Pet allergies, in common, are characterized by red eyes, itchy rash, runny nose, shortness of breath, swelling, and sneezing. What happens behind the scenes is that your body's immune system accidentally recognizes a harmless substance as a potential threat and tries to destroy the allergen. The primary allergens in the case of dog and cat allergies are mainly their fur and dander. 

Allergies have become so common these days that they've become one of the six leading diseases causing chronic illnesses. Your immune system acts against any foreign particle by releasing loads of antibodies. These antibodies, in turn, lead to the secretion of inflammatory chemicals, majorly histamine.

Cat Allergy

If petting a cat causes you symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or wheezing, it means you are allergic to cats. Allergic symptoms can get triggered anytime, whether you're in the vicinity of a cat or not. Any other allergic substance such as pollen, dust mites, or mold can trigger allergic symptoms. 

A cat's fur, saliva, and skin are reservoirs of allergens. Getting in close contact with any of these can cause allergies in a person susceptible to allergies. 

The symptoms associated with cat allergy can appear either mildly or might be chronic. It entirely depends upon how susceptible a person is to allergies in general. The noticeable symptoms include but may not be limited to sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain arising due to nasal congestion, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, watery, red, or itchy eyes, and skin rash or hives.

Do Hypoallergenic Cats Exist?

So far, we are yet to know of any hypoallergenic cat breeds that exist. So, if any pet store sells you a cat by branding it as a hypoallergenic one, they're lying.

How to Manage and Treat Cat Allergy?

If a person is prone to cat and dog allergies, the best way to not get your immune system triggered is by avoiding contact with cats and dogs. In case you're too attached to your cat and can't bear finding him a new home, the following are the steps that you should follow:

• Restrict your cat from entering your bedroom and confine it to some other rooms. Bear in mind that limiting your cat to a single room will not keep allergens within that space.
• If you must pet, embrace, or kiss the cat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Continuous use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners in a bedroom or living room will lower allergen levels over time.
• Using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum regularly may help minimize allergen levels.
• Bathing your cat at least once a week will minimize the number of cat allergens in the air.

Dog Allergy

If petting a dog causes you symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, or wheezing, it means you are allergic to dogs. Allergic symptoms can get triggered anytime, whether you're in the vicinity of a dog or not. Any other allergic substance such as pollen, dust mites, or mold can trigger allergic symptoms. 

A dog's fur, saliva, and skin are reservoirs of allergens. Getting in close contact with any of these can cause allergies in a person susceptible to allergies. 

The symptoms associated with dog allergy can appear either mildly or may be chronic. It entirely depends upon how susceptible a person is to allergies in general. The noticeable symptoms include but may not be limited to sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose, facial pain arising due to nasal congestion, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, watery, red, or itchy eyes, and skin rash or hives.

Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Exist?

Yes, a few hypoallergenic dog breeds do exist. To name a few, purebred Poodles and Portuguese water dogs are the two most famed hypoallergenic dog breeds. 

How to Manage and Treat Dog Allergy?

If a person is prone to cat and dog allergies, the best way to not get your immune system triggered is by avoiding contact with cats and dogs. In case you're too attached to your dog and can't bear finding him a new home, the following are the steps that you should follow:

• Restrict your dog from entering your bedroom and confine it to some other rooms. Bear in mind that limiting your dog to a single room will not keep allergens within that space.
• If you must pet, embrace, or kiss your dog, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Continuous use of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners in a bedroom or living room will lower allergen levels over time.
• Using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum regularly may help minimize allergen levels.
• Bathing your dog at least once a week will minimize the number of dog allergens in the air.

Conclusion

The signs and symptoms associated with allergies can vary a lot. So, it's highly advisable to take a trip to an allergist and get to the root cause of your allergy. Your doctor may prescribe you some medicines such as ointment, nasal sprays, etc., that can help you keep your allergic systems under control.