How is pet allergy treated?

Symptoms come from an immune response to proteins found in an animal’s skin flakes, saliva, or urine. Fur can carry these proteins into the air and onto clothing or furniture. A clinician may review when symptoms appear and arrange Allergy Testing to identify the trigger. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing.

Limit contact with the animal when possible, keep it out of the bedroom, wash hands after touching it, and clean fabrics and surfaces regularly. Ventilation and a suitable air filter may reduce airborne particles. Allergy Medication can include an antihistamine, a nasal spray, or eye drops, depending on your symptoms and health history. Do not start a long-term medicine without checking how to use it safely.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms persist, disturb sleep, or interfere with work or school despite avoidance measures. Seek urgent help for wheezing, severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, or faintness after animal exposure, because these can signal a serious allergic reaction.

Ask which allergen is most likely, whether testing would change treatment, which medicine suits your symptoms, and whether an allergy specialist should discuss immunotherapy.