Differences Between Seasonal Allergies and Fur Allergies

Seasonal Allergies vs. Fur Allergies Overview

Most types of allergies come with signs and symptoms that look alike. When an allergen triggers the immune system, it gives out a set of reactions that make it hard to differentiate which allergic reaction a person is having. For this reason, it is important to understand the slight differences between any sort of allergies. In this article, we will be discussing the differences between seasonal allergies and fur allergies.

Allergies happen when the immune system treats a harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander, as a threat. It releases histamine and other chemicals, which cause allergy symptoms. Many people aren’t bothered by these substances, but people with allergies can react strongly.

About one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC), and many people are allergic to more than one thing, so pollen and pet allergies can happen at the same time. Read on to learn how to tell them apart.

Clear Differences

Due to their similarities, we have listed down some very minor differences between seasonal allergies and fur allergies down below. These would help you be more mindful when trying to detect the culprit to an allergic reaction and would also help you when you visit a doctor to help them come up with a diagnosis for you.

• Pet allergies can happen any time of the year, however, seasonal allergies are triggered in a specific year.

• Pet allergens come mainly from proteins in an animal’s skin flakes (dander), saliva and urine, not the fur itself. If you react whenever you’re around animals, a pet allergy is likely.

• Place and location are other important aspects to determine the type of allergy you have. Some places have higher pollen in some seasons, causing people to have seasonal allergic reactions. Moreover, if you are at a friend or family’s home, for a visit, who has pets, then the fur or dander might have caused it.
• It is ideal to notice immediately how you feel when the season changes and how you feel around animals and whether you feel any of the symptoms that we are going to discuss ahead, to help you determine the cause better.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, often called hay fever, come and go around the same time each year. Tree pollen is usually the main trigger in spring, grasses in late spring and summer, and weeds such as ragweed in late summer and fall, though timing varies by region (ACAAI).

Common Allergens

• Mold
• Weeds
• Dust
• Grass
• Fungi
• Pollen
• Mites

Common Symptoms

• Sneezes
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Ear congestion
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches

How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies

It is possible to decrease the risk of seasonal allergies from your home. To avoid allergic reactions from happening, you have them in a specific season, it is to keep your house clear of any common allergens. Deep cleaning your home is ideal. Anything that may collect dust, mites and pollen should either be vigorously cleaned or removed. Beddings should be changed regularly and carpets and curtains need deep cleaning, as well. Water leaks and damp places can cause the growth of molds, so one should keep an eye out for those as well. You should keep a check on the local pollen forecast. It is ideal to wear a mask when going outside or while doing field or yard work. Keep doors and windows shut off your home and cars. Keep your activities indoors.

Fur Allergies

A pet allergy can cause symptoms all year. You don’t need to own a pet to react: exposure can happen at work, school, day care or other indoor spaces, even when no animal is present, and pet allergens can linger in a home long after a pet is gone (ACAAI).

Common Allergens

• Pet dander
• Pet fur

Common Allergic Reactions

• Coughing and wheezing
• Congestion in nose and chest
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy throat
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Redness in eyes
• Skin rash or hives

How to Prevent Fur Allergies

Avoidance is the best way to manage a pet allergy. No cat breed has been shown to be hypoallergenic, and hair length doesn’t predict allergen levels (ACAAI). If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom, use a HEPA air cleaner, and clean often. Nasal sprays, antihistamines and, for some people, allergy shots can help (ACAAI).

Conclusion

Reducing exposure is the first step for both types of allergy. Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can relieve symptoms, and an allergist can test you to find out whether pollen, pets or both are to blame. Learn more about fur allergies and pollen allergies.

---

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (December 30, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Seasonal vs. Pet Allergy FAQs

Are some pets hypoallergenic?

Studies have not shown that any cats are hypoallergenic; all cats produce allergens (ACAAI).

Is it the fur that causes pet allergies?

Mostly no. The allergens are proteins in dander, saliva and urine that collect on fur.

How can I tell pet allergies from pollen allergies?

Pet allergies flare around animals in any season; pollen allergies follow the seasons and worsen outdoors.

Can allergy shots help pet allergies?

Yes, immunotherapy is an option for some people (ACAAI).

Sources

Looking for more allergy types? Find a full list of other allergy causes here.