Pet dander allergy: causes and treatment

What is an animal dander allergy?

An animal hair allergy is a hypersensitivity to the protein-containing components of the sweat, sebum, saliva or urine of various domestic or farm animals. These stick to the hair and spread as dust in the air. The animal hair itself is therefore not actually responsible for the allergy, but nevertheless gives the name.

The allergic reaction occurs when there is sensitization to a certain animal species, i.e. when the body has formed antibodies against the corresponding proteins. This process is a protective reaction of the body, which is supposed to render pathogens harmless. If the allergens then come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, bronchial tubes or nose, the body reacts allergically. In most cases, an animal dander allergy, once acquired, will last a lifetime.

Which animals can cause an animal dander allergy?

In principle, an allergy to all animals is possible. However, while an animal hair allergy to dogs is usually limited to a specific breed of dog, people who are allergic to cats often have an allergic reaction to all breeds. But allergies to rodents such as rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits or hamsters as well as farm animals such as horses and cows or even birds also occur.

Note: You should also be careful with clothing and furnishings made from animal hair, such as sheepskins or horsehair mattresses. They can also be possible carriers of allergens. In addition, animal allergens can travel great distances. Researchers have even found cat allergens in Antarctica.

How does an animal hair allergy manifest itself?

The most common symptoms of an animal dander allergy are:

• Reddened, burning eyes up to conjunctivitis
• Runny nose, violent sneezing attacks, swollen nose
• Itching, eczema up to hives on the skin
• Shortness of breath, coughing and possible asthma attacks

When in contact with an animal, the symptoms usually worsen quickly and significantly. So observe exactly when the reactions occur and how severe to confirm a suspicion of an animal dander allergy.

How is pet dander allergy diagnosed?

If you suspect an allergy to animal hair, an allergy test from your family doctor is the most reliable way to determine this. To do this, he will first take an anamnesis, i.e. he will ask you questions about the symptoms that occur, their severity, the home environment and any family predispositions.

Various test methods are then available to diagnose or rule out an animal hair allergy:

• The skin prick test: This standard test is usually used from the age of about two years. Allergens are injected into the skin layer by rubbing, pricking, scratching or squirting on the forearm. This can lead to redness and wheal formation. After about 30 minutes, the doctor can read from the skin reaction whether there is a hypersensitivity to the substance in question. The advantage of this test is that many substances can be tested at the same time.
• The plaster test: This test takes place on the skin surface, the test substances are stuck on with plasters. After a day or two, the patches are removed and any skin reactions are assessed by the doctor. Redness, swelling and itching can also occur here.
• The blood test: The blood test can detect antibodies to certain pollutants in the blood. For this purpose, a small amount of blood is taken, which is examined for its contents. A blood test can be used as early as infancy.
• The provocation test: If all other test methods do not lead to a clear result, the provocation test is usually used. Direct contact with the animal suspected of having an animal hair allergy is established under medical supervision. The doctor can usually tell from the resulting physical reactions whether an allergy is present.

How is an animal dander allergy treated?

An animal dander allergy cannot usually be cured. Allergen avoidance is therefore considered the most effective treatment option for animal hair allergies . This means that contact with the allergy-causing animal is avoided completely from now on. When your own pet is the trigger, this is often a particularly difficult matter. This often means that the animal has to be placed in good hands. However, especially with children, this is a very emotional decision that not all families can bring themselves to make.

In such cases, the symptoms can be relieved with special medication . In addition, so-called antihistamines for oral use as well as anti-allergic eye drops and decongestant nasal spray come into question. Many preparations can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, but it is important to consult the doctor treating you, especially when using them for children. In addition, such drugs only relieve the symptoms in the short term, not the allergy itself. The course of the disease is not influenced in the long term. Long-term use can also quickly become expensive.

A long-term and permanently effective alternative is immunotherapy . It is also known as hyposensitization. Here, the cause of the allergy and not just its symptoms is combated by injecting the allergen in small doses under the skin or administering it in the form of drops over a period of three years. The dose is slowly increased over the course of therapy. This creates a habituation effect, i.e. the body gets used to the allergen and the allergic symptoms disappear. This method is extremely promising, even more so with younger people and children than with older adults. A disadvantage, however, is that no antiallergic medication may be taken during the three-year treatment period.

Animal hair allergy in everyday life – helpful tips

Living with a pet despite an animal hair allergy is almost impossible without symptoms. If the animal stays with you, hygiene is the top priority to keep the symptoms as low as possible. We have collected some tips on how to create the conditions for an everyday life that is as pain-free as possible:

• Contact with the animal: those affected should avoid too close contact with the animal and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Allergens can easily be transferred to the face and thus to the mucous membranes via the hands. In particularly severe cases, it may be advisable to take an antihistamine before prolonged contact.
• The animal ‘s sleeping place: The animal should not have its sleeping place where the allergy sufferer often stays. Keep this room as animal-free as possible to give the organism a break.
• Cleaning: Clean the apartment as often as possible and damp mop the floors. This way you can be sure that the hair lying around does not aggravate the animal hair allergy. You should clean carpets with a vacuum cleaner that has powerful filter properties.
• Home Furnishings: Avoid dust collectors and cluttered furnishings. The hair easily binds with the dust and thus moves through the air.
• Laundry: Wash linens frequently, at least every two weeks. The same applies to clothing. It should also be changed frequently and washed hot.
• Pet care: Comb the pet frequently and wipe the fur with a damp rag to catch allergens. This task is best performed by someone who does not suffer from an animal hair allergy.
• No smoke: Maintain a smoke-free environment. Smoke can also irritate the mucous membranes and respiratory tract.

Note: Even thorough cleaning and vacuuming cannot completely banish animal allergens from the household. If an animal hair allergy is particularly pronounced, the “relocation” of the pet to a new, loving home is sometimes unavoidable.