Allergic rhinitis from animal dander: pet allergy symptoms and management

The NHS describes allergic rhinitis as the nose getting irritated by something you are allergic to, causing sneezing and other symptoms. Dander, which it explains as flakes of dead skin found in the fur of animals such as dogs and cats, is one of the common triggers it lists alongside pollen, house dust mites, mould, and wood dust, flour dust and latex.

Allergy UK explains the biology: pet allergy is caused by a protein in a pet's saliva, urine or dander. The same protein is present in all animals, so rabbits, rodents and birds can cause problems as well.

Allergy UK notes that an allergy can develop even where a pet does not live in your home, and that it can develop with an animal that has previously been a pet. The NHS advice to clean furniture and bedding that animals have been on reflects the same idea: the allergen is not limited to the animal itself.

The NHS lists common symptoms of allergic rhinitis as sneezing, an itchy nose, a runny or blocked nose, itchy red and watery eyes, a cough and an itchy roof of the mouth. They are similar to a cold and usually happen within minutes of coming into contact with the allergen.

Allergy UK adds that pet allergy can also cause breathing difficulties, wheeze, skin rash or hives and eczema flare, and that symptoms often start within minutes but can be delayed in some people.

• Sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose.

• Itchy, red, watery eyes.

• Cough or wheeze.

• Skin rash, hives or an eczema flare.

The NHS advises trying to avoid the things that trigger your allergies where you can, and says that preventing allergic rhinitis is not always possible but there are steps that can reduce symptoms. For pet dander it suggests washing pets regularly and grooming them outside if possible, washing pet bedding regularly on a hot wash, cleaning any furniture they have been on, and not allowing pets in bedrooms.

It also suggests using synthetic bedding and covers, washing bedding regularly at 60C and above, dusting with a damp cloth and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and keeping the home dry and well ventilated. Allergy UK likewise recommends allergen reduction measures in the home and points to its own resources for how to do this.

The NHS says to try washing the inside of the nose with a salt water solution as a self-care measure, and gives a recipe using boiled and cooled water, salt and bicarbonate of soda.

The NHS says a pharmacist can advise about antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays or drops, steroid nasal sprays and salt water nasal sprays. It warns that nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for longer than 5 days because they can make a blocked nose worse, and that decongestants should not be used by children under 6.

Allergy UK lists non-sedating antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays, eye drops, nasal sprays, asthma inhalers and allergen barrier balm as medicines that may be used following advice from a GP or pharmacist. For moderate to severe pet-induced allergy, allergen-specific immunotherapy may be appropriate, which requires an initial GP assessment then referral to an allergy or immunology specialist, and Allergy UK says it is unlikely to be NHS funded.

If pharmacy medicines do not help, the NHS says a GP may prescribe prescription steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines, and may refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment if it is not clear what is causing your symptoms or they are severe.

The NHS advises seeing a GP if your allergic rhinitis symptoms get worse, if you also have asthma and it is getting worse, if your symptoms affect your sleep and everyday life, if you are not sure what is causing your symptoms, or if treatments from a pharmacist are not working.

Breathing difficulty and wheeze deserve particular attention. Allergy UK lists breathing difficulties and wheeze among pet allergy symptoms, so anyone who finds themselves wheezy around animals should discuss it with a GP rather than treating it as a nuisance.

Most care is through a pharmacist and GP. Specialist allergy testing and treatments such as immunotherapy are usually accessed through a GP referral, and Allergy UK notes that immunotherapy is unlikely to be NHS funded for pet allergy, so some people choose to pay privately. Whatever route you use, a clear diagnosis of what you are allergic to is the best basis for a management plan.