Introduction
Dog allergies are relatively common among children, with estimates ranging from 10-20% of the population affected worldwide (Chan, 2018). Allergies to dogs can develop at any age, but are more likely to first appear in childhood. The most common symptoms of a dog allergy in children include itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, skin reactions, breathing issues, fatigue, and digestive problems.
Dog allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to certain proteins found in dog dander, saliva, or urine. When exposed to these allergens, the body sees them as foreign invaders and releases chemicals like histamine to attack them. This immune system response leads to the various symptoms associated with allergies (Pyrhönen, 2015).
If a child begins exhibiting multiple symptoms after exposure to dogs, a dog allergy may be the cause. Being aware of the common signs can help parents determine if their child may have a dog allergy and seek diagnosis from a doctor.
Itchy, Watery Eyes
One of the most common symptoms of a dog allergy in children is itchy, watery eyes. This can manifest as red, irritated eyes that feel itchy and look bloodshot. The child may rub their eyes excessively in an effort to relieve the itchiness. Dark circles under the eyes are also common as the irritation causes the skin around the eyes to become inflamed. According to the Mayo Clinic, watery eyes are one of the most common allergy symptoms in children with pet allergies.
The itchy eyes are caused by the body’s immune response to allergens found in dog dander and saliva. When the allergens come into contact with the eyes, it triggers the release of antibodies that cause inflammation, redness, and itchiness. Parents may notice their child frequently rubbing at their eyes when around dogs. Red, irritated skin around the eyes is a telltale sign of eye allergies.
Sources:
– https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-children-with-animal-allergies-can-live-comfortably-with-pets/
– https://childrensallergydoctors.com/pet-allergies-children/
Runny Nose
One of the most common symptoms of a dog allergy in children is a constant runny or stuffy nose. Allergens from dogs can irritate the nasal passages, causing the body to produce excess mucus as a response. According to the Mayo Clinic, sneezing is another key symptom that often accompanies a runny nose in children with dog allergies (source). The nose tries to expel the allergens through frequent sneezing. If your child has frequent sneezing spells along with a chronically runny nose, they may be allergic to your dog.
Coughing
One common allergy symptom in children is a dry, persistent cough, especially coughing at night. According to the Mayo Clinic, coughing is a result of your child’s immune system overreacting to the allergens from dogs, cats, or other pets (source). When your child breathes in microscopic proteins from pet dander, saliva, or urine, it can trigger coughing fits as their respiratory system tries to expel the irritants. Coughing at night tends to be worse because your child is exposed to allergens in the pet’s fur and dander that have accumulated on bed linens and soft furnishings during the day.
Skin Reactions
One of the most common signs of a pet allergy in children is skin reactions on the body. Direct contact with dogs can trigger allergic dermatitis in children who are allergic. This causes irritated skin conditions such as hives, bumps, and eczema flares.
Hives are raised, flat-topped bumps that are smooth to the touch and often very itchy. They form when the skin reacts to an allergen and releases histamine. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and be pink, red, or flesh-colored. They can range in size from a few millimeters to the size of a dinner plate. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192
In addition to hives, children with pet allergies may develop red bumpy rashes on their skin after interacting with dogs. These bumps are often accompanied by intense itching. The rash tends to appear where the skin touched the pet, such as the face, hands, or arms. https://www.babycenter.com/health/conditions/pet-allergies_1227639
Eczema is another skin condition that can flare up when children with pet allergies are exposed to dogs. Eczema causes patches of skin to become itchy, red, cracked, and rough. The rashes most often appear on the folds of the elbows, backs of knees, face, and neck. Dog dander and saliva residues sticking to the skin can trigger eczema outbreaks in allergic children.
Trouble Breathing
One of the most concerning signs of a dog allergy in children is trouble breathing. This can manifest as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Wheezing occurs when the airways narrow, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. It often sounds like a whistling or squeaking noise as the child breathes. Wheezing is a common symptom of allergic asthma triggered by dog allergens. According to the NIH, nearly 80% of children with asthma also have allergies.1
Shortness of breath is another breathing issue that can arise from dog allergies. When exposed to dog dander, a child may feel like they cannot get enough air. They may breathe rapidly or need to put extra effort into inhaling and exhaling. Shortness of breath indicates inflammation and obstruction in the airways.
If a child experiences any form of troubled breathing due to dog allergies, it’s crucial to remove them from exposure and seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen. Trouble breathing suggests the allergy is severely affecting the respiratory system.
Digestive Issues
Children with a dog allergy may experience digestive problems after exposure to dogs. Some common digestive symptoms include:
Stomach pain – Exposure to dogs can cause stomach cramps and abdominal pain in allergic children. The histamines released during an allergic reaction can irritate the stomach lining, leading to pain and discomfort.
Vomiting – Nausea and vomiting may occur in some children after contact with dogs. Vomiting is the forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth due to irritation from an allergic response. According to the Mayo Clinic, vomiting is a common symptom of pet allergies in children [1].
Diarrhea – Loose, watery stools can be another digestive symptom of dog allergies. The immune system’s reaction against allergens can cause inflammation in the intestines, leading to diarrhea. Diarrhea may develop shortly after exposure in sensitive children [2].
If a child experiences any of these digestive problems after interacting with dogs, an allergy may be the cause. It’s important to consult an allergist for testing and diagnosis.
Fatigue
One common symptom of pet allergies in children is extreme tiredness or fatigue after coming into contact with the animal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, pet allergies can lead to fatigue and tiredness due to the body’s immune response.
When a child with a pet allergy is exposed to allergens from the animal’s dander, saliva or urine, their immune system releases histamine and other chemicals to attack the perceived threat. This immune response can leave children feeling drained and lethargic.
Parents may notice their child becomes extremely tired, lacks energy or feels the need to take naps after playing with or being around a dog. The fatigue may come on rapidly after contact with the pet due to the body’s hypersensitive immune reaction.
If a child experiences chronic fatigue that improves after removing the pet from the home, it can be a clear sign they have developed an allergy to dogs. Paying attention to fatigue levels and their correlation to pet exposure can help diagnose the allergy.
Treatment
There are several options for treating pet allergies in children. Some of the main treatment approaches include:
Allergy Medications
Antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) can help relieve allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. These are available over-the-counter in liquid or pill form for children. Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) may also help reduce congestion, sneezing, and drippy noses. Your pediatrician can provide guidance on dosage and types of allergy medications that are suitable for your child (How families can mitigate a child’s pet allergies).
Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or sublingual (under the tongue) drops can gradually desensitize your child’s immune system to pet allergens. This treatment is administered over months to years but can significantly reduce allergy symptoms over time. Immunotherapy helps train the body to tolerate exposure to allergens (Mayo Clinic Q&A: Children with animal allergies can live comfortably with pets).
Allergen Avoidance
Limiting your child’s exposure to pet allergens can also help control symptoms. This may involve keeping pets out of your child’s bedroom, bathing pets weekly, and vacuuming and dusting frequently. Air filters and vented washing machines may further reduce allergens in the home environment.
When to See a Doctor
You should take your child to see a doctor if allergy symptoms persist or worsen despite avoiding the pet. Severe reactions like trouble breathing, throat tightness, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat require immediate medical attention. According to the Children’s Allergy Doctors website, symptoms may linger for months after removing the pet due to lingering pet dander. Seeking professional medical advice is important if your child has severe, persistent, or worsening reactions.