Five Fun Facts About Dogs, Cats, Allergies, and Sinuses

Dogs and cats have sinuses and allergies just like their humans. Our furry friends can also cause allergies and sinus problems in us (and vice versa)! Here are five fun facts about dogs and cats and sinuses and allergies.

1. Dogs and Cats Have Sinuses

Dogs and cats have nasal sinuses and they can suffer from rhinitis and sinusitis just like humans do. Infections can be caused by allergies, environmental irritants, viruses, bacteria and more. Their symptoms are also much like ours: sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing and watery eyes are some similar ones. Your pets can feel just as miserable as we do when faced with sinusitis and rhinitis symptoms, so be sure to bring your dog or cat to see your veterinarian when you see these problems.

2. Dogs and Cats Can Suffer From Spring Allergies, Too

Pollen is one contributor to spring allergies (more on that later), and dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal pollen allergies just like us. You might notice sneezing or coughing, but since pollen usually causes itchy skin in pets you might notice them obsessively licking, chewing and biting at their paws and skin. Make sure to see your veterinarian if you notice symptoms in your dog or cat.

3. Dogs and Cats Can Add to Your Spring Allergies

Spring allergies aren’t only triggered by pollen. Indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites can also contribute to your seasonal symptoms. Outdoor allergens like pollen add to these year-round indoor allergens to push your body past what’s called your symptom threshold. This is the point where you start to experience symptoms. This means if you’re allergic to dogs and cats, your symptoms might be worse in the spring or other times when outdoor allergens (or other indoor allergens) are at high levels.

4. Dogs and Cats Can Be Allergic To Each Other

Not only can dogs be allergic to cats and vice versa, but dogs can be allergic to other dogs and cats can be allergic to other cats! The same proteins in pet dander, saliva and urine that trigger human allergies can trigger allergies in dogs and cats. Allergy medications and air purifiers are among the common treatments for both humans, cats and dogs alike.

5. Cats and Dogs Can Be Allergic to You

It’s rare, but cats and dogs can be allergic to human dander, the dead skin cells that fall off our bodies just like the dander that falls off our pets. It is not easy to test for since dogs and cats with allergies like this are often triggered by other allergens as well. So your pets might be allergic to you and you’ll never know for sure. The treatments for human dander allergies would be the same as other indoor and outdoor allergens, so be sure to get your pets checked out by a vet.

While South Texas Sinus Institute can’t solve your pets’ allergy or sinus problems, we are ready to treat your human ones! Call us at 956-661-8200 or request an appointment online today.