What is an Animal Allergy?

A person who has an animal allergy might frequently experience a stuffy nose, watery eyes, and itchy skin when he or she is around household pets and other animals. An allergic reaction occurs when an allergy-prone person breathes in airborne pathogens from animal dander. The body's immune system seeks out and attacks the pathogens, which leads to lung, sinus, and skin inflammation. A person can usually relieve animal allergy symptoms by avoiding the cause and taking over-the-counter antihistamines. A doctor may suggest daily doses of oral medication or regular allergy shots to help people with severe or persistent animal allergies.

Many common pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and birds, produce proteins that trigger allergic reactions in some people. These proteins are secreted by oil glands in a pet's skin, and are released into the air when the animal sheds. Some pathogens are also present in animal urine and saliva. When animal proteins are inhaled, they attach to mucous membranes in the sinuses and airways. These proteins pose no health threat on their own, but the immune system may mistakenly release natural antibodies called histamines to combat the foreign pathogens.

Histamines irritate the mucous membranes as they move through the lungs and sinus cavities. The result is inflammation and increased mucus production, leading to a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and congestion. A severe animal allergy can also cause wheezing, sneezing, throat swelling, and chest tightness. In addition, some people experience itchy skin, redness, and hives after being in a room with an animal for an extended period of time.

An individual who is especially sensitive to animal allergies may experience a reaction serious enough to warrant a hospital visit. Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition in which airways can become so swollen that breathing is restricted. A person may feel nauseated, start vomiting, and begin losing consciousness without immediate medical treatment. Anaphylaxis is more common with food allergies and insect stings, though acute reactions can occur when large amounts of animal proteins are present.

In most cases, a person can find short-term relief from an animal allergy by staying away from the offending animal and taking an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. It is important to keep carpets and furniture clean and free of pet dander to ensure that symptoms do not return. If work or living situations make it difficult to avoid pathogens, an individual can speak with his or her doctor about other long-term solutions.

A doctor can determine the severity of an animal allergy by conducting a skin or blood test. For mild allergies, he or she may prescribe an antihistamine or corticosteroid to be taken daily to prevent allergic reactions from happening. Some people, especially those with many different types of allergies, benefit from weekly or biweekly allergy shots to help train the body to better deal with airborne pathogens.