Can Dogs Be Allergic to Cats?: Pet to Pet Allergies Explained

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Can dogs be allergic to cats? Or cats allergic to dogs? Although these allergies are pretty rare it is possible. Let’s look at how to care for a pet with allergies.

Even though it is pretty uncommon for a dog to be allergic to a cat, it can happen. Although many people might think that the cause of dogs’ allergic reaction to cats is their fur, that is untrue. It is actually the proteins that are found in the pet’s saliva, urine, and dander that cause these reactions.

These proteins may trigger and be the root of not only pet to pet allergies but also human allergies. Because of this, dogs can suffer from the same unpleasant allergy symptoms that humans do when it comes to cats.

Moreover, there is no permanent cure or medicine that can entirely eliminate these allergies or symptoms. However, like with people, some measures can be taken to ensure that dogs can pleasantly coexist with cats and not face awful allergies.

This article will answer the question, ‘can dogs be allergic to cats?’ We’ll discuss the symptoms dogs are likely to experience and how to manage them. Finally, we’ll also examine whether cats can be allergic to dogs and discuss which other allergies animals commonly suffer from.

Can dogs be allergic to cats?: Symptoms

The initial and most common symptom that dogs may experience is intense and continuous itching. Because of this, you may see your pet scratching themselves more than they usually do. This is due to their more sensitive skin barriers that can allow things like dust and dander to gain access to and be absorbed into their skin more easily.

This constant scratching might cause you to notice little bald patches on their fur because of how often they’ve picked and scratched at it to escape the irritation.

Apart from their need to scratch themselves becoming more intense, your pet might also suffer from allergic reactions such as constant coughing or sneezing and a runny nose, licking of their fur, teary, red, or puffy eyes, and irritated skin.

Allergy symptoms in dogs include:

Itchiness
Constant scratching that can cause bald patches
Coughing
Sneezing and a runny nose
Licking the fur
Sore eyes that are pink and puffy
Sensitive and irritated skin

What to do if you think your dog is allergic to cats?

If you feel as though your dog might be experiencing one or more of these allergic reactions, specifically towards cats, then it is recommended that you call your vet.

Some tests can be run to either confirm or deny whether your pet is allergic to something, other animals included. After this, certain medications will probably be prescribed to your dog to prevent or minimize the allergic reactions your pet is experiencing.

It may also be recommended that you bathe your dog using a special, medicated shampoo that majorly lessens their exposure to allergens.

Although there is no way to stop your dog’s allergies entirely, it is possible for you to manage their symptoms and for them to coexist with cats happily.

Related article: Why Do Cats and Dogs Fight?

Can cats be allergic to dogs?

Even though it’s pretty uncommon, cats can have allergies to dogs. Because of their rarity, it is not really known whether cats are more likely to be allergic to certain dog breeds, although it’s a pretty fair assumption to make.

A reason cats may become allergic to dogs is because of the pollen that sticks to dogs’ fur when they’re outside.

Some allergy symptoms you can usually notice are skin rashes or irritation and constant sneezing and coughing.

Related Article: Can You Use Dog Shampoo on Cats?

How to help your cat if he’s allergic to dogs

Although there is no way to fully prevent these allergic reactions, they can be managed and prevented from developing and worsening. There are two main ways in which these allergies are frequently treated.

The first is through trying to combat their allergic symptoms with medication. The second is using an allergy vaccine to try and build their tolerance so that they are less likely to experience these unpleasant reactions.

A thing that can also be done at home to try and ease your cat’s life is cleaning more often so that shedded hair and fur can be kept to a minimum.

You can also try giving your dog baths more frequently, as this can minimize the allergens. These tips will ensure that you won’t have to watch your cats or dogs struggle or possibly have to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

What other allergies can animals suffer from

Similarly to us humans, cats can be allergic to a pretty large selection of things that they could possibly inhale, touch, or eat. These allergies are created when a cat’s skin, digestive system, or body, in general, becomes more sensitive and easily irritated by certain things in their environment. Their body will try to exile these irritations and force them to face a variety of unpleasant allergy symptoms.

The most common allergy symptoms cats show are sneezing or coughing, runny and itchy eyes, possible ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea, overly sensitive and possibly swollen paws, continuous licking, scratching, and red, dry, or flaky skin.

The most common allergies cats can experience are either caused by their environment, fleas, or their diet.

Environmental allergies consist of things such as pollen, mold, and dust.

When bitten by fleas, cats will experience constant irritation throughout their whole body due to fleas’ saliva.

Food allergies are the ones that are most likely to cause symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.

These allergies can be prevented or minimized by bathing your cat more frequently, ensuring that your home is as free of dust and litter as it can be. Also, ensure that your cat has a healthy diet and uses litter that is dust-free.

Furthermore, young kittens are somewhat likely to develop allergies to cat litter that has more chemicals and fragrances, so avoiding more toxin-filled litter would be much better for them.

Can dogs be allergic to cats?: Final thoughts

So, can dogs be allergic to cats? Overall, even though they are rare, pet-to-pet allergies can seem like a strong and unpleasant force to deal with, both for the pets and their owners. They cause lots of unpleasant symptoms and are likely to cause both dogs and cats an unnecessary amount of suffering.

However, although there is no magical cure, these allergies can often be managed with the help of a vet and a few extra cleaning steps.

All in all, there are many products and measurements that are available for you, and that can be pursued to ensure that dogs can be around cats (and the other way around) without having to face such intense allergies.

Article written by Viktoriya Litochenko

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