Infant Pet Allergies: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

Allergies are no fun, especially when the sufferer is just a baby. Unfortunately, man's best friend can be the cause of those itchy eyes and runny noses. Pet allergies can make a child miserable, so it is important to determine if he has the symptoms of an allergy, and whether or not he really is allergic to your pet.

Pet Allergies

• If an infant has a pet allergy, she has an immune reaction to the pet's dander, saliva, feces or urine. It could occur if the child breathes in the dander or if the animal licks her.

Signs and Symptoms

• Some of the common symptoms of a pet allergy include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing, or recurring colds or ear infections.

Other Possibilities

• Many of the above symptoms are also signs of the common cold, or the infant could be allergic to something besides the pet. It may be necessary to take the baby to a doctor to see if he is sick or if it is allergies. If it is determined to be an allergy issue, the infant may need to see an allergist to determine what he is allergic to.

Prevention

• Unfortunately, there are no proven ways to prevent a pet allergy. Some children with pet allergies do better with the allergy once they are older, so it could be possible to get a pet when the child is 6 years or older.

Options

• There are some treatment options, such as allergy shots, that may benefit the child. If the allergies are severe, it may be necessary to find the pet a new home. Keeping the house clean, using a HEPA air filtering system, vacuuming often, and keeping the pet off of furniture can also keep allergens to a minimum.