Causes of Pet Saliva Allergy

Pet saliva allergy occurs when a person's immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in pet saliva as harmful. When a pet licks itself or you, these proteins can transfer onto your skin or into the air. For those with allergies, the immune system reacts by releasing chemicals like histamine, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, or respiratory issues. This sensitivity can be influenced by genetic factors, environmental conditions, and previous exposure to allergens. It's important to understand that the allergy is not due to the pet itself, but rather how the individual's body responds to the proteins in the saliva.