Your dog greets you happily at the door every day. Your cat curls up beside you when you need comfort. Pets are very much a part of the family. So when you start sneezing, have itchy eyes or a stuffy nose, you might wonder if you need to give your pet away.
The good news is that for many people, that’s not necessary.
“Rehoming is a last resort,” said Michael Daines, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Banner - University Medicine. “Many people with dog or cat allergies can stay with their pets by using medicine and making simple changes at home.”
With a good plan, you can reduce your symptoms and keep cuddling with your pet. Think of it less as an “all or nothing” choice and more like turning multiple dials to lower your symptoms to a manageable level. Keep reading to learn how.
What causes pet allergies?
When it comes to pet allergies, you might think the problem is hair or fur but it’s not. “Pet allergies come from proteins found in your pet’s dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva and urine,” Dr. Daines said. “The hair just helps spread those proteins around your house.”
These allergens can spread easily throughout your home. They stick to:
- Furniture
- Bedding
- Carpets
- Clothing
- Curtains
Because allergens travel on fur and in the air, shaving or trimming your pet usually doesn’t solve the problem. Pet fur can remain in a home for months, even after a pet is gone.
Common signs of cat and dog allergies
Pet allergy symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people mainly experience:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose/stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy, watery eyes
Others may develop:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Asthma flare-ups
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms may worsen:
- After petting your pet
- At night
- During cleaning
- In rooms with carpeting or upholstered furniture
- During colder months, when windows stay closed
You don’t have to choose between your health and your pet
When allergies are a problem, many people feel stuck. They might try to ignore their symptoms or think they must give up their pet. But managing allergies works best with small, layered steps. Small changes may seem minor but Dr. Daines says that when put together these changes can really help.
Home strategies that work
1. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone
You spend about a third of your day in your bedroom. That makes it the most important room to protect. Keeping your pet out of your bedroom can help reduce allergens while you sleep.
Try to:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom completely
- Close the door so allergens don’t drift in
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water
- Use allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers
- Run a HEPA air purifier in the room (see next tip)
2. Use a HEPA filtration
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can remove airborne allergens. For best results:
- Run it in a room where you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom
- Keep the door closed so allergens do not drift back in
- Replace filters as the maker recommends
You can upgrade your HVAC filter to a MERV 11 or higher. Just make sure your system can handle the new filter.
3. Clean smarter, not harder
Vacuuming only once in a while isn't enough. Pet dander quickly settles into carpets, curtains and couches. Try these cleaning habits to keep your home healthier:
- Vacuum carpets and furniture two to three times a week using a HEPA-filter vacuum
- Wash blankets, throws and pet bedding weekly
- Wipe down hard surfaces with a damp cloth
- Switch to hard flooring instead of carpet if you are remodeling
- Reduce clutter to help trap fewer allergens
If possible, have someone without allergies do the vacuuming and deep cleaning. If not, wear a mask while cleaning.
4. Bathe your pet weekly
Bathing your pets can reduce allergens on their skin and fur. However, bathing too often can irritate their skin. Talk to your veterinarian to find a safe bathing schedule for your dog or cat.
You can also:
- Wipe your pet down after play
- Brush your pet outside daily
- Wash your hands after petting them
What does not work as well as you might think
Don’t rely on hypoallergenic pets
Many people hope that certain dog or cat breeds will help with their allergies. However, there is no such thing as a completely allergen-free pet.
“‘Hypoallergenic’ is more of a marketing term than a medical one,” Dr. Daines said. “No breed of dog or cat is entirely free of allergens. Even those labeled hypoallergenic still produce proteins that can cause allergies.”
Research shows that some so-called hypoallergenic dogs have allergen levels equal to or higher than those of other breeds. Some people might tolerate certain breeds better because of grooming habits, coat types or household routines but there are no guarantees.
Pet sprays and shampoos may not work miracles
Products that claim to neutralize pet allergens in one spray usually aren't as effective as they claim. They might help a little but they can't replace cleaning, air filters or medical treatment.
Medications can help control symptoms
Making changes at home alone might not fully control pet allergies. Many people also need medicine to handle their symptoms.
Over-the-counter (OTC) options include:
- Antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine
- Steroid nasal sprays, like fluticasone, to reduce inflammation inside the nose
- Allergy eye drops for itchy, red and watery eyes
Allergy testing
If your symptoms continue despite trying home remedies and OTC medicines, an allergist can find out what is causing your reactions. Skin or blood tests can show if allergens like cats, dogs, dust mites, pollen or mold are to blame.
Then the allergist can build a treatment plan that may include:
- Prescription nasal sprays
- Inhalers, if you have asthma
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy) that lower your sensitivity over time
When is keeping your pet not the right call?
Pet allergies are not always mild. For some people, especially those with asthma, being around pet allergens can cause serious breathing or sinus issues.
“If you often have severe asthma attacks, trouble breathing problems or repeat sinus or ear infections linked to the pet and your symptoms are hard to control even with strong medicine and home changes, rehoming the pet might be the safest choice,” Dr. Daines said.
This decision can be very emotional, especially for families with children. In these cases, allergists often help families carefully balance health risks with their emotional attachment to the pet.
Talk to your health care provider if you experience:
- Frequent wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Ongoing coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Frequent sinus infections
- Symptoms that affect sleep or daily life
- For children: Symptoms that affect sleep, school attendance and growth
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Difficulty speaking
- Rapid breathing
Bottom line
Being allergic to your cat or dog doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your pet. With the right medical care, changes at home and simple daily habits, many people can control their symptoms and keep enjoying life with their furry friends.
If pet allergies are affecting your daily life, make an appointment with a Banner Health specialist. They can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Frequently asked questions about pet allergies
Can you build immunity to pet allergies?
Some people become less allergic to pet allergens over time, especially with treatments like immunotherapy. But most people need a mix of home strategies and medicines to manage their symptoms.
Are there truly hypoallergenic cats and dogs?
No but some breeds may cause fewer symptoms. Hypoallergenic is more of a marketing term than a medical one. No dog or cat breed is truly allergen-free.
Can pet allergies trigger asthma?
Yes, pet allergens can worsen asthma symptoms.
How long do pet allergens stay in a home?
They can stay in the air for weeks or months if not cleaned properly. Regular cleaning and using HEPA filters can help lower allergen levels over time.
Are cat allergies worse than dog allergies?
For many people, yes. Cat allergens are smaller and lighter than dog allergens, so they spread through the air more easily and stay on surfaces longer. Even homes without cats can have cat allergens brought in on clothing.
Can bathing your pet reduce allergies?
Yes, for some families washing pets weekly can lower allergen levels. Bathing removes allergens from your pet's fur and skin. However, it should be done safely and not too often to prevent irritating your pet’s skin.
Can I live with a pet if I’m allergic?
Many people handle symptoms with lifestyle changes and medicines. If you keep having symptoms that interfere with your daily life, talk to your health care provider or allergist.
