Signs and symptoms of animal allergies are similar in children as in adults. Animal allergies typically manifest themselves in symptoms traditionally associated with allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.

Symptoms may include.

• Red, watery itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing

In addition, exposure to animal allergies can trigger an asthma attack in children who have the respiratory disorder.

Some children experience allergic reactions to animals within a few minutes of being exposed to them. Others may take from eight to 12 hours before their symptoms become full-blown.

The severity of allergic reactions to animals varies between patients. Although rare, some children with animal allergies experience anaphylactic shock. This is a serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction that requires a visit to the emergency room, especially in the case of severe breathing difficulty.