People who are allergic to cats and dogs experience symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing when they come into contact with or are in the same space as these animals. Just as humans have allergies to animals, the scientific media Live Science explains whether it is possible for pets such as cats and dogs to develop “human allergies.''
Can dogs and cats also be allergic to humans? | Live Science
https://www.livescience.com/animals/can-dogs-and-cats-be-allergic-to-humans
Dr. Heather Edgington, Clinical Assistant Professor Cornell University The School of Veterinary Medicine explains that pets can also have human allergies. Allergies that occur in dogs and cats can be divided into three categories: flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. Allergies to humans would be classified as environmental allergies,” Edgington said.
In severe cases, allergic symptoms experienced by the animal may be the cause. anaphylaxis In the case of pets, symptoms such as vomiting and convulsions may appear, and in the worst case, death may occur. However, pets can have severe allergic reactions to food and insect bites, and pet allergic symptoms to humans are generally mild.
The reaction of pets with human allergies is similar to that of humans with animal allergies, and they may repeatedly scratch eczema on their skin. Human allergies are said to be caused by shed skin and hair, and pets who live in the same indoor space as humans encounter allergens everywhere, including carpets and air vents.
In addition, it is not uncommon for pets with some kind of allergies to also have human allergies. About half Of all allergic dogs, those that show an allergic reaction to human dander. . “When we do dog and cat allergy tests, we often find that dogs and cats have more than a dozen allergies, whereas humans are often only allergic to one of those,” Edgington said. Told. .
If it turns out your pet has a human allergy, one option is to administer.
Although it is an antihistamine, it must be administered daily to prevent symptoms. Additionally, Edgington points out that antihistamines don't work for all pets, and only about 30%. 2015 study Directed by Edgington et al.Reports when taking antihistamines Loratadine (Claritin) I administered it to a cat with allergic dermatitis, but there was almost no improvement in symptoms.
Another option is to administer oral steroids such as: Prednisone , and the International Commission on Animal Allergic Diseases found that steroids in dogs are more effective than antihistamines in treating acute allergies and can be used for long periods of time.I report That it is possible. However, there are also side effects such as: lethargy shallow breathing increases and you feel hungry.
Yet another option is Specific allergen immunotherapy , which attenuates allergic reactions by administering small, controlled doses of the allergen, such as by injection. According to Edgington, single allergen immunotherapy improves allergic reactions in his 60% of dogs. 78% of cats .
After all, while it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of human allergies in pets through treatment, it is difficult to treat the underlying cause. “That's what pet allergies are like. Treatment is permanent, and when you stop treatment, the allergy comes back,” Edgington said.