Similarities
Cause
Most people assume that if they are allergic to a cat or a dog, the problem lies with the animal’s fur. However, this simply isn’t the case as animal allergies are usually linked to dander – the urine, saliva and dead skin cells that animals shed. Both cat and dog dander contain a strong protein and it is this that usually results in allergy symptoms. Therefore, cat and dog allergies are similar in that they are both caused by dander from each animal.
Response
When the immune system comes into contact with pet dander it releases the chemical histamine. This is an attempt to push out allergens but unfortunately, it can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms. This response is the same for both cat allergies and dog allergies.
Symptoms
The symptoms that arise due to a pet allergy vary from person to person but, in general, cat and dog allergies are similar in that they cause the same set of symptoms, including:
Treatments
As cat and dog allergies can cause similar symptoms, they are treated in the same way too. If you visit your doctor about the problem they’ll usually prescribe antihistamines that block the release of this chemical.
Here at A.Vogel, we would also recommend the same product for both allergies – our Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets. Despite their name these tablets address symptoms of both pet allergies and hayfever. They are made from a range of natural, herbal ingredients that provide effective and non-drowsy relief from the likes of a blocked nose. These tablets are more effective when taken over a period of time rather than immediately upon contact with a cat or dog.
Hypoallergenic breeds
As I’ve discussed in various earlier blogs, for both cats and dogs there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed. This is because pet allergies are caused by dander which all animals produce, regardless of the amount of fur they shed, the length of their fur or their overall size.
So, if you suffer from an allergy and thought choosing a hypoallergenic breed would allow you to own a pet without bringing out your symptoms, it may be worth reconsidering.
Differences
Proteins within dander
As mentioned, animal dander contains unique proteins that can bring out allergy symptoms. However, the proteins contained in cat and dog dander differ slightly which is why some people may be allergic to one animal and not the other.
As I discussed in my blog, ‘Are cat allergies worse than dog allergies?’ cat dander is slightly stronger than dog dander. That’s because of a protein called Fel de 1 in cat dander which is small, sticky and can stay airborne for hours. The fact that cat dander is stronger also means that more people suffer from allergies to cats.
Controlling allergies
In previous blogs, I have offered a whole range of tips for living comfortably with both cats and dogs. So, if you and your pet are struggling to live in harmony with one and other, it may be worth having a read to see what you can do to help improve the situation. In the meantime though, you could begin to address your allergy symptoms.
Skin problems are also fairly common for allergy sufferers and so here our Neem Cream could prove beneficial. It calms the skin to relieve it of itching, redness and any pain.
As I stated previously, there a range of symptoms associated with pet allergies and so sometimes more than one treatment is necessary. For issues in the nose such as congestion, our Pollinosan Nasal Spray is ideal. It soothes the nose by clearing it of allergens that may have accumulated there.
My Top Tip:
The Pollinosan Nasal Spray has a cleansing action against pollen and other allergens.
"Natural way to combat hayfever symptoms. Amazing product."
