Alergia na zwierzęta domowe – Etiologia i przyczyny

Alergia na zwierzęta domowe
Etiologia i przyczyny

Alergia na zwierzęta domowe jest wynikiem odpowiedzi immunologicznej na specyficzne białka obecne w łupieżu, ślinie, moczu i potu zwierząt, a nie na sierść jako taką. U osób predysponowanych genetycznie dochodzi do produkcji przeciwciał IgE po wcześniejszym kontakcie z alergenem (sensytyzacja), co prowadzi do uwolnienia histaminy i mediatorów zapalnych, manifestujących się objawami takimi jak katar, świąd, łzawienie oczu czy astma. Kluczowymi alergenami są m.in. Fel d 1 u kotów (odpowiedzialny za około 96% alergii na koty) oraz Can f 5 u psów, produkowany wyłącznie przez samce. Alergeny te są wysoce lotne, utrzymują się w środowisku nawet do 6 miesięcy po usunięciu zwierzęcia i łatwo przenoszą się na powierzchnie i ubrania, co utrudnia kontrolę ekspozycji. Występowanie alergii jest silnie związane z komponentem genetycznym (atopia) oraz współistnieniem innych alergii i astmy.

Etiologia alergii na zwierzęta domowe

Alergia na zwierzęta domowe jest odpowiedzią immunologiczną organizmu na specyficzne białka obecne w naskórku, ślinie lub moczu zwierząt. Mimo powszechnego przekonania, przyczyną alergii nie jest sierść zwierzęcia, lecz martwe płatki skóry (łupież), które zwierzęta zrzucają, a także inne substancje biologiczne zawierające alergeny¹². Kontakt z tymi białkami wywołuje reakcję nadwrażliwości u osób predysponowanych genetycznie.

Mechanizm reakcji alergicznej

Alergia na zwierzęta domowe pojawia się, gdy układ odpornościowy osoby uczulonej błędnie identyfikuje nieszkodliwe białka zwierzęce jako zagrożenie. W odpowiedzi na ten kontakt, układ immunologiczny produkuje przeciwciała znane jako immunoglobuliny E (IgE)¹². Gdy organizm ponownie zetknie się z alergenem, przeciwciała rozpoznają go i powodują uwolnienie histaminy oraz innych mediatorów zapalnych, co prowadzi do charakterystycznych objawów alergii, takich jak katar, świąd, łzawienie oczu czy trudności w oddychaniu¹.

Długotrwała lub regularna ekspozycja na alergen może powodować przewlekły stan zapalny dróg oddechowych, związany z astmą¹. Warto podkreślić, że do wystąpienia reakcji alergicznej konieczny jest wcześniejszy kontakt z alergenem, który uwrażliwia układ immunologiczny – proces ten nazywany jest sensytyzacją¹.

Główne źródła alergenów zwierzęcych

Alergeny zwierzęce pochodzą z kilku różnych źródeł biologicznych, z których najważniejsze to:

Łupież (naskórek) – martwe komórki skóry, które zwierzęta regularnie zrzucają¹²
Ślina – zawierająca specyficzne białka alergizujące¹²
Mocz – szczególnie u kotów i gryzoni¹²
Pot – zawierający białka, które mogą wywoływać reakcję alergiczną¹

Łupież zwierzęcy stanowi szczególny problem, ponieważ jego cząsteczki są bardzo małe i mogą unosić się w powietrzu przez długi czas nawet przy minimalnym ruchu powietrza¹. Sierść zwierzęcia sama w sobie nie jest alergenem, ale działa jako nośnik dla łupieżu, śliny i innych substancji alergizujących¹.

Specyficzne alergeny zwierzęce

Alergeny kocie

Koty są szczególnie silnymi producentami alergenów. Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia (WHO) oraz Międzynarodowa Unia Towarzystw Immunologicznych (IUIS) zidentyfikowały osiem głównych alergenów kocich¹. Najważniejszym z nich jest sekretoglobina Fel d 1, która odpowiada za około 96% alergii na koty¹. Białko to jest produkowane głównie w gruczołach łojowych kotów, a także w gruczołach ślinowych i analnych¹.

Fel d 1 jest szczególnie problematyczny, ponieważ jest białkiem bardzo lotnym, łatwo unoszącym się w powietrzu i przylegającym do różnych powierzchni. Drugim istotnym alergenem jest Fel d 2, który jest obecny w łupieżu oraz moczu kotów¹. Inne znaczące alergeny kocie to Fel d 4 i Fel d 7¹.

Warto zauważyć, że wszystkie koty produkują Fel d 1, w tym również rasy określane jako hipoalergiczne¹. Koty samice (zarówno sterylizowane jak i niesterylizowane) produkują mniej alergenów niż samce, a kastrowane samce wytwarzają mniej alergenów niż niekastrowane¹.

Alergeny psie

Psy również produkują wiele alergenów, które znajdują się w ich sierści, łupieżu, ślinie i moczu¹. Białka alergenne psów są bardziej złożone i trudniejsze do zdiagnozowania niż kocie ze względu na liczbę zaangażowanych składników alergennych¹.

Interesującym aspektem alergii na psy jest występowanie składnika alergennego „Can f 5”, który jest produkowany wyłącznie przez samce psów. Oznacza to, że osoby uczulone wyłącznie na ten konkretny składnik mogą tolerować samice psów z mniejszymi reakcjami alergicznymi¹. Podobnie jak w przypadku kotów, również u psów głównym źródłem alergenów jest ślina¹.

Alergeny innych zwierząt domowych

Oprócz kotów i psów, alergię mogą wywoływać również inne zwierzęta domowe:

Gryzonie (myszy, chomiki, świnki morskie) – alergeny obecne w sierści, łupieżu, ślinie i moczu¹
Króliki – alergeny obecne w łupieżu, sierści i ślinie¹
Ptaki – alergeny znajdują się głównie w piórach i odchodach¹
Konie i inne zwierzęta gospodarskie – również mogą wywoływać reakcje alergiczne¹

Zwierzęta, które nie mają sierści, takie jak ryby i gady, rzadko wywołują alergie¹.

Rozpowszechnienie i transmisja alergenów

Alergeny zwierzęce cechują się wysoką zdolnością do rozprzestrzeniania się i utrzymywania w środowisku. Badania przeprowadzone przez naukowców z NIEHS (Narodowy Instytut Nauk o Zdrowiu Środowiskowym) wykazały, że alergeny psów i kotów są obecne w prawie wszystkich domach w Stanach Zjednoczonych, nawet tych, w których nie ma zwierząt¹.

Alergeny zwierzęce, szczególnie kocie, są wyjątkowo „lepkie” i łatwo przylegają do różnych powierzchni¹. Mogą być przenoszone na ubraniach do miejsc, gdzie zwierzęta nigdy nie przebywały¹. Co więcej, alergeny te pozostają aktywne przez długi czas – w przypadku kotów mogą wywoływać reakcje alergiczne nawet do 6 miesięcy po usunięciu zwierzęcia z danego środowiska¹².

Alergeny kumulują się na meblach, dywanach, pościeli i innych powierzchniach domowych¹. Również kurz domowy może zawierać znaczące ilości alergenów zwierzęcych¹. Ze względu na ich wszechobecność, zarządzanie objawami alergii na zwierzęta domowe może być bardzo trudne, zwłaszcza dla osób z ciężką alergią¹.

Czynniki ryzyka i predyspozycje

Predyspozycje genetyczne

Alergie na zwierzęta domowe, podobnie jak inne rodzaje alergii, mają silny komponent genetyczny¹². Osoby z historią alergii w rodzinie są bardziej narażone na rozwój reakcji alergicznych na zwierzęta¹. Badania wykazują, że genetyczna skłonność do rozwoju alergii, określana jako atopia, predysponuje do nadmiernej odpowiedzi immunologicznej na powszechne substancje środowiskowe, w tym alergeny zwierzęce¹.

Wpływ wieku i ekspozycji

Alergie mogą rozwinąć się w każdym wieku¹, ale często rozpoczynają się we wczesnym dzieciństwie¹. Moment i intensywność ekspozycji na alergeny zwierzęce mogą odgrywać kluczową rolę w rozwoju alergii.

Interesujący jest fakt, że wczesna ekspozycja na zwierzęta domowe może mieć dwojaki wpływ. Z jednej strony, u osób genetycznie predysponowanych kontakt ze zwierzętami w młodym wieku może uwrażliwiać układ immunologiczny i zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju alergii¹. Z drugiej strony, niektóre badania sugerują, że dzieci wychowywane w domach z co najmniej dwoma zwierzętami domowymi w pierwszym roku życia mogą mieć niższe ryzyko rozwoju alergii na zwierzęta niż dzieci wychowywane w środowiskach bez zwierząt¹.

Naukowcy z NIEHS odkryli również, że dzieci miejskie, które miały większy kontakt z konkretnymi alergenami i bakteriami przed ukończeniem pierwszego roku życia, były mniej narażone na świszczący oddech i objawy alergii w późniejszym wieku. To sugeruje, że wczesna ekspozycja może pomóc w budowaniu obrony organizmu przed rozwojem chorób świszczących i alergicznych¹.

Inne czynniki ryzyka

Inne czynniki, które mogą zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju alergii na zwierzęta domowe, obejmują:

Obecność innych alergii – osoby z innymi alergiami, takimi jak alergie na pyłki czy roztocza kurzu domowego, są bardziej narażone na rozwój alergii na zwierzęta¹²
Astma – alergia na koty i psy jest czynnikiem ryzyka rozwoju astmy alergicznej¹²
Częstotliwość i intensywność kontaktu ze zwierzętami¹
Typ zwierzęcia – alergie na koty występują około dwukrotnie częściej niż alergie na psy¹²

Mity i fakty dotyczące alergii na zwierzęta

Hipoalergiczne rasy zwierząt

Wbrew powszechnemu przekonaniu, nie istnieją prawdziwie hipoalergiczne rasy psów czy kotów¹². Alergizujący łupież u kotów i psów nie zależy od długości włosów czy sierści, ani od intensywności linienia¹.

Niektóre rasy, takie jak pudle, mogą wprawdzie zrzucać mniej sierści, co oznacza mniejszą ilość unoszącego się łupieżu¹, jednak wszystkie zwierzęta produkują alergeny i badania nie wykazały, że jakiekolwiek rasy mogą być całkowicie hipoalergiczne¹.

Warto również zauważyć, że poziom alergenów w domu wzrasta wraz z liczbą zwierząt. Domy z więcej niż jednym kotem mają wyższe poziomy kocich alergenów¹².

Reakcje krzyżowe i współistnienie alergii

Osoby z alergią na konkretne zwierzę mają zwiększone ryzyko rozwoju alergii na inne zwierzęta. Badania wykazały, że 75% osób z alergią na określone zwierzę (np. koty) ma 14 razy większe prawdopodobieństwo rozwoju alergii na inne zwierzęta (np. psy)¹.

Alergia na psy jest ściśle skorelowana z alergią na koty¹. Ponadto osoby z innymi rodzajami alergii, takimi jak alergie na pyłki czy roztocza, są bardziej narażone na rozwój alergii na zwierzęta domowe¹.

Nowe odkrycia i kierunki badań

Najnowsze badania w dziedzinie alergii na zwierzęta domowe koncentrują się na kilku obiecujących obszarach:

Komponenty alergenowe i diagnostyka molekularna

Zrozumienie, na które konkretne komponenty alergenowe dana osoba jest uczulona, może pomóc lekarzom lepiej zrozumieć objawy pacjenta i wskazać, czy reakcje alergiczne są spowodowane całym alergenem czy jego konkretnymi składnikami¹.

Diagnostyka komponentów alergenowych kota dostarcza wielu informacji na temat alergii na koty i innych chorób układu oddechowego lub pokarmowego. Podobnie komponenty alergenów psa pomagają określić, jak duże ryzyko ciężkiej astmy może wystąpić u danej osoby, co pozwala ocenić, jak ryzykowne może być wprowadzenie psa do domu¹.

Nowoczesne metody redukcji alergenów

Opracowano innowacyjne rozwiązania mające na celu zmniejszenie ilości alergenów produkowanych przez zwierzęta. Przykładem jest specjalna karma dla kotów, która może redukować alergeny kocie. Jednym z dostępnych produktów jest Purina Pro Plan LiveClear, która neutralizuje powszechny alergen Fel d1 znajdujący się w ślinie kotów¹².

Badania nad nowymi metodami leczenia, takimi jak immunoterapia alergenowo-swoista (odczulanie), pokazują dobre wyniki w leczeniu alergii na koty, choć brakuje dobrej jakości badań dotyczących skuteczności tej metody w leczeniu alergii na psy¹.

Wpływ czynników środowiskowych

Naukowcy badają również wpływ innych czynników środowiskowych na rozwój i nasilenie alergii na zwierzęta domowe. Uczeni z NIEHS ustalili, że osoby mające większy kontakt z endotoksynami kurzu domowego (cząsteczkami powstającymi po śmierci i rozpadzie bakterii) mogą częściej cierpieć na świszczący oddech¹.

Badanie to wykazało również, że alergeny zwierzęce w połączeniu z endotoksynami w domu mogą pogarszać świszczący oddech i astmę. Jednak wpływ alergenów na dzieci może zależeć od wieku i wczesnej ekspozycji, co sugeruje złożone interakcje między układem immunologicznym a środowiskiem¹².

Alergie u zwierząt domowych

Warto zauważyć, że nie tylko ludzie mogą cierpieć na alergie – również nasze zwierzęta domowe mogą rozwijać różne rodzaje reakcji alergicznych. Co ciekawe, zwierzęta domowe mogą być nawet uczulone na ludzki łupież¹.

Rodzaje alergii u zwierząt

U zwierząt domowych występują różne rodzaje alergii:

Atopowe zapalenie skóry (atopia) – alergia na substancje środowiskowe, takie jak pyłki, zarodniki pleśni, roztocza kurzu domowego¹²
Alergia pokarmowa – najczęściej na białka (wołowinę, kurczaka, jagnięcinę, jaja, produkty mleczne, soję)¹²
Alergia na pchły – reakcja na ślinę pcheł, najbardziej powszechna alergia u kotów¹²
Alergie kontaktowe – najrzadszy typ alergii u zwierząt, powstający w wyniku bezpośredniego kontaktu z alergenami takimi jak piretry w obrożach przeciwpchelnych, pestycydy, trawy oraz materiały stosowane w dywanach czy posłaniach¹²

Mechanizm alergii u zwierząt

Patogeneza alergii u psów i kotów jest złożona i nie w pełni poznana¹. Podobnie jak u ludzi, alergia u zwierząt jest wynikiem nadmiernej reakcji układu immunologicznego na substancje, które normalnie są nieszkodliwe¹.

W przypadku alergii pokarmowej dochodzi do przełamania tolerancji immunologicznej na pokarmy, co prowadzi do zaburzeń immunologicznych zależnych lub niezależnych od IgE, skutkujących chorobą kliniczną¹. U psów z atopią występuje słaba bariera skórna dla alergenów, co pozwala im przeniknąć i wywołać nadmierną reakcję układu immunologicznego¹.

Czynniki genetyczne u zwierząt

Podobnie jak u ludzi, alergie u zwierząt mają często podłoże genetyczne¹. Niektóre rasy psów są bardziej predysponowane do rozwoju alergii, w tym Golden Retrievery, Labrador Retrievery, Owczarki Niemieckie, Boksery, Buldogi Francuskie i West Highland White Terriery¹².

Atopia zazwyczaj pojawia się u zwierząt w wieku od 6 miesięcy do 3 lat¹². Co ciekawe, zwierzęta mogą rozwinąć alergie w dowolnym momencie życia, przy czym większość alergii pojawia się po ukończeniu szóstego miesiąca życia¹.

Zrozumienie etiologii alergii na zwierzęta domowe ma kluczowe znaczenie zarówno dla diagnostyki, jak i efektywnego leczenia. Dzięki postępowi w badaniach nad komponentami alergenowymi i nowymi metodami terapeutycznymi, możliwe jest lepsze zarządzanie tym powszechnym schorzeniem, które dotyka 10-20% światowej populacji¹.

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Materiały źródłowe

#1 Pet allergy – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192
Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. […] Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. […] Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, mold or pet dander. […] Your immune system produces proteins known as antibodies. […] When you inhale the allergen or come into contact with it, your immune system responds and produces an inflammatory response in your nasal passages or lungs. […] Prolonged or regular exposure to the allergen can cause the ongoing (chronic) airway inflammation associated with asthma. […] Allergens from cats and dogs are found in skin cells the animals shed (dander), as well as in their saliva, urine and sweat and on their fur.
#1 Allergies: Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Management
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8610-allergies
Allergies happen when your immune system mistakenly identifies foreign proteins in pollen, pet dander, medications, food or other substances as something harmful (as if it were a virus or bacteria). […] Inhaling, eating or touching something youre allergic to activates mechanisms meant to protect you and flush the allergen out of your system. This causes your symptoms, which can sometimes be life-threatening. […] You generally have to be exposed to a substance more than once before youll react to it. The first time youre exposed, your body sees it as foreign and creates antibodies to it (sensitization). The next time youre exposed to the same substance, it activates the antibodies. This alerts your immune system to attack, triggering your symptoms.
#1 Overview: Allergies to animals – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447109/
Some people start sneezing or get a runny nose when theyre around certain animals, like cats or dogs. Many then say that theyre allergic to the animals fur. But it isnt the fur that triggers an allergic reaction. Instead, its proteins that are found in the animals dander (flakes of skin), sweat, skin oil, saliva (spit), urine and feces („poop”). […] The following table lists the animals that are most likely to cause allergies, and how the allergens are usually spread: […] The allergens can also be spread through animal fur on objects like mattresses, soft furniture (e.g. sofas, armchairs), carpets, rugs and clothes. Farm animals such as cattle, sheep and chickens can cause allergies too. […] Sometimes the allergens are found in places where there arent any animals. This is particularly true for cat allergens, which can easily be spread through tiny particles that float through the air. They may first settle on clothes, for instance, and then be spread to furniture from there. The allergens remain intact for a very long time, and can still trigger allergies months or years after leaving the animal.
#1 Pet allergy – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192
Dander is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with the slightest bit of air circulation. […] Rodent pets include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs. […] Allergens from rodents are usually present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. […] Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair and saliva. […] Pet allergy is rarely caused by animals that don’t have fur, such as fish and reptiles.
#1 Dog Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/dog
Pet allergies are common in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15 to 30 percent of all Americans are affected. […] Dogs secrete proteins that end up in their dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine. An allergic reaction occurs when a sensitive persons immune system reacts abnormally to the usually harmless proteins. Different breeds produce different dander, so its possible to be more allergic to some dogs than others. […] The allergen eventually finds its way into the animals fur. From there, it collects in carpets, on clothing, on walls, and between couch cushions. The pet hair itself is not an allergen, but the hair can hold dust and dander. […] Pet dander can remain airborne for long periods of time as well. It can eventually find its way into your eyes or lungs.
#1 Allergy to cats – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy_to_cats
Allergies to cats, a type of animal allergy, is one of the most common allergies experienced by humans. Among the eight known cat allergens, the most prominent allergen is secretoglobin Fel d 1, which is produced in the anal glands, salivary glands, and, mainly, in sebaceous glands of cats, and is ubiquitous in the United States, even in households without cats. […] The second most common is Fel d 2; this type is triggered by airborne dead skin flakes (dander) and their presence in the smell of cat urine. […] Eight cat allergens have been recognized by the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO/IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee. Fel d 1 is the most prominent cat allergen, accounting for 96% of human cat allergies. […] All cats produce Fel d 1, including hypoallergenic cats.
#1 Allergy to cats – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy_to_cats
Fel d 1 is the most dominant cat allergen. […] Fel d 4 and Fel d 7 are two of the most common cat allergens after Fel d 1. […] Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats range from mild to severe, and include: swollen, red, itchy, and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis); nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing (allergic rhinitis or „hay fever”); […] Depending on the person, an allergic reaction to cats can trigger other underlying disorders, such as asthma or atopic dermatitis (eczema). […] The main method of transmission is through a cat’s saliva or dander, which adheres to clothing. […] Some people with allergies find relief in allergen immunotherapy, a periodic injection therapy designed to suppress the body’s natural immune responses to the cat allergens. […] Cat food containing the anti-Fel d 1 IgY antibody found in eggs has been found to reduce Fel d 1 levels in fur. […] Female cats (unspayed or spayed) produce a lower level of allergens than males, and neutered males produce a lower level of allergens than unneutered males.
#1 Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website
https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/pet-allergies/
If your nose runs, your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a dog or cat, you likely have a pet allergy. […] A pet allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a pet is not present. […] Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic (meaning that they donât cause allergy). Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens. […] Dogs produce multiple allergens, or proteins that can cause allergy. These allergens are found in dog hair, dander, saliva and urine. All dogs produce allergens; studies have not shown that dogs can be hypoallergenic (not cause allergy). Dog allergen levels increase if the dog lives indoors and are higher in the rooms where a dog is allowed.
#1 Pet Allergies: What Are the First Symptoms? | Allegra
https://www.allegra.com/en-us/understanding-allergies/allergy-triggers/pet-allergies/what-are-the-first-symptoms-of-pet-allergies
As surprising as it may seem, fur isn’t your pet’s main allergenic component: The skin, saliva, and urine are actually more common allergens than the fur. Pet allergy symptoms are usually quite typical and tend to resemble symptoms caused by other common allergens such as mold, dust, or pollen as well as illnesses like the common cold. […] According to studies, dog allergies are more complex and challenging to diagnose than cat allergies. This is due to the number of allergenic components involved. […] Most diagnoses for pet allergies are confirmed through a blood test, or more often, a skin prick test. […] The allergy symptoms of dog and cat dander allergies are generally very similar. Therefore, it can be difficult to differentiate the two allergies from one another at first glance.
#1 Pet Dander Allergy – What causes it and how to find relief? | Allergy Insider
https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/us/en/living-with-allergies/understanding-allergies/pet-dander-allergy-what-causes-it-and-how-to-find-relief.html
Cat allergen components provide an array of information on cat allergies and other food or respiratory diseases. […] Dog allergen components also help with determining how at risk someone may be for severe asthma, allowing them to understand how risky it may be to bring a dog into their home. […] Many of these types of dogs, such as the poodle, simply shed less meaning that there is less animal dander floating about. […] However, the „Can f 5” dog-allergen component is only produced in male dogs, meaning that if you are only allergic to that specific component you may be able to tolerate a female dog and have less allergic reactions, which is why it’s valuable to get tested with allergen components if you are considering adopting a dog.
#1 Cat and dog allergy | healthdirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cat-and-dog-allergy
Allergies to cats and dogs are common. […] Pet allergies may trigger symptoms of hay fever, asthma or hives. […] Pet allergens (the substances that cause the allergic reaction) are most concentrated in homes with pets. […] Cat allergy is the second most common cause of indoor breathing allergies after dust mites. […] The main source of dog allergen is saliva. […] Pet allergens are sticky and can remain for months or years after a pet has gone.
#1 Animal allergy: causes, diagnosis, and treatment | gesund.bund.de
https://gesund.bund.de/en/animal-allergy
A runny or stuffy nose and sneezing when in contact with an animal can be signs of an allergy. It isnt the fur that triggers an allergic reaction, its proteins that are found in the animals dander (flakes of skin), sweat or saliva. […] Instead, its proteins that are found in the animals dander (flakes of skin), sweat, skin oil, saliva (spit), urine and feces that trigger the allergy, known as allergens. […] The allergens enter the body through the airways or through direct physical contact. […] The animals and allergens that most frequently trigger allergies include bird excrement and feathers, guinea pig urine as well as animal hairs and cat and dog saliva. […] This means that allergic symptoms can also occur when there are no animals around. […] Even those who do not have pets can develop an animal allergy. Some people have a cat allergy, for instance, even though they have never had any cats as pets. […] But for people at higher risk of developing allergies to animals, getting a pet could make them have pet allergy symptoms for the first time. […] The risk of becoming allergic to an animal you live with can for instance depend on what kind of animal it is and how much contact you have with it.
#1 Pet Allergens | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets
Pet allergens are easily spread. They can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months. These small particles may also be carried on clothing into areas where there are no pets. […] NIEHS scientists found that more than 50% of households have a dog, cat, or both. Nationwide studies showed dog and cat allergens were present in almost all U.S. homes, even those without pets. […] NIEHS scientists determined that people who have more contact with house-dust endotoxins, particles created when bacteria die and disintegrate, may wheeze more. These people are more likely to be younger, have lower family income and Hispanic ethnicity, live with dogs, cats, or smokers, and have cockroaches and carpeted floors in the home. Another NIEHS study showed that pet allergens along with endotoxins in a home could make wheezing and asthma worse.
#1 8 Surprising Facts About Pet Allergies
https://www.filtrete.com/3M/en_US/filtrete/home-tips/full-story/~/7-suprising-facts-about-pet-allergies/?storyid=974e37a7-71ff-464c-969c-9539d365ce49
In the United States, as many as 30% of people have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. […] The American Pet Products Association says that 67% of U.S. households have a pet. […] More than 90% of all U.S. residences test positive for animal allergens, regardless of pet presence. […] Allergy sufferers react specifically to the proteins contained in pet saliva, urine and dander (dead skin cells) that disperse as our beloved family members shed. […] Human dander can actually cause allergic rashes or respiratory reactions in animals, the same way theirs can trigger a reaction in people with allergies. […] A truly non-allergenic breed of dog or cat doesnt exist. […] Cat allergens are stickier than just about any other type of allergen. […] Male cats produce more of the allergen protein that humans react to (Fel d1) than female cats do. […] According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, children raised in a house with two or more pets during their first year of life may be less likely than children raised in critter-free dwellings to develop pet allergies.
#1 Allergies To Dogs: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments | ZYRTECÂ®
https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/indoors/allergy-symptoms-caused-by-dogs
People with allergies to dogs typically react to traces of their saliva, urine and dander (flakes of dead skin). This is because immune systems treat the protein they contain as dangerous, reacting to them as such. […] Most people with a dog allergy aren’t typically allergic to dog fur itself. Instead, they’re allergic to the dander, urine and saliva that builds up on that hair over time. Because dander and saliva are easily transferred and can stick to the fibers in clothing, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to dogs even if there isn’t one present, as triggers could be lingering on the clothing of someone nearby. […] Dander and dried saliva can also be carried in the air, so if you’ve sat close to somewhere a dog has urinated recently, it may lead to you developing symptoms.
#1 Allergic to Your Pet? Learn About Dog and Cat Allergies
https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pet-dog-cat-allergies/
Allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 to 20% of the worlds population. […] When you have a pet allergy, you are not allergic to the pets hair, fur, or feathers. You are allergic to the protein that is found in the pets dander (dead skin cells) saliva, and urine. […] These are all allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. […] You can be allergic to the animals skin cells, urine, and/or saliva. These have different proteins your immune system may react to. […] Cat and dog allergens are everywhere. […] Pet allergens can collect on furniture and other surfaces. […] Pet allergens can cause symptoms up to 6 months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens. […] Because animal allergens are everywhere, it can be challenging to manage your symptoms if you have a severe allergy.
#1
https://www.everlywell.com/blog/indoor-outdoor-allergies/pet-allergies-causes-symptoms-remedies/?srsltid=AfmBOoqV5yrgP_P4taIdgEo5-mBPU5WtC9VdKvLgxDii-oFd5FyPaIFB
The most common causes of allergic reactions brought on by pets are proteins found in pet fur, pet saliva, pet dander (dead skin), and pet urine. […] Pet allergy symptoms can also be caused by dust mites or pollen in the fur of a pet. Allergens like these are typically harmless substancesbut in people with allergies, they cause the immune system to overreact. When the immune system overreacts, this leads to a variety of uncomfortable allergic symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and itchiness. […] Experiencing symptoms of pet allergies can also have a genetic basis: allergies commonly run in families where multiple family members have allergic reactions to pet dander, saliva, or other allergens.
#1 Pet Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention Tips
https://www.allervie.com/condition/pet-allergies/
Pets that can cause allergies include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds, and, rarely, horses. […] Like many allergies, you are more at risk of pet allergies if you have a family history of allergies or allergic asthma. […] Also, several research studies have suggested that having a dog or a cat in the home at an early age may decrease the chances of developing dog or cat allergy later in life.
#1 Allergy Causes | How do People Develop Allergies?
https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/allergy/overview/causes
To become allergic, a person must have a genetic predisposition for allergy, meaning a personal or family history of allergies. Then they must be exposed to a sensitizing allergen. Most allergies begin in early childhood, and early environmental factors play a major role in the development of allergies. […] Allergic diseases are caused by the immune system generating needless inflammatory responses to substances that are otherwise harmless. […] An antigen is a substance that generates an immune response. If this response is allergic, the antigen may also be called an allergen. Each allergen has a unique molecular structure. The immune system uses the „blueprint” of this structure to make special proteins called antibodies that fit their corresponding allergens very specifically in a lock-and-key fashion. The antibodies that participate in the allergic response belong to the IgE class. Each IgE antibody is restricted to one allergen, but an individual may have many distinct antibodies that account for multiple allergic susceptibilities.
#1 Allergic to Your Pet? Learn About Dog and Cat Allergies
https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pet-dog-cat-allergies/
Your doctor will diagnose a pet or animal allergy based on your medical history, symptoms, a physical exam, and allergy test results. […] You can develop allergies at any time. […] A pet allergy can be challenging to manage. […] If other treatments and steps are not working, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be very effective. […] You can now buy cat food that can reduce cat allergens. One product available is Purina Pro Plan LiveClear. The food neutralizes a common allergen, Fel d1, found in cat saliva.
#1 Cat allergies: Causes, symptoms, and treatments
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321120
People with cat allergies react to specific substances that cats produce, such as saliva, skin flakes called dander, or urine. […] The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens. […] Researchers do not fully understand why some people develop cat allergies and others do not. […] Allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance. […] Most people react to substances found in a cat’s sweat, saliva, and anal glands. […] Instead, the problem is other substances, such as cat dander, cat urine, cat saliva, and other substances that may attach to a cat’s hair. […] These substances contain some proteins that can cause allergic reactions. […] One theory is that exposure to animals very early in a person’s life may sensitize those who are already vulnerable to allergies. […] People with some other allergies are more likely to be allergic to cats. […] An allergy to dogs is closely correlated with an allergy to cats. […] Some people might be more sensitive to pet dander and other substances on pets’ bodies.
#1 Pet Allergens | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets
The effects of allergens on children may depend on age. NIEHS-funded researchers found that inner-city children who had more contact with specific allergens and bacteria before age 1 were less likely to have wheezing and allergy symptoms when they were older. This finding suggests such early-life exposure may help build a defense in the body against developing wheezing and allergic diseases.
#1 Pet Allergy | Allergy UK | National Charity
https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/pet-allergy-factsheet/
This factsheet will provide information on pet allergy with the main focus on cat and dog allergy. […] What causes pet allergy? Pet allergy is caused by the protein in a petâs saliva, urine or dander (shed skin particles). Cats and dogs produce multiple proteins with the potential to cause a pet allergy. […] Allergic signs and symptoms are seen in people whose immune system mistakenly recognises pet dander, saliva, or urine, as a harmful substance (allergen) and, as a result, produces IgE antibodies as a defence mechanism. […] Pet hair itself can also act as a carrier of other airborne allergens: pollen, house dust mite and mould, which can cause allergic symptoms in individuals with hay fever, asthma, or eczema. […] Having a cat or dog allergy is also a risk factor for the development of allergic rhinitis or asthma.
#1 Cat Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/cat-allergies
Allergies caused by a cat can bring on a range of physical symptoms that may show up right away or take hours to appear. […] About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies, and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. But contrary to what you might think, it’s not the fur or hair that’s the real problem. People with cat allergies are really allergic to proteins in the cat’s saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin). […] How do these tiny proteins cause such a big allergic reaction in the body? People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems. Their bodies mistake harmless things like cat dander for dangerous invaders and attack them as they would bacteria or viruses. The symptoms of the allergy are the side effects of your body’s assault on the allergen, or trigger. […] Cat allergy symptoms happen due to proteins in a cat’s saliva, urine, and dander, affecting around 10% of people in the U.S.
#1 Pet Allergy
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/pet-allergy
The proteins found in a pet’s dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction or aggravate asthma symptoms in some people. […] Contrary to popular opinion, there are no truly hypoallergenic breeds of dogs or cats. Allergic dander in cats and dogs is not affected by length of hair or fur, nor by the amount of shedding. […] You or your doctor may suspect you have a pet allergy, but allergy testing performed by an allergist / immunologist is the best method to diagnose exactly what you are allergic to and to develop a personalized plan to manage your symptoms. […] The most effective way to manage pet and other allergic rhinitis symptoms is to avoid the allergen(s) causing the symptoms.
#1 Pet Allergies: What Are the First Symptoms? | Allegra
https://www.allegra.com/en-us/understanding-allergies/allergy-triggers/pet-allergies/what-are-the-first-symptoms-of-pet-allergies
Cat allergies and dog allergies are common issues that affect many people. Studies show that about 10 to 20% of the world’s population suffers from pet allergy symptoms, a rate that has been increasing over time. For those with pet allergies, contact with animal dander can trigger a variety of bothersome allergy symptoms and potentially interfere with day-to-day life. […] The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis related to pets typically include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy skin, and itching around the nose, eyes, and throat. Some people with pet allergies may also experience asthma-related symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. […] One study found that 75% of individuals with an allergy to a certain animal (such as cats) are 14 times more likely to also develop an allergy to other animals (such as dogs).
#1 Pet Dander Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention – YorkTest US
https://www.yorktest.com/us/blog/pet-dander-allergy/
Pet dander allergies are caused by proteins found in an animals skin, hair, saliva, and urine. These proteins are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but they can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms in people who are allergic to them. […] Pet dander is most commonly caused by cats and dogs. However, nearly any type of animal with fur or feathers can cause an allergic reaction. This includes other types of pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and birds. […] In fact, pet dander allergy is a growing problem, and in the United States, now is considered to be the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. […] There are a couple of factors that can make pet allergies worse. If a person already has pollen, dust, or other allergies, they may be more likely to have a reaction to dander as well. Also, if an animal sheds more during warmer months, theres likely to be far more dander in the air and an increased risk of exposure.
#1 Pet Dander Allergy – What causes it and how to find relief? | Allergy Insider
https://www.thermofisher.com/allergy/us/en/living-with-allergies/understanding-allergies/pet-dander-allergy-what-causes-it-and-how-to-find-relief.html
Because of their popularity, dogs and cats are some of the most common pets that cause allergies (that’s not to say that your friendly rabbit, guinea pig, or horse isn’t to blame). Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the fur of a pet that often causes allergy symptoms, but the pet dander found on the loose fur. […] However, it’s not just this dead skin that can cause someone with pet allergies to react, it is also possible for pet salvia to cause reactions, meaning all those loving „kisses” that your dog or cat give can potentially cause symptoms like itchy skin or skin rashes. […] All this due to the allergens found within the animal’s dander and saliva. […] Understanding if you have an allergy to different types of allergen components can help healthcare providers better understand your symptoms and even indicate if allergic reactions are due to something outside of the whole allergen.
#1 Overview: Allergies to animals – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK447109/
Not having any pets yourself usually doesnt prevent you from developing a pet allergy. Some people have a cat allergy, for instance, even though they have never had any cats as pets. But if someone is at higher risk of developing allergies to animals, getting a pet could make them have pet allergy symptoms for the first time. […] Allergen-specific immunotherapy (desensitization) is a treatment option for cat allergies, among others. There’s a lack of good research on whether it works well in the treatment of dog allergies. Immunotherapy may be considered if the symptoms are particularly severe and if contact with the animal cant be avoided. The treatment involves regularly exposing the body to small doses of the allergen over a time period of at least three to five years. The aim is to train the body’s immune system to become less sensitive (desensitize it) to the allergen.
#1 Allergies in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs
Some allergies are thought to be inherited. An inherited allergy is atopic dermatitis (atopy) or allergies to substances in the environment, such as pollens […] Common allergens include pollens, mold spores, dust mites, shed skin cells (like pet allergies in humans), insect proteins such as flea saliva, and some medications. […] A food allergy or hypersensitivity can develop to almost any protein or carbohydrate component of food. It most commonly develops in response to the protein in the food; beef, chicken, lamb, eggs, dairy products, and soy are commonly associated with food allergies in dogs. […] A contact allergy is the least common type of allergy in dogs. It results from direct contact with allergens, such as pyrethrins, found in flea collars, pesticides, grasses, and materials, such as wool or synthetics, used in carpets or bedding.
#1 Allergies in Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergies-in-cats
One of the most common medical conditions affecting cats is allergies. An allergy occurs when the cat’s immune system overreacts or is hypersensitive to foreign substances called allergens. […] Yes. There are four common types of allergies in the cat: insect (fleas), food allergy, atopic dermatitis (house dust, pollen, and molds), and contact. […] A flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats. […] Food allergies in cats are caused by an immune reaction to a food or food additive. […] Atopic dermatitis or atopy generally refers to allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, molds, mildew, and house dust mites. […] Contact allergies are the least common type of allergies in cats. They result in a local reaction on the skin from contact with an allergic substance.
#1 Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Volume 261 Issue S1 (2023)
https://avmajournals.avma.org/abstract/journals/javma/261/S1/javma.22.12.0548.xml
Food allergy is a recognized clinical entity in dogs and cats and is an important differential to consider in the workup of a pruritic animal. […] The pathogenesis in dogs and cats is complex and incompletely understood, which limits the development of reliable diagnostic laboratory tests. […] Food allergy is the result of the breakdown of immunological tolerance to food that results in immunoglobulin E (IgE) or non-IgE-mediated immune disorders resulting in clinical disease. […] There is evidence of an immunological basis for cutaneous adverse food reactions in dogs; there is a paucity of research into the condition in cats. […] To develop a hypersensitivity reaction, there is a loss of tolerance to food antigens, which likely arises from a genetic predisposition, alterations in gastrointestinal permeability, local immune surveillance, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome.
#1 Allergies in Dogs – Causes, Treatment and Associated Conditions – Vetster
https://vetster.com/en/conditions/dog/allergies-in-dogs
The exact reason why the immune system overreacts is unknown, but is likely linked to breed or genetic predispositions. […] The reason some pets develop allergies while others do not is unknown. […] Some breeds are predisposed to allergies, suggesting a genetic component. […] Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to benign substances in the environment, referred to as allergens.
#1 Dog Allergies: All You Need To Know From Symptoms to Treatment – PetLab Co
https://thepetlabco.com/learn/dog/health-wellness/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatments?srsltid=AfmBOoqi6_aclpSYGIqffhqFootgW1QYJRs_SU3ebFwppT3YzVasAiVO
Atopic dogs have a weak skin barrier to these allergens, allowing them to pass through and trigger the immune system to overreact. Immune cells in skin release histamine and other inflammatory molecules, causing severe inflammation and itching. […] Some dogs are allergic to specific proteins in the food or treats they eat. This could be beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, wheat gluten, soy, or other ingredients. Dogs with food allergies have similar skin problems to those with atopy. It doesn’t make a difference if the diet is homemade or a commercial dog food. If the food contains the triggering ingredient, the dog will experience symptoms. […] A flea allergic dog may not appear to have fleas, because it only takes one flea to trigger intense itching. The allergy is actually to the fleas saliva.
#1 Allergies in Dogs: Common Allergens & Treatment
https://bondvet.com/b/allergies-in-dogs-common-allergens-treatment
Allergies tend to be genetic or inherited. Niestety, oznacza to, Å¼e alergie sÄ trudne do unikniÄcia. […] NiektÃ³re rasy psÃ³w, ktÃ³re mogÄ byÄ bardziej podatne, to Bulldogs, Chinese Shar-Peis, Retriever i Terrier Breeds, Shih Tzus oraz Lhasa Apsos. […] Alergie czÄsto pojawiajÄ siÄ po raz pierwszy, gdy pies ma od 6 miesiÄcy do 3 lat.
#1 Our Guide To Allergic Reactions In Dogs – What To Do
https://animalemergencyservice.com.au/blog/our-guide-to-allergic-reactions-in-dogs/
Absolutely, our pets (all animals really) can develop allergies at any point in their lives, with most allergies appearing after six months of age. Some pooches can have spontaneous allergic reactions to something in their environment (known as an allergen), while others can have ongoing allergies to specific foods, plants, grasses, chemicals, etc. Allergens can be found everywhere, so its best to know the common types so as you can lower your poochs risk of suffering from an allergic reaction. […] An allergy is an immune system reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when the body is exposed to a substance (allergen) that it perceives as a threat to the body. In a lot of cases the allergen that causes the allergic reaction may be harmless but the body has overreacted by seeing it as a threat.
#2 Allergic to Your Pet? Learn About Dog and Cat Allergies
https://aafa.org/allergies/types-of-allergies/pet-dog-cat-allergies/
Allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 to 20% of the worlds population. […] When you have a pet allergy, you are not allergic to the pets hair, fur, or feathers. You are allergic to the protein that is found in the pets dander (dead skin cells) saliva, and urine. […] These are all allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. […] You can be allergic to the animals skin cells, urine, and/or saliva. These have different proteins your immune system may react to. […] Cat and dog allergens are everywhere. […] Pet allergens can collect on furniture and other surfaces. […] Pet allergens can cause symptoms up to 6 months after the animal is gone, especially cat allergens. […] Because animal allergens are everywhere, it can be challenging to manage your symptoms if you have a severe allergy.
#2 Animal allergy: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/animal-allergy
Animal allergies are common, particularly in people who have other allergies or asthma. […] Most animal allergies result from a person coming into contact with cats and dogs. […] People are about twice as likely to have a cat allergy than a dog allergy. […] People with animal allergies usually react to harmless proteins that are present in an animals: dander, saliva, urine, feces. […] Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction. […] When an allergen, such as animal skin flakes, pollen, or mold, causes inflammation inside the nose, allergic rhinitis occurs. […] Allergic rhinitis happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless allergen, such as a specific animal protein, as a threat. […] When people with allergies to animal proteins inhale them or have them touch their skin, the immune system may trigger a reaction.
#2 Pet Allergens | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets
Millions of Americans live with pets despite being allergic to them. Any furry animal may trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing or red, itchy eyes, but most commonly cats and dogs. Pet allergies can also make asthma harder to control. […] You may think animal allergies are caused by fur, but that fuzz and fluff is merely a carrier for allergens. Pet dander, the source of allergens, is composed of tiny, even microscopic, proteins from flecks of skin shed by pets. […] Cat allergens are found in cat saliva, which sticks to fur when cats lick themselves. They are also released by glands in the skin and shed as dander or secreted in the urine of male cats. The allergens are buoyant, which means they easily remain airborne. […] Dog allergens are also present in dander, as well as saliva, urine, and blood. Although allergen levels can differ among breeds, all breeds, even hairless dogs, can trigger allergies.
#2 Allergy to cats – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy_to_cats
Allergies to cats, a type of animal allergy, is one of the most common allergies experienced by humans. Among the eight known cat allergens, the most prominent allergen is secretoglobin Fel d 1, which is produced in the anal glands, salivary glands, and, mainly, in sebaceous glands of cats, and is ubiquitous in the United States, even in households without cats. […] The second most common is Fel d 2; this type is triggered by airborne dead skin flakes (dander) and their presence in the smell of cat urine. […] Eight cat allergens have been recognized by the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO/IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee. Fel d 1 is the most prominent cat allergen, accounting for 96% of human cat allergies. […] All cats produce Fel d 1, including hypoallergenic cats.
#2 Cat and dog allergy | healthdirect
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cat-and-dog-allergy
Allergies to cats and dogs are common. […] Pet allergies may trigger symptoms of hay fever, asthma or hives. […] Pet allergens (the substances that cause the allergic reaction) are most concentrated in homes with pets. […] Cat allergy is the second most common cause of indoor breathing allergies after dust mites. […] The main source of dog allergen is saliva. […] Pet allergens are sticky and can remain for months or years after a pet has gone.
#2 Pet allergy: Symptoms, Causes and How to live with it | HealthShots
https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/family-care/pet-allergy/
Pet allergy is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to proteins found in the saliva, urine, or skin flakes of animals. These proteins, known as allergens, can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people when they come into contact with them. […] Pet allergy is an allergic reaction that is generally triggered by exposure to proteins found in the saliva, urine, or dander (dead skin flakes) of animals like cats, dogs, birds, and rodents, says internal medicine expert Dr P Venkata Krishnan. […] Genetics have an important role to play in this, as people with a history of allergies in their families are more likely to develop them.
#2 Pet Dander Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention – YorkTest US
https://www.yorktest.com/us/blog/pet-dander-allergy/
Pet dander allergies are caused by proteins found in an animals skin, hair, saliva, and urine. These proteins are too small to be seen by the naked eye, but they can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms in people who are allergic to them. […] Pet dander is most commonly caused by cats and dogs. However, nearly any type of animal with fur or feathers can cause an allergic reaction. This includes other types of pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and birds. […] In fact, pet dander allergy is a growing problem, and in the United States, now is considered to be the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. […] There are a couple of factors that can make pet allergies worse. If a person already has pollen, dust, or other allergies, they may be more likely to have a reaction to dander as well. Also, if an animal sheds more during warmer months, theres likely to be far more dander in the air and an increased risk of exposure.
#2 Animal & Pet Allergy Symptoms | Allergy Insider
https://corporate.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/patient/us/en/allergy-types/year-round-allergies/animal-allergy.html
Animal and pet dander allergies are common cat and dog allergies alone affect 10 to 20 percent of the population worldwide. […] But that may not be the end of the story. […] And your pet allergies may be more complex than you realize. […] An allergy to animals in general, and cats and dogs in particular, is a risk factor for developing asthma and allergic rhinitis. […] Knowing if you’re allergic, and what you’re allergic to, can help you or a loved one reduce exposure to what’s causing your symptoms and improve how you feel. […] Specific IgE blood testing for pet allergen components, available for cat, dog, and horse, helps your healthcare provider identify the specific proteins that may trigger a reaction.
#2 Pet Allergies: Symptoms, Causes and What to Do | CAAC
https://www.carolinaasthma.com/blog/pet-allergies-symptoms-causes-and-what-to-do/
Allergies to our furry friends are commonplace, especially among individuals who suffer with asthma or additional allergies. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of Americans with allergies are allergic to dogs and cats, with cat allergies occurring about twice as often. […] If you have a pet allergy, it doesn’t always mean you’re allergic to the cat or dog themselves. Allergic reactions or aggravation of asthma symptoms can result from exposure to a number of substances found on and in pets, including flaked skin, dander, urine and saliva. […] In individuals with pet allergies, the immune system overreacts to normally harmless proteins in pets skin, urine or saliva. The result is an allergic reaction and its accompanying miserable symptoms. […] If your allergy is to your pet, the usual cause isn’t their fur, it’s the pet’s dander. Pet dander is small skin pieces from either dogs or cats.
#2 Allergies to Dogs, Cats, & Pets – Allergy & Asthma Network
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/allergies-to-dogs-cats-pets/
Allergic reactions to cats, dogs and other furry animals are caused by proteins found in flecks of the pets skin, called dander, as well as in their saliva and urine. These tiny proteins can hang suspended in the air for a long time, settle in furniture, rugs and house dust that circulates throughout your home. You are really not allergic to the fur of your pet. You are allergic to pet dander. […] Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can help build a patients tolerance to pet allergens, reducing or eliminating symptoms. […] There is no breed of cat or dog that is hypoallergenic because they all shed dander. Some breeds may produce fewer allergens than others, however.
#2 Pet Allergies: Causes & How to Reduce Allergens | ZYRTECÂ®
https://www.zyrtec.com/allergy-guide/understanding-allergies/types/pet-allergies
For many people, animal allergies can stem from proteins contained in an animals dander or dead skin cells, both of which can flake off regularly. […] Dogs can get into a variety of places and are prone to have proteins, dander and pollen cling to their fur. […] In fact, studies have shown that many of these breeds still carry similar levels of allergens around homes and cause dog allergy symptoms. […] Although a cat dander allergy is often to blame, cats also have multiple allergens found on their bodies and in their saliva. […] Allergen-causing proteins can be found in the saliva that sticks to your cats fur when it cleans itself, which can trigger cat allergy symptoms. […] However, for those living with cat allergies, having more than one cat can lead to higher levels of allergens in your home.
#2 Allergy to cats – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy_to_cats
Fel d 1 is the most dominant cat allergen. […] Fel d 4 and Fel d 7 are two of the most common cat allergens after Fel d 1. […] Symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats range from mild to severe, and include: swollen, red, itchy, and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis); nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing (allergic rhinitis or „hay fever”); […] Depending on the person, an allergic reaction to cats can trigger other underlying disorders, such as asthma or atopic dermatitis (eczema). […] The main method of transmission is through a cat’s saliva or dander, which adheres to clothing. […] Some people with allergies find relief in allergen immunotherapy, a periodic injection therapy designed to suppress the body’s natural immune responses to the cat allergens. […] Cat food containing the anti-Fel d 1 IgY antibody found in eggs has been found to reduce Fel d 1 levels in fur. […] Female cats (unspayed or spayed) produce a lower level of allergens than males, and neutered males produce a lower level of allergens than unneutered males.
#2 Pet Allergens | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets
The effects of allergens on children may depend on age. NIEHS-funded researchers found that inner-city children who had more contact with specific allergens and bacteria before age 1 were less likely to have wheezing and allergy symptoms when they were older. This finding suggests such early-life exposure may help build a defense in the body against developing wheezing and allergic diseases.
#2 Allergies in Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergies-in-cats
One of the most common medical conditions affecting cats is allergies. An allergy occurs when the cat’s immune system overreacts or is hypersensitive to foreign substances called allergens. […] Yes. There are four common types of allergies in the cat: insect (fleas), food allergy, atopic dermatitis (house dust, pollen, and molds), and contact. […] A flea allergy is the most common allergy in cats. […] Food allergies in cats are caused by an immune reaction to a food or food additive. […] Atopic dermatitis or atopy generally refers to allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollens, grasses, molds, mildew, and house dust mites. […] Contact allergies are the least common type of allergies in cats. They result in a local reaction on the skin from contact with an allergic substance.
#2 Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
https://www.purepawsvet.com/understanding-pet-allergies-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
A wide range of allergens may affect your pet, with the sources of these allergens similar to those that humans experience. These sources include, but are not limited to: […] Fleas can cause allergy dermatitis in cats and dogs when their immune system has an overreaction to the fleas saliva. […] Food allergies in pets are more common than you might think. Commonly, pets are allergic to proteins from beef, dairy, egg, chicken, wheat, gluten, and soy. However, food allergens are not limited to those previously listed. […] Other allergens can include synthetic materials, chemicals, and other substances. And like fleas, other critters like spiders can cause allergic reactions in pets just like they can for people. […] The cause of your pets allergies might not be apparent and may require examination and tests that you cant perform at home, so its of utmost importance to know how symptoms might present themselves so you can seek the right course of action.
#2 Allergies in Pets | Causes & Treatment Options – Virginia Beach SPCA
https://vbspca.com/allergies-in-pets/
Anyone who has ever dealt with allergies certainly understands the misery those symptoms can bring. Unfortunately cats and dogs can also suffer from allergies. There are three main causes of allergies in pets: fleas, environmental allergies, and food allergies. […] Flea bites usually only cause minor irritation in dogs or cats. However, those who are allergic to flea bites can have a severe reaction to just a single bite. […] Just like humans, dogs and cats can react to a variety of environmental allergens such as tree pollens, grasses, molds, and dust mites. […] Food allergies are much less common than flea or environmental allergies, but they can occur. If your pet does have a food allergy, chances are they are allergic to the protein used in the food, not the grains. […] Pets can also have allergic reactions to insect bites, medications, vaccinations, and other substances.
#2 Dog Allergies: All You Need To Know From Symptoms to Treatment – PetLab Co
https://thepetlabco.com/learn/dog/health-wellness/dog-allergies-symptoms-treatments?srsltid=AfmBOoqi6_aclpSYGIqffhqFootgW1QYJRs_SU3ebFwppT3YzVasAiVO
Any pure breed and mixed-breed dog can develop allergies, but certain breeds are genetically predisposed. These include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, French Bulldogs, and West Highland White Terriers, to name a few. Allergies in dogs tend to run in families since this is a genetic condition. When choosing a puppy, it’s appropriate to ask about allergies in the parents. Atopy typically starts between the ages of six months and three years. If your ten-year-old dog just started itching, it is less likely to be due to allergies. However, food allergies can develop later in life and mild atopy can be missed when dogs are young so it’s important to discuss this with your vet.