Can Dogs Be Allergic to Cats?
It pains me to say this, but I will likely never get a cat. Unfortunately, I have experienced several allergen-induced asthma attacks after petting a beautiful kitty. Have I learned my lesson? Absolutely not. I will continue petting cats until I physically can no longer. That being said, I do know my limits and am aware that living with a cat would have a very negative impact on my health.
In addition, I have noticed that my dog also gets a little sneezy when she’s around feline friends. This got me wondering if we perhaps have cat allergies in common. After all, we already have quite a few similarities like a love of treats and enjoying walks.
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During a 2018 interview with the American Kennel Club, veterinarian Dr. Robert Trimble shared that dogs can, in fact, be allergic to cats.
“I have heard of a dog being allergic to a cat . . . and a cat to a dog,” said the vet.
According to Four Paws, symptoms can include feeling itchy, continually sneezing, and having difficulty breathing. Dogs who have cat allergies may also lose some of their hair and have irritated skin.
While speaking to the AKC, Dr. Trimble stated that pet parents should take their furry friends to their vet to determine if they have cat allergies.
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“Once your dog has been tested, he can be treated with individual immunotherapy,” stated Trimble. “Immunotherapy involves daily exposure to the specific allergens the dog is sensitive to, either by daily injection or by a daily oral spray/oral drops.”
According to Trimble, “the goal of this therapy is to decrease the severity of itch and inflammation and decrease the need for other itch-preventing medications.”
“This individually tailored treatment is the only method the veterinary community has found that helps to change the abnormal response the body has to allergens,” continued the vet. “Although not a perfect treatment — your dog will likely still be itchy, just less so — when it comes to itchiness, improvement to any degree will be welcomed by your dog.”
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Four Paws also recommends bathing your dog immediately after they interact with a feline friend, to keep their symptoms at bay.