Overview of Animal Allergies
Many people are allergic to animals. In people with an inherited hypersensitivity (called atopy), exposure to proteins (allergens) in an animal's saliva, dander (flakes of skin), or urine can cause an allergic reaction. Most allergies to dogs, cats, and horses are caused by hypersensitivity to proteins found in the animal's saliva and dander. Most allergies to rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs are caused by hypersensitivity to proteins in the animal's urine.
An allergic reaction is an immune system response. Allergy symptoms develop when these proteins are carried through the air and come in contact with the lining of the respiratory tract. A person with a severe animal allergy can experience a reaction in a public place from exposure to dander that is carried on a pet owner's clothing.
Incidence and Prevalence of Animal Allergies
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1530 percent of people with allergies have an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals. Cats are the most common cause for pet allergies and approximately 10 million people in the United States are allergic to cats.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), approximately 3 million children in the United States have asthma that is triggered by allergens (e.g., animal saliva, dander, dust mites, pollen).
Cause and Risk Factors for Animal Allergies
Pet allergies are caused by an immune system response to proteins present in the animal saliva, dander, or urine. Allergies to dogs, cats, and other animals tend to run in families. In most cases, animal allergies are inherited and result from a genetic hypersensitivity to these proteins, which are called allergens.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody binds to cells in the body (called mast cells) and causes the release of histamine (substance that dilates blood vessels) and other chemicals.
Animal allergens, which are carried through the air, are sticky and collect on surfaces (e.g., bedding, clothing, furniture). Petting, grooming, animal activity, vacuuming, and dusting increase the amount of allergens that are released into the air. Animal allergens can remain on surfaces and in the air for months.
Occupations that involve prolonged close contact with animals increase the risk for developing animal allergies. People who work in animal laboratories (e.g., researchers), veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal groomers have an increased risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Animal Allergies
Symptoms of an animal allergy include the following:
- Itchy, watery, swollen eyes
- Itchy, runny nose; sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Rash on the face, neck, and upper chest (in severe cases)
- Shortness of breath
Allergy symptoms can occur within 30 minutes following exposure, or may not develop until several hours later. In some cases, symptoms increase in severity for 8 to 12 hours. In 2030 percent of patients with asthma, an allergic reaction can trigger an acute asthma attack. Animal allergies also can cause chronic asthma.