Pet Allergies: What To Do If You’re Allergic to Your Cat or Dog

Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to something that is typically harmless. When it comes to pet allergies, many people think pet fur is the problem, but it’s actually the proteins on your pet’s fur and in their dander, saliva, and urine that cause allergic reactions.  

For most people, exposure to these proteins isn’t a big deal. But if you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes them for dangerous invaders.  

“Your body mounts a defense by releasing histamines and other chemicals,” explains Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand.  

These chemicals will do just about anything to force the allergens out of your system. “This is what causes all those annoying allergy symptoms,” says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle and functional medicine physician.  

Pet allergy symptoms look a little different for everyone. They might include a bit of sneezing, but they may also trigger a full-blown asthma attack. 

While cat and dog allergy symptoms often overlap, some symptoms are more common. 

Cat Allergy Symptoms 

• Sneezing, runny, or stuffy nose 
• Itchy, watery eyes 
• Asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath) 
• Eczema flares or hives after contact 
• Itchy throat or coughing 

Dog Allergy Symptoms 

• Nasal congestion or sneezing 
• Itchy eyes 
• Skin rashes where your dog licked or touched you 
• Mild wheezing  
• Fatigue 

The duration of symptoms can be a bit of a wild card, too. Wada and Kopelman say that for some people, allergy symptoms can show up almost immediately and start to clear up once you’re away from your pet.  

But for others, symptoms don’t hit until hours later and they can linger for days.  

When Wada or Kopelman meet new patients struggling with pet allergies, their first instinct is never to suggest giving up their pet. “As a pet lover myself, rehoming is the absolute last resort,” Wada says. 

In more than 15 years of practice, Wada says she’s only had one case where rehoming a pet felt like the right call. For most of her patients, this means working together to build a personalized plan. 

“It takes dedication,” Wada says, “but it’s almost always possible.” 

If you suspect you’re allergic to your pet, follow these steps to try to reduce allergens.  

However, you should also consult with a doctor, especially if your reactions are severe.  

• Create pet-free zones. Make your bedroom a sanctuary. This will give your immune system an eight-hour break while you sleep.  
• Buy an air purifier. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters trap allergens, while photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) systems trap and destroy airborne allergens. 

• Keep things clean. Wash your hands after petting your pet, use a HEPA-filter vacuum, wash pet bedding and toys weekly in hot water (and dry on high heat), and change clothes after snuggling with your pet. 
• Remove rugs. Carpets trap dander and allergens, so hardwood floors are best. However, slick surfaces can be slippery, especially for senior pets, so consider pet-friendly alternatives like nonslip mats or rubber toe grips.   

• Keep your pet well-groomed. Routine brushing, weekly baths, and regular haircuts with a professional groomer can all reduce your exposure to allergens, says Rachel Cocchiaro, DVM, a veterinarian at Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital in Bahama, North Carolina.  

For best results, combine over-the-counter treatments with changes at home.  

Your doctor might suggest:  

• Oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine  
• Eye drops for itchy, dry eyes 
• Nasal sprays 

Ensure you follow directions on the product for the ingredients to work correctly.  

When over-the-counter medications and changes at home aren’t cutting it, ask your doctor about: 

• Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays 
• Prescription antihistamines 
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy) 

Wada says she typically diagnoses pet allergies with a simple skin prick test.  

“We place a tiny amount of the allergen on your skin and make a small scratch,” she explains.  

If you’re allergic, you’ll develop a small, itchy bump similar to a mosquito bite. 

Another option is an IgE blood test, which helps spot specific allergy antibodies. Either test can be helpful, especially if your symptoms are getting in the way of daily life or you’re considering bigger lifestyle changes or long-term treatments.  

Cocchiaro explains that unfortunately, no pet is truly hypoallergenic—that is, free of the proteins that trigger allergic reactions.  

That said, some breeds produce lower levels of these proteins or shed less dander and saliva into the environment, making them a better fit for people with allergies. These low- or non-shedding cats and dogs are often labeled hypoallergenic. 

But even with a hypoallergenic pet, relief from allergies isn’t a guarantee. 

For cat lovers, there’s a promising option that doesn’t involve rehoming your pet, and that is to try changing their food. Purina’s LiveClear Allergen-Reducing Formula works by decreasing the amount of Fel d 1, the primary allergen in your cat’s saliva, Cocchiaro says, though it doesn’t eliminate the allergen entirely.  

Ask your cat’s veterinarian before making the switch.  

According to Cocchiaro, these cat breeds shed less, have naturally lower levels of the Fel d 1 protein, or both: 

• Balinese 
• Bengal 
• Burmese 
• Cornish Rex 
• Devon Rex 
• Javanese 
• Oriental Shorthair 
• Russian Blue 
• Selkirk Rex 
• Siamese 
• Siberian 
• Snowshoe 
• Sphynx 
• Tonkinese 

And if you’re a dog lover with pet allergies, consider these allergy-friendly breeds:

• Bichon Frise 
• Dachshund 
• Barbet 
• Giant Schnauzer 
• Standard Schnauzer 
• Miniature Schnauzer 
• Portuguese Water Dog 
• Poodle 
• Yorkshire Terrier 
• Kerry Blue Terrier 
• Border Terrier 
• Irish Water Spaniel 
• Maltese 
• Coton de Tulear 

Can you be allergic to hairless pets?  

Yes. Even hairless cats and dogs still produce the proteins that trigger allergies. These proteins are found in saliva, dander, and urine, which end up on the animal’s skin and in your environment, no matter their coat type. That said, hairless breeds might be easier for those with allergies to tolerate. 

Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic pet?  

No. All cats and dogs produce the proteins that cause allergic reactions. However, some breeds produce fewer of these proteins or shed less, which can help minimize the allergens in your environment.  

Can you experience anaphylactic shock from a pet allergy?  

 “True anaphylaxis from a pet allergy is extremely rare, but not impossible,” Kopelman says. “Individuals with severe asthma or multiple allergic conditions might be at higher risk for more serious reactions and should always carry their rescue medications.” 

Can you develop a pet allergy suddenly?  

Yes, allergies can develop at any point in a person’s life. When they develop later in life, they’re called adult-onset allergies.  

While genetics plays a role in developing allergies, environment and exposure matter too. There’s some evidence that early exposure to pets—especially in the first year of life—might help reduce the risk of developing allergies later on.  

Can you live with a dog you’re allergic to?  

Yes, with the right combination of changes in the home, over-the-counter remedies, and/or prescription medications, many people happily live with their dog despite their allergies. 

Can you be allergic to cats but not dogs? 

Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to cats but not dogs, or the other way around.