Veterinarians say that dogs and cats are allergic to pollen and other allergens just like us. Cat allergy symptoms can manifest as chestnut-like skin disease, usually with small scabs or hair loss on the head and neck. Spring is here, the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. However, an uninvited guest is coming quietly: allergies.

Photographer: Amy White & Al Petteway Author: Liz Langley

At this time, we need to change our concept and think about allergies from the perspective of pets. This week on Weird Animal Q&A, we answer a question from Emily Tye, who asks, "Can cats be allergic to dogs, or can dogs be allergic to cats?"

We also want to know, can they be allergic to us humans?

Raelynn Farnsworth of Washington State University's Department of Veterinary Medicine says the answer is "yes."

"Although rare, dogs can be allergic to cat and human dander. Cats can also be allergic to dog and human dander. All living things are like this."

Dander is small particles that fall off hair, fur and feathers and is produced by both pets and people. Pet allergens also include flea saliva and certain foods.

What to do if you are sick

Farnsworth said that skin inflammation and body itching are the most common allergy symptoms in dogs, as well as sneezing and runny nose. At this time, it is time to take it to the doctor. Allergy symptoms in cats can manifest as chestnut-like skin disease, usually with small scabs or hair loss on the head and neck. Skin disease can also appear anywhere on the body.

We have to observe how long the pet has been allergic. This is very important data. Year-round allergies indicate food allergies, or there may be something in the home that makes the pet allergic, rather than seasonal allergens.

Fortunately, pets can be tested for environmental allergens, including seasonal and non-seasonal allergens, Christine Cain of the University of Pennsylvania Department of Veterinary Medicine tells us.

Cain says dogs are usually tested to see if they are allergic to cat dander. A tiny bit of the allergen is placed under the skin, similar to a human allergy test.

Farnsworth said the veterinarian will also check for common allergens such as dust mites, human dander, feathers, wool, pollen and other common allergens in daily life. These are the common culprits of pet allergies, but because they live with humans, they can be allergic to anything, and a common allergy test can’t catch them all.

Allergic to Blue Star People

So, what should you do if your pet is allergic to you?

Cain said that pets are allergic to human dander, which is a heavy blow to the owner, but you two don’t need to separate. If your pet is allergic to human dander, it is also allergic to other allergens. That said, your veterinarian can treat allergies by injecting an allergy vaccine or giving an oral solution that contains a small amount of the allergen, causing your pet's immune system to ignore the allergen.

Of course, the cats may pretend to be allergic to dogs, hoping that the stupid Blue Stars will send Awang away. (So ​​cruel!)