Animal allergies in children are similar to those in adults. The proteins found in dander shed by cats, dogs, birds and other animals can cause sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. Proteins in dried animal saliva, urine and blood can also trigger allergy symptoms in some children.  

Though pets are the primary source of animal allergies in children, symptoms also can arise from exposure to farm animals or proteins shed by rats, mice and other rodents. The classroom can be another source of animal allergens, because many teachers keep animals in the classroom. In addition, dander is very sticky and children with pets can bring it with them to school on their clothing.

Once a child has been sensitized to an animal allergen, families should take steps to reduce the child’s exposure to the source of the problem. While there are medications available to address allergy symptoms, the most effective way of controlling animal allergies is avoidance. This can be difficult if the animal is a pet, but failure to remove the pet from the household increases the risk that the child’s allergy will grow worse. Eventually, other health conditions such as asthma may develop.

Parents often wish to limit their child’s exposure to animals as a way to prevent allergies, but such precautions may not be effective. Additional research is needed into the connection between early animal exposure and the development of animal allergies. In the meantime, most experts do NOT recommend making pet choices based on the desire to prevent allergies from developing. Parents are encouraged to discuss their concerns regarding animal allergies with their child’s physician.

Animal allergies cause runny noses, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes in children as well as adults. Contrary to popular belief, it is not animal hair or fur that triggers most reactions. Rather, it is proteins found in dander that flake off the animal’s body and find their way into the air. Proteins in dried animal saliva, urine and blood are also major allergens for some people.

Animal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to one of these normally harmless substances. The substance enters the body and the immune system responds by producing a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to combat the allergen. This process, known as sensitization, does not usually trigger allergy symptoms at first. However, subsequent exposure to the allergen can trigger an allergic reaction.

Animal allergies can take two years or longer to develop, as a child is exposed to the allergen repeatedly and becomes sensitized to it. For this reason, it is often difficult to diagnose an animal allergy before buying a pet – only months or years with the animal will prove if an allergy is present.

Direct contact with an animal is not needed to develop an allergy. Flakes from dander, saliva and urine are extremely lightweight and easily become attached to larger particles, which can become airborne or stick to surfaces or objects. These particles remain in the environment for weeks or even months after an animal has departed. The allergens can also be transported from one environment to another on clothing or objects.

Animal allergies are most often caused by proteins found in dander, saliva, blood and urine. In addition, animals may pick up pollen and mold in their fur, which can trigger reactions in those with allergic rhinitis.

Animal allergies are frequently triggered by proteins from cats and dogs. Guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, birds and other popular pets can also cause animal allergies. Symptoms can also arise from exposure to farm animals (e.g., horses, cattle, sheep) or proteins shed by rats and mice.

The classroom can be another source of animal allergens, because many teachers keep animals in the classroom. In addition, dander is very sticky and children with pets can bring it with them to school on their clothing.

For years, experts believed that children exposed to animals early in life were more likely to develop allergies as their bodies became sensitized to animal allergens. Parents with a history of allergies were counseled to keep their young children away from animals.

However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that this theory may be too simple to be accurate. It now appears that there may actually be a benefit to at least some exposure to animals early in life.

For example, a study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that children exposed to low to moderate amounts of cat allergens were more likely to develop allergies. However, children exposed to higher levels of cat allergens were found to have reduced incidences of allergies and a lower rate of asthma.

Other studies have found that children raised on farms and exposed to many types of animals have lower rates of animal allergies. And several researchers have found that children who lived with pets before age 7 are much less likely to develop allergies or eczema during their lifetimes.

For now, most experts agree that parents should take a cautious approach to applying this research to their homes. Until more is known, pet choices should not be based on a desire to prevent allergies, unless there is a family history of animal allergies.

If a child is diagnosed as having an animal allergy, parents should be careful in choosing pets. Some animals present little allergy threat to most people. These include fish, turtles, lizards and snakes.

Young animals, such as puppies and kittens, also are less likely to trigger reactions because they do not have old, dead skin to shed yet. Their smaller size also plays a factor. However, these animals will produce more allergens as they grow.  

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. 

When animal allergies are suspected, a medical history and a list of symptoms will be taken. A physical examination will also be performed.

In addition, an allergy skin test may be performed to help diagnose the child. This test involves introducing a small amount of an allergen to the patient’s skin to determine if the child is allergic to that allergen. If a rash or small bump develops, the child is most likely allergic to that substance. Physicians typically test for dander and/or epithelium (a type of tissue) first. If the test is negative, the physician may test for other allergens, such as saliva and urine.

Alternatively, a physician may order a blood allergy test. These tests look for the presence of allergy-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the bloodstream. The most commonly used blood test for allergy conditions is the radioallergosorbent test (RAST).

The best way to prevent allergic reactions in children with animal allergies is to ensure that they are not exposed to the problem animal or its allergens. In the case of a pet, this can be emotionally devastating. However, keeping a pet can mean an increased risk that the child’s allergy will get worse, or that other health conditions, such as asthma, will develop.

Parents who decide to get rid of a pet should keep the following in mind:

• Be honest with children. Explain the situation without casting blame, or pretending the animal will be happier elsewhere. Be sensitive, supportive and truthful.
  
  
• Let children express their feelings. Do not reprimand children for having angry or hurtful feelings. Allow them to express how they feel and to grieve, but do not allow them to scapegoat other siblings.
  
  
• Include the entire family in the process. Discuss happy memories of the pet, and work together to find a new home for the animal. If children disapprove of the choice of a new home, allow them to express why they feel that way.

Avoiding exposure to the allergen will not cure the problem overnight. Even after extensive cleaning, it can take six months or longer for a home to be largely free of dander. Allergens in carpet and furniture can remain a problem for four to six weeks after they have been shed. These same allergens can remain in the air for months.

Of course, some families will find it difficult, if not impossible, to part with a pet. In such situations, there are steps families can take to reduce a child’s exposure to pet allergens. However, families should understand that eliminating all health risks is impossible as long as the pet remains in the home, and animals must be removed when the allergies are significant or the allergies lead to asthma.

Steps that can be taken to minimize exposure to allergens include:

• Brush dogs and cats frequently. This should minimize the amount of dander coating their fur. It is best if this can be done outside by a nonallergic member of the household.
  
  There is some debate over washing pets. Many experts say washing pets on a weekly basis can dramatically reduce the amount of dander on a pet. Others contend this merely dries out the pet’s skin and actually creates more dander. It is probably best to make sure a pet is clean without overdoing it.
  
  
• Use air cleaners or filters and keep the house ventilated. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on air ducts and HEPA vacuum bags can keep more dander from becoming airborne.
  
  
• Eliminate a child’s exposure to as many allergens as possible. Some children find that eliminating the source of one allergen raises them above their allergic threshold, leaving them symptom-free even in the face of remaining allergens.
  
  
• Make the child’s bedroom off-limits to pets. Use special allergen-resistant bedding to keep any stray allergens from settling in the child’s bed.
  
  
• Do not let the house become a dander magnet. Carpets, fabric furniture and cloth drapes are favorite hiding places for dander. Replace them with less hospitable alternatives, such as hardwood or linoleum floors, vinyl or leather furniture and plastic blinds. Although these alternatives are better choices, their surfaces must still be cleaned regularly to control dander levels.
  
  If replacing the carpet is not an option, steam clean it frequently. Rugs should also be cleaned regularly (in the washing machine if possible).
  
  
• Teach children not to pet, hug or kiss animals. This will help the child avoid contact with the allergens on animals. If children continue to pet and play with animals despite instructions not to, make sure they wash their hands when finished.
  
  
• Wash the child’s clothes frequently. Pet dander sticks easily to clothes, especially wool.  
  
  
• When visiting a friend or relative who has a pet, children who are allergic to animals need to be particularly careful. These visits may require the allergic person to take preventative medicine before a trip or to make arrangements to sleep in a hotel. If the friend or relative is willing, removing the animal from the house at least one day before the visit and thoroughly cleaning the home can also help.
  
  
• Have a nonallergic member of the family clean the litter box. The litter box should also be stored in an area of the house not frequently visited by the child.

Avoidance is the best treatment of animal allergies for children. However, parents who decide to keep a pet while taking measures to reduce a child’s allergen exposure may still find themselves with a child suffering symptoms. In such circumstances, the child should be immediately taken out of the environment before symptoms worsen.

A physician may also recommend certain allergy medications as a way to treat symptoms. These may include steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines and decongestants.  While some children's allergy medications are available over-the-counter, parents should never give any medicine to a child without first consulting a physician.

While doses will be different, the choices and potential side effects of allergy medications are similar for children and adults.

Finally, if medications fail, a doctor may suggest allergy shots (immunotherapy) as a last effort to tame symptoms. Allergy shots involve regular injections of a small dose of an animal allergen over a period of months. The goal is to gradually increase the child’s tolerance to a particular allergen. The success of this treatment varies and allergy shots are typically used only when a child is not receptive to other forms of treatment.

Preparing questions in advance can help parents to have more meaningful discussions with their child’s physicians. Parents may wish to ask their child’s doctor the following questions related to animal allergies and children:

1. Do my child’s symptoms indicate animal allergies?
   
   
2. What tests will you use to determine if my child is allergic to animals?
   
   
3. What are my child’s treatment options?
   
   
4. Can we consider allergy shots if medications don’t help?
   
   
5. Do you recommend that we give away our pet?
   
   
6. What animals can we safely keep as pets?
   
   
7. We are not willing to give away our pet. What steps can we take to lessen the occurrence of symptoms?
   
   
8. What steps can we take to alleviate symptoms when we are visiting a friend or relative with a pet?
   
   
9. Will having a pet increase or decrease my child’s chances of developing allergies?
   
   
10. Is my child more at risk for developing animal allergies because I have them?
    
    
11. Is my child at risk for developing asthma as the result of these animal allergies?