Understanding and Managing Pet Allergies

Our beloved pets often feel like members of the family, but sometimes, they can trigger allergies among certain people. But what is it about our pets that can cause these allergies?

An allergy is where your body reacts to something that’s normally harmless – in this case, your pet¹. Though it’s commonly believed that their fur is the likely culprit, the allergens that pets produce are present in their urine, saliva, and dander. So, it’s not their fur that triggers allergy symptoms, but rather the saliva on their fur from self-grooming. Once the saliva dries, it becomes airborne very easily.

While avoiding pets is the best way to manage your allergies, there are ways to help reduce and treat your pet allergy symptoms.

Here, we’ll explain what pet dander is, the common symptoms it can cause, and how to deal with it. We’ll also explore the different treatments available for pet allergies.

In this guide:

What is pet dander?
Pet allergy symptoms
Tips to prevent pet allergies
Treatment for pet allergies
Pet allergies FAQs

What is pet dander?

Pet dander refers to the dead skin cells² that flake off regularly during your pet’s grooming and natural shedding process. These can then become airborne and settle on surfaces in the home².

This dander is one of the main causes of pet allergies². It’s composed of skin particles which contain proteins that can cause an allergic reaction².

Pet allergy symptoms

Cats and dogs often get most of the blame for pet allergies. But they’re not the only animals that can cause pet allergy symptoms. The fur of any animal can result in an allergic reaction³. While this typically includes cats and dogs, rodents and rabbits, horses, and even birds can also trigger them³.

Usually, if you’re allergic to your pet, you’ll notice symptoms straight away. However, sometimes they may not develop for a few days³.

Common pet allergy symptoms to look out for include³:

A tight chest, wheezing, and/or difficulty breathing
Coughing, sneezing, and congestion
A runny nose
Watering and itchy feeling eyes
Swelling below the eyes
Hives (patches of raised, red skin)
A rash on the skin
A flare-up of eczema.

Tips to prevent pet allergies

Whilst steering clear of pets may be the safest bet, that isn’t always possible. So, here are some practical tips to help you keep allergens to a minimum to manage your pet allergy symptoms:

Regularly wipe down and groom your pet

Regularly wipe down your pet to remove any saliva that’s on their fur from self-grooming. Wipe them down whenever they re-enter the home to remove outdoor pollen from their coat, too.

Bathe your pet at least once a week to help get rid of dander³. A frequent grooming routine – preferably performed by someone other than yourself – can also help reduce allergens on their coat.

Keep your bedroom door shut

Keep your pets out of the bedroom. This will limit your exposure to airborne allergens such as dander. Giving them their own area to eat and sleep, away from bedrooms and living rooms, could be a good solution.

When it comes to sleeping, consider using synthetic pillows, as ones made with feathers could make your symptoms worse³.

Get the vacuum out

Paying extra attention to vacuuming the car, furniture, and especially your pet’s bed can help keep allergens lower.

Keep the air clean

Using an air purifier inside your home can help reduce indoor airborne allergens². You may need to leave it running all day, but this can get rid of those pesky allergens in the air³.

Prevent pet dander from building up

Get rid of any clutter, swap carpets for wooden floors, and use plastic blinds instead of fabric curtains to prevent pet dander from lingering in your home³.

Wash your hands

Wash your hands with soap and water after touching your pet. Also, try to avoid the temptation to hug and kiss your pet³.

Treatment for pet allergies

While preventative measures and practical tips may help alleviate pet allergy symptoms, sometimes, you may need symptomatic treatment.

Medication for pet allergies

Medication for pet allergies often include antihistamines¹. Some antihistamines are only available on prescription, but most can be purchased from shops and pharmacies⁴.

These include:

Capsules - BENADRYL^® Allergy Relief is the fastest acting allergy relief capsule*. It contains acrivastine, a unique ingredient that gets to work in just 15 minutes. It can be taken up to three times per day, as required.
Liquid medicine - A suitable option to help relieve pet allergies in children, BENADRYL^® for Children Allergy Solution is designed to provide long-lasting relief from dust, pet, and skin allergies, as well as hay fever. The product is available over the counter for children aged 6+.
Nasal sprays - BENADRYL^® Natural Relief Nasal Spray helps to wash away irritants and minimise symptoms associated with allergens, such as a runny and/or blocked nose.