Understanding Pet Allergies: From Dog Epithelium to Coughing and Angioedema

Pet allergies can feel confusing because the trigger isn’t “fur” in the way most people imagine. The real issue is proteins that come from a dog’s body—especially skin cells (epithelium/dander), saliva, and urine—that end up on fur, furniture, and in the air.

What does “dog epithelium” mean?

Epithelium is the layer of cells that covers surfaces in the body. In dogs, these cells shed constantly. Those shed skin cells break down into tiny particles we call dander. Dander can stay airborne, settle into fabrics, and stick to clothes, so you can react even if a dog isn’t in the room right now. 

What are you actually allergic to?

Dog allergy is driven by your immune system reacting to specific dog proteins (allergens). Dogs produce multiple allergens. Some major ones are found in saliva and skin-related material, and they can spread through licking, grooming, shedding, and normal daily life.

Important: “Hypoallergenic dog” is mostly a marketing phrase, research and clinical guidance generally do not support any breed being truly allergen-free.

How exposure turns into symptoms

When you breathe in or touch these allergen proteins, your immune system may treat them like a threat. If you’re sensitized, your body can release chemicals (like histamine) that cause inflammation in the nose, eyes, skin, and lungs.

That’s why symptoms often cluster into a few patterns:

• Nose/eyes (allergic rhinitis): sneezing, congestion, itchy or watery eyes
• Lungs: coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing—especially if you have asthma or reactive airways
• Skin: itchy rash, hives, sometimes after a scratch or lick 

Where angioedema fits in

Angioedema is deeper swelling under the skin, often around the eyes, lips, and face, and sometimes the throat. It can happen with allergies, sometimes along with hives.

In the context of pets: some people can get hives or swelling after direct contact (like being licked), while others mainly get respiratory symptoms from airborne exposure.

When to treat it as urgent

Most pet allergy reactions are annoying but not dangerous. But seek emergency care if you have swelling in the throat, trouble breathing, wheezing that escalates, or symptoms that suggest anaphylaxis (rapid multi-system reaction).

Diagnosis and what actually helps

If symptoms are consistent around dogs, an allergist can confirm with skin testing or blood testing and help you choose a plan.

Common strategies include:

• Reduce exposure: keep dogs out of the bedroom, use HEPA filtration, wash hands/clothes after contact, clean soft surfaces
• Medications: antihistamines and nasal steroids for nose/eye symptoms; inhalers if asthma is involved
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots): may help some people tolerate exposure better over time

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References

ACAAI (American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology). Pet Allergies (Dog and Cat): Symptoms & Treatment.

Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Angioedema (Swelling Under the Skin).

Cleveland Clinic. Anaphylaxis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Allergens: Animals.

Konieczny A, Morgenstern JP, Bizinkauskas CB, Lilley CH, Brauer AW, Bond JF, Aalberse RC, Wallner BP, Kasaian MT. The major dog allergens, Can f 1 and Can f 2, are salivary lipocalin proteins: cloning and immunological characterization of the recombinant forms. Immunology. 1997 Dec;92(4):577-86. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2567.1997.00386.x. PMID: 9497502; PMCID: PMC1364166.

Mayo Clinic. Pet allergy – Symptoms & causes.