If you love animals but your nose doesn’t, you’re not alone. Many people live with animal allergies in Dallas. The good news? You may not have to choose between your health and the animals you care about.
At Allergy Doctor Dallas, Dr. Baxter helps patients find personalized, supportive care so they can feel more comfortable around pets and other animals.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are Animal Allergies?
Animal allergies happen when your immune system reacts to proteins from animals. These proteins are found in:
- Dander (tiny flakes of skin)
- Saliva
- Urine
- Fur or feathers
When these particles become airborne, you can breathe them in. Your immune system treats them like a threat, even though they are harmless.
Common Symptoms
Animal allergy symptoms often look like seasonal allergies. You might notice:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Skin rash or hives
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
Symptoms may start right away or build over time.
When you bring home a new pet, allergen levels start low and increase over several months. They often reach steady levels around six months. Because of this, symptoms may not appear right away.
You can also develop a pet allergy at any time. Even if you’ve had a pet for years, new symptoms can still happen.
Which Animals Cause Allergies?
Any animal with fur or feathers can trigger symptoms. Common sources include:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Rabbits
- Guinea pigs
- Hamsters
- Birds
- Horses and farm animals
Fun fact: Fur is not the problem. The real trigger is the protein on the animal’s skin and in its saliva.
This means there is no truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. Even breeds with hair instead of fur still produce skin proteins that can cause symptoms.
Dander in Your Home: Why It Sticks Around
Pet dander levels vary by animal.
- Larger dogs often produce more dander
- Female dogs may trigger fewer symptoms than males
- Cats can vary up to 500 times in how much allergen they produce
If you add a second cat and suddenly have symptoms, the new pet may produce more allergen.
Cat dander is especially persistent. It can stay in a home for months—or even years—after the cat is gone. It settles into carpets, furniture, and dust.
If you have cat allergies, try to ask whether a home or apartment previously had cats before moving in. Lingering allergens can trigger symptoms quickly, especially in small spaces.
New cat foods that reduce the Fel d 1 allergen are now available. They may help lower allergen levels, but existing dander in the home can still cause symptoms.
My favorite story about cat antigen persistence is this: a group of allergists heard that a small island off the coast had not had a living cat present in five years. They traveled to the island and took samples of dust from homes that had previously had cats. Cat dander was still detectable in every home. So if you’re cat allergic, before you rent an apartment or buy a home, do your best to find out if there was a cat there before and avoid it if the answer is yes. I had a patient move into a small building and have severe asthma almost immediately. Fortunately, the landlord had cat allergy asthma too, and he found another tenant to trade apartments so she could stay in the building!
Why Do Animal Allergies Happen?
Your immune system protects you from harmful germs. With allergies, it becomes overprotective.
When you come into contact with animal proteins, your body releases chemicals like histamine. This leads to:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Mucus
- Airway irritation
Genetics, environment, and repeated exposure all play a role.
If symptoms keep coming back, allergy testing can help identify your specific triggers.
How Dr. Baxter Can Help
Dr. Baxter at Allergy Doctor Dallas is known for her caring, personalized approach. She takes time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and exposure to animals.
Your treatment plan may include:
Allergy Testing
- Skin or blood testing to identify animal triggers
- Clear results to guide your care
Medication Support
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Other options to help manage symptoms
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
- A long-term treatment that helps your immune system become less sensitive over time
- Given on a regular schedule
- Designed to support symptom control and improve comfort
Each plan is tailored to your needs, with the goal of helping you live more comfortably around animals.
Tips to Reduce Exposure at Home
If you have a pet, these steps may help:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom
- Use HEPA air filters
- Wash hands after contact
- Bathe pets regularly (if appropriate)
- Vacuum often with a HEPA vacuum
These changes work best when combined with medical care.
When to See an Allergist
Consider a visit if:
- Symptoms occur around animals
- Over-the-counter medicines don’t help enough
- You avoid pets because of symptoms
- You want long-term management options
At Allergy Doctor Dallas in Dallas, TX, Dr. Baxter helps patients find practical, supportive solutions that fit real life.
Love Animals, Feel Better Around Them
Animal allergies don’t have to control your life. With the right plan, many people feel better and stay close to the animals they love.
If you’re ready to learn your triggers and explore personalized care, the team at Allergy Doctor Dallas is here to help. Contact our office to schedule your first appointment.
