7 myths about human-animal allergies explained and busted

The Star

20-07-2025

Pets are great. You can play and cuddle and go for walks with them.They also help against loneliness. But not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some people are literally allergic to cats, dogs and the like, as these four-legged friends can trigger severe physical reactions.
However, there are also many misconceptions about animal allergies. Here are seven myths that need dispelling. Myth 1: The animal's hair is the problem.
Many people talk about an "animal hair allergy" a first misunderstanding. "I think the term 'animal allergy' is better," says Anja Schwalfenberg from the German Allergy and Asthma Association. This is because the animal hair itself is not the trigger for the overreaction of the immune system.
Rather, it is the case that patients react to certain protein building blocks, ie. allergens.
These are mainly found in the animal's dander, but also in its saliva, urine and hair. For example, when a cat does its daily grooming, it spreads saliva on its fur. The allergens it contains then also enter the room air. Myth 2: An animal allergy is harmless.
No. There are many gradations, "from banal itching in the eyes and nose to death," says Thomas Fuchs an allergy specialist and professor of medicine at Germany's University Medical Centre Göttingen.
Typical symptoms include itchy and/or watery eyes, itching and skin reactions, sneezing and a runny nose. "In extreme cases, you can no longer breathe," he says.
Something good to know is that an allergic reaction does not always start immediately.
"It can happen that you're just standing on someone's doorstep and you immediately start coughing – without realising that there's a cat in the house," says the allergist.
Animal allergies mainly affect patients who are otherwise prone to allergic diseases – such as hay fever, asthma or neurodermatitis.
In order to be able to treat allergy symptoms effectively, the first step is a diagnosis. Myth 3: The shorter the pet's hair, the better for allergy sufferers.
You can't generalise like that. "There seem to be very individual differences in allergen concentrations," says Anja Schwalfenberg.
It is not the length of the hair per se that is responsible for triggering allergic reactions. In studies in which the allergen content of dog hair from different breeds was analysed, there were large variations even within the same breed.
Allergy sufferers should keep their distance from male dogs in particular, as researchers have discovered that male dogs produce more allergens than females. Myth 4: Hypoallergenic dog breeds such as Labradoodles or Spanish Water Dogs do not cause problems.
A study that tested the allergen concentration in the homes of 190 families with dogs concluded that even in homes with breeds that are labelled hypoallergenic, no lower levels of allergens were detected.
The examination of fur samples also revealed that the range within the dog breed itself was very high, but the differences between the breeds were small.
Also, hairless Sphynx cats or Chinese crested dogs would not really help patients either.
"If someone thinks they have to switch to naked animals because of an allergy, that's nonsense," says Fuchs. Because it's not the hair that makes allergy sufferers sniffle and cry. Myth 5: If I don't have my own pet, nothing can happen to me.
Wishful thinking, says Fuchs. "If you think you are on holiday by the sea or in the mountains and are then immune to allergic reactions, you could be mistaken.
"Particles from animals on the owner's clothing are sometimes enough to cause allergic reactions. This can happen easily, for example while in a lift or riding a gondola on a ski holiday.
"Or you might be sitting next to a cat owner in the theatre - and suddenly you start clearing your throat or coughing without knowing the cause," says the dermatologist.
It's not just dogs and cats: Some people get allergic reactions to horses and even birds. Myth 6: You have to accept an animal allergy.
No, there are ways to live better with an animal allergy. Anti-allergy medication, eye drops and nasal sprays can help to alleviate the symptoms.
For more severe symptoms, inhalers with anti-inflammatory agents for asthmatics can also help."The prerequisite for treatment is first of all to have a good diagnosis made," says Fuchs.
The first port of call for this is a doctor's surgery or clinic specialising in allergology. Skin tests or special blood tests can determine whether you are "only" slightly sensitive or severely allergic.
Although the medication is generally well tolerated, says Fuchs, it can also cause side effects in the long term.For example, long-term treatment with cortisone can lead to osteoporosis, or bone loss. Myth 7: If I give up my pet, the problem will be solved.
Pet owners need to be very strong now. If you have an animal allergy, experts recommend giving up your pet. "As much as people don't like to say it, and as much as patients don't like to hear it," says Fuchs.
The bad news is that ex-pet owners must expect itching, watery eyes and sniffles to persist for a long time, even after their beloved pet is long gone.
"Cat allergens in particular are highly airborne and remain in the air a long time," says biologist Schwalfenberg. In studies, they have even been found in homes years later. – dpa