Just like humans can be allergic to cats or dogs, or both. But can Pugs be allergic to cats? It’s not a common problem, but it is possible. If you suspect your four-legged friend is allergic to your feline friend, here’s what you can do to help manage the symptoms.
Can Pugs Be Allergic to Cats?
While it’s not common, Pugs can be allergic to dogs. Both cats and dogs have dander that can trigger allergies. Cat dander is smaller and sticker than canine dander, and it’s easier to accumulate on porous surfaces. A dog that is allergic to cats will have similar symptoms to other environmental allergies, making it hard to diagnose.
It’s no surprise that Pugs get along with cats. However, if your cat has a lot of dander, it can trigger allergies in Pugs. This breed is susceptible to allergies, so it’s vital to keep your Pug’s immune system strong to help decrease the chances of allergies.
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We’ll take a look at some things you can do for your Pug or your cat if either is suffering from allergies after living together.
Why Would A Pug Be Allergic to Cats?
Your dog could be allergic to the cat litter, food, the cat itself, or something totally different. If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, it could be that your cat is rolling around in the grass and bringing pollen, dirt, dust indoors that are triggering your Pug’s allergies.
Both cats and dogs have dander, but the proteins in cat dander differ slightly from canine dander. It contains a protein called Fel de 1, which is found in a cat’s anal and sebaceous gland, saliva, sink, fur.
Male cats produce more Fel de 1 than females. However, all cats produce Fel de 1 and can trigger allergies in both humans and pets.
Cat dander is small and sticky and stays airborne for hours. When a cat sheds its hair, it stays in the air longer than a dog’s hair and this causes more people to suffer from allergies from cats. It could also be why your dog is suffering from allergies as well.
That being said, your brachycephalic dog is most likely suffering from environmental allergies, not your cat.
Signs Your Pug is Allergic to Your Feline Friend
A dog that is allergic will have the same symptoms of a dog that suffers from environmental allergies. Symptoms can range from:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Coughing
- Watery eyes and nose
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
If you notice your dog displaying any of the symptoms above, it’s best to take them to the veterinarian. It’s hard to determine what your dog is allergic to, without an allergy test.
Treatment Options for A Pug That’s Allergic to Cats
Your veterinarian will want to take a RAST test or radioallergosorbent test, which is a blood test that helps determine the allergens that are triggering your dog’s allergies.
It’s no different when you’re experiencing allergies, and a doctor does an allergy test to determine the precise thing you’re allergic to. It makes it easier to know what’s causing the symptoms and the best way to treat them.
Treatment options can vary from corticosteroids, antihistamines, a medicated shampoo, diet change, or allergy shots.
Immunotherapy aka “allergy shots” are one of the most effective treatment options for dogs with allergies. It’s usually the last treatment option and used mostly on pets that haven’t responded well to other option treatments.
Your veterinarian will formulate the right plan to help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms for your four-legged friend.
When to See A Veterinarian?
The sooner the better, as an uncomfortable dog with allergies will scratch themselves until they are bleeding and scabby, which can lead to other problems.
Humans usually outgrow their allergies, dogs become worse as they get older. If you notice your dog scratching their ears or body excessively, you can try implementing some natural treatments to see if they get relief.
You know it’s time to take your dog to the veterinarian when nothing seems to be working and your dog is driving you crazy by all the scratching and licking.
How to Prevent Allergies In Both Cats and Pugs Living Together
Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to prevent allergies in either cats or dogs. Both your cat and dog are members of your family, so you don’t want to see them suffering every day.
Instead of finding a new home for either, there are some things you can do to make their life more comfortable and reduce the symptoms. I’ve written an in-depth article to help people who are allergic to Pugs, I recommend reading it to learn some things you can do.
Things to Do to Help An Allergic Pug Living With a Cat?
The following steps are more to help your cat or dog coexist together, allergies and all.
- Get separate beds: Both Pugs and cats shed a lot, so it’s best to get separate beds for each pet. If your pets like to take naps together, get a pet bed with a removable cover. It will make it easy to wash it at least once a week.
- Consider separating your cat and dog in separate rooms. Use a pet gate to keep your dog from interacting with your cat. It will be harder to keep your cat away from your dog, as they can jump higher than a dog.
- Bathe both animals regularly. Like Pugs, cats shouldn’t be bathed often, but according to the National Cat Groomers of America, cats should get bathed and a blow-dry every 4-6 weeks.
- Get a HEPA air cleaner designed for pet allergies. Unlike normal air cleaners, a Pet air filter has more stages of filtration to capture smaller particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, hair, and pet dander. The Bissell Smart Purifier with HEPA is perfect for keeping your home allergen-free and can help both you and your pets.
- Keep your cat’s litter box in a separate room. Some dogs will eat the litter and it has been known to trigger allergies in some dogs.
- Don’t let your dog eat your cat’s food. Cat food differs from a dog’s diet and it has been known to trigger allergies in canines. Not only that, but it can also make your Pug sick as it is a different type of food they are not used to. You don’t have to worry about your cat eating dog food, as most cats are picky eaters.
Conclusion
While extremely rare, a Pug can be allergic to your cat. The signs and symptoms are the same as a Pug that is suffering from environmental allergies, which is most likely triggering the symptoms.
The only way to know for sure what’s causing your dog’s allergies is to have a veterinarian perform an allergy test. They will be able to help you formulate a plan to help both pets coexist and bring relief for your pet.
Your dog doesn’t have to suffer from allergies, especially when there are so many types of medications, natural remedies, and things you can do to help make their life better.
Hopefully, this helps you bring some relief to your Pug!