Pet Allergies An Allergist’s Perspective

by Kris G. McGrath, M.D. | Apr 30, 2007

Prominent Chicago allergist, Dr. Kris McGrath, discloses the facts and treatment options for pet lovers dealing with allergies.

Although the only current cure for pet allergies and asthma is avoidance, this advice is rarely followed. After all Kitty and Fido are “Family”. If the animals are sent packing, their allergens, or proteins, remain in the home for 3-4 months. If the pets stay and you leave, it takes about 10-14 days to feel better. But there are ways to help reduce the symptoms and effects of allergies and asthma.

Since cat allergens come from saliva and skin and dog allergens come from skin, basic upkeep–such as frequent bathing, hepa filters/vacuuming, and keeping the animals out of the bedroom–can often help ameliorate allergies and asthma by minimizing allergens in the home and air. 

But what are the treatment options? A simple goal is to lead a normal life on safe medications. These include non-sedating antihistamines, and often, a topical steroid nasal spray. The steroid nasal sprays are safe (not absorbed significantly into the body) and FDA approved for use by children. There is also a prescription antihistamine nasal spray called Astelin available. When an allergic non-animal owner visits a home with animals, pre-medication with a non-sedating antihistamine and Nasacrom nasal spray is recommended. Nasal/sinus irrigation with saline twice daily can also be beneficial.

Asthma treatment varies based on severity and is best guided by an allergist. Treatment includes both rescue and controller medications with regular monitoring by patient and physician. For those resistant to medical management, allergy shots are an option. In a severe cat or dog asthmatic patient removing the animal(s) from the home is still the best choice to reduce the risk of asthmatic death. (There are eleven asthma-related deaths per day in the United States.) 

Future treatments will likely involve improved breeding of dogs and cats to reduce or eliminate the active allergen and further development of “biologicals”, such as Xolair, which is currently used in allergic asthma. It is an anti-IgE (the antibody responsible for allergies) injection. Other biologicals are under development to down regulate a variety of allergy mediators. 

So, don’t suffer. Lead a normal life at home, work, and school. See an allergist to confirm an allergy by a proper history, examination and allergy testing. Then you can determine what is best for you or your child. It is not always the dog or cat. I love to say after allergy testing, “It’s not your pet, have all you want!”