Animal allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to proteins, called allergens, that animals secrete or shed. Animal hair is not the cause of allergies. Rather, dander or dead skin cells, urine and saliva that animals lick onto their fur, feather or hair cause the allergic reactions. Hence, there are no hypoallergenic pets, and animals that shed less than others may still cause allergies. Animal allergy commonly affects people with pets such as cats, dogs, rodents and horses. Animals on farms, in laboratories and in zoos can also cause animal allergies. About 15 to 30 percent of people with allergies will react to pets, and cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, reports the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Nasal Inflammation
Allergens from dander entering the eyes and nose cause allergic reactions associated with hay fever. Symptoms may include itchy, red or watery eyes, itchy, runny or stuffy nose; sneezing and itchiness in the roof of the mouth or throat. Postnasal drip, facial pressure and pain from sinus congestion may also occur with an animal allergy. Other signs of hay fever in people allergic to animals include swollen, bluish dark circles under the eyes called allergic shiner and frequent upward rubbing of the nose in children.
Asthma-Related Symptoms
Asthma-related symptoms can occur when allergens from tiny, airborne dander or dead skin cells enter the lungs of allergic people. Highly sensitive people may experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness or pain within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure to an animal. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, exposure to cats may cause severe asthma attacks in 20 to 30 percent of people with asthma.
Skin-Related Symptoms
People with animal allergy may also develop skin allergies from direct contact with animals. Some people may experience hives or small, raised, red bumps on random areas of the skin. The skin may become itchy and swollen. Animal allergy may also cause red, itchy rashes called eczema where the skin came into contact with an animal. The rashes may become scaly and dry with continued contact.
