Pet allergy is an immune reaction to proteins from an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. Fur can carry these proteins, but the fur itself is not usually the allergen. Cats and dogs are common triggers, while rodents, rabbits, birds and other animals can also cause symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms may begin during contact or appear later and can include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing and an itchy throat. Skin contact may cause hives, itching or worsening eczema.
Animal allergens can trigger wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness in people with asthma. They are small, spread easily through the air and can remain on furniture, clothes and other surfaces after the animal has left.
There is no truly hypoallergenic cat or dog
All cats and dogs produce potential allergens. Breeds described as hypoallergenic may shed less hair, but they can still release allergenic proteins. The amount of allergen and an individual person’s reaction vary, so breed labels cannot guarantee that symptoms will not occur.
Diagnosis
A clinician reviews when and where symptoms occur, the animals involved and any history of asthma or eczema. Skin prick testing or a blood test for specific IgE may support the diagnosis. A positive test shows sensitisation, but it must be interpreted alongside actual symptoms.
See our Allergies section for information about other allergic conditions and testing.
Reducing exposure
The most effective approach is to reduce contact with the animal allergen. When a pet remains in the home, the following measures may lower exposure, although they may not remove symptoms completely:
- Keep the pet out of the bedroom and off upholstered furniture.
- Wash hands after contact and avoid touching the face.
- Clean floors and surfaces regularly with methods that trap dust.
- Wash pet bedding and other washable fabrics regularly.
- Use a vacuum with an effective high efficiency filter if appropriate.
- Ask someone without the allergy to groom the animal outdoors.
Keeping an animal in one room does not fully contain allergens because they travel on air and clothing. Removing a pet is a personal decision and allergens may remain in the home for weeks or months afterward.
Treatment
Non drowsy antihistamines can help sneezing, itching and eye symptoms. Corticosteroid nasal sprays may be more effective for persistent nasal inflammation when used correctly and regularly. Allergy eye drops or asthma treatment may also be needed.
An allergy specialist may consider allergen immunotherapy for selected patients when exposure cannot be avoided and symptoms remain troublesome. Treatment choice depends on the animal, test results, asthma control and local availability.
When to seek urgent help
Seek prompt medical advice for recurrent wheezing, night time coughing, breathlessness or symptoms that interfere with sleep and daily activities. Asthma should be assessed and controlled because ongoing allergen exposure can worsen it.
Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, inability to speak normally, blue or grey lips, collapse, or swelling of the tongue or throat. Use prescribed emergency medication according to your personal allergy or asthma plan while help is coming.
Sources
- NHS: Allergies
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Pet allergy
- AAAAI: Allergy defined
Using this information
This information supports, but does not replace, an individual allergy or asthma assessment. Test results, exposure and symptoms must be considered together by a qualified healthcare professional.
Reviewed: 28 August 2026