât help, your doctor might suggest montelukast. This medicine blocks certain chemicals that cause swelling. Side effects can include headaches, fever, and sometimes mood changes.
Additional Solutions for Pet Allergy Relief
If medicine isnât enough, or you want to try something else, you could look into these:
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): This treatment exposes your body to small amounts of the allergen over time. Youâll get regular shots for several months, with the dose going up very slowly. The goal is to help your body react less over time. After the first stretch, youâll need maintenance shots less often, but the whole process usually lasts 3 to 5 years.
Saline Rinses (Nasal Irrigation): A neti pot or squeeze bottle with saltwater can help flush out mucus and allergens from your nose. Always use clean, filtered, or boiled water, and clean your equipment after each use.
Self-Care
Steps After Rehoming Your Animal
Even after you rehome a pet, allergy symptoms like itchy skin, runny nose, watery eyes, and extra scratching might not go away right away. Pet allergens can stick around in a home for weeks or even months.
To cut down allergens and feel better, try these steps:
| Task | Good for Allergies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | Yes | Ask for help if needed |
| Remove carpets | Yes | Focus on bedrooms |
| Change bedding | Yes | Use allergen-proof covers |
| HEPA filters | Yes | Air and vacuum filters |
| Remove soft furniture | Yes | Use non-fabric materials |
- Deep Cleaning: Ask someone without pet allergies to clean everywhere in the home. Donât forget ceilings and wallsânot just floors.
- Furniture Changes: Swap out upholstered chairs and sofas for wood, vinyl, or other materials that donât trap hair and dander. Moving soft furniture out of the bedroom can help.
- Flooring: Take out carpets, especially in bedrooms, since dander clings to them. Go for hard flooring like tile, wood, or linoleum.
- Bedding: Change pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and comforters. If you canât replace the mattress, cover it with a special allergen-blocking protector.
- Air Filtration: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your air system and vacuum. HEPA air purifiers can also cut airborne dander.
- Curtains and Decorations: Pick simple window coverings instead of curtains. Wash or swap out blinds if you can.
These steps can make it easier to handle allergies and still take care of your pet at home.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
A bit of prep before your visit can really help things go smoothly and make it easier for your doctor to understand whatâs going on.
Start by writing down all the symptoms youâve noticed, even if they seem random or small. These notes help you remember everything at your appointment.
Itâs smart to jot down any family history of allergies or asthma. If you know what types of allergies run in your family, add those too.
Keep a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. Include anything you take regularly or just sometimes.
If youâre taking allergy meds like antihistamines, make a note and ask your doctor if you should stop before testingâsome meds can mess with results.
Bring a list of questions you want to ask. Good ones include:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Are other causes possible?
- Will I need allergy testing?
- Should I see a specialist?
- What treatments are best for me?
- Will my other health problems affect allergy care?
- Can I keep my pet if I am allergic?
- What changes at home could help me feel better?
- Are generic medicines okay?
- Do you have any handouts or website recommendations?
Staying organized can make your visit less stressful. During your appointment, donât hesitate to ask new questions that pop up.
Tip: Keeping your notes in a notebook or on your phone makes them easy to find during your visit.
| What to Bring | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| List of symptoms | Helps spot patterns |
| Family allergy history | Shows possible risks |
| Medications list | Checks for interactions |
| Prepared questions | Makes time more useful |
What Your Doctor Might Ask You
Your doctor will probably ask about your symptoms and your daily life. These questions help them figure out whatâs causing your problems and what to do next.
Typical questions include:
- When did you first notice your symptoms?
- Are the symptoms worse in the morning, night, or at certain times?
- Do your symptoms get worse in certain rooms?
- Do you have pets, and are they allowed in bedrooms or on furniture?
- What have you tried on your own, and did it help?
- Is there anything that clearly makes symptoms worse?
Being ready to answer these questions helps your doctor use the time well and cover what matters most to you. You might want to practice your answers before you go, just so you donât forget anything important.
Sometimes a doctor will do a physical exam or suggest tests like skin or blood tests to check for allergies. If youâve never had these before, itâs worth asking what they involve.
Extra Considerations if Asthma Is a Concern
If you have asthma or struggle with breathing issues, your doctor will probably ask about allergies and how they might be making things worse. Allergies often trigger asthma flares.
Pollen allergies might only show up in certain seasons. But pet allergies can hang around all year because pet hair and dander tend to stick aroundâeven if you donât have a pet at home.
You can have allergic asthma even if you rarely see pets. Pet allergens hitch a ride on clothes and end up in schools, offices, or just about anywhere.
If your asthma gets worse in certain places or at specific times, make sure to mention it to your doctor. Your doctor might ask if youâve noticed any patterns.
For instance, do you feel worse in homes with animals, or after visiting friends with pets? Sharing these details can really help your doctor figure out if allergies are making your asthma tougher to control.
If your usual asthma treatments arenât working well, your doctor might suggest allergy testing to pinpoint whatâs causing problems.
Asthma and Allergy Table:
| Symptom | Possible Allergy Link |
|---|---|
| Sudden wheezing | Exposure to pollen or pet dander |
| Increased cough | Dust, animal hair in environment |
| Flare-ups in pet homes | Likely pet allergy |
| Only spring symptoms | Pollen allergy suspected |
Staying organized, writing down your questions, and making small changes at home can really make a difference.
