If you are allergic to dogs or cats. Can you develop an immunity to these allergies given prolonged exposure?

Question

when i was young i took allergy shots to develop a tolerance to corn. if you suffer though being around an animal you are allergic to long enough can you build a tolerance

Answer 1

in adults, it is usually prolonged exposure that causes the allergy. In children because their auto immune system is not fully developed, the desensitizing shots can do some good. But in most adults desensitizing shots are no longer rec commended because they worsen the problem in a mature immune system.

Answer 2

I don't think so...not that I know of, at least I have not been that lucky. In fact, my allergy to cats has become worse over the past few years. I don't know this for sure, but I have just never heard of it being possible. But you never know...perhaps that is how they create the allergy shots for people...but I never got the shots...I just take prescription.

I do have to add, however, that my husband received allergy shots for poison ivy when he was younger, and he was told it would make him either immune to it, or not get much of a reaction at all....well, he get's it worse than ever. Yet, results are most likely based on each individuals body chemistry. You may have different results with the shots.

Answer 3

In controlled doses with the allergy shots, yes.. I was on allergy shots for several allergies, including cats for about two years. I had to quit taking them about 2 yrs ago because I no longer had health insurance.

The shots actually helped me a lot when I was taking them. I was also on Zyrtec D and some nose spray crap. I still take the Zyrtec. But I noticed a huge difference in my allergies after going off them. As of now I can't be in a room that has indoor cats in it for more than 5 mins. When I was on the shot I had a part indoor cat that slept in my bed.

Answer 4

For some reason and I don't know why, but I am not allergic to certain types of cats. Even though I have every allergy known to mankind. If I get the cat as a kitten - usually a short hair tabby and I keep them inside the house they do not bother me. However, I can go to someone's house that has a cat or dog and have a full blown allergy and asthma attack. So I guess you would say I have been able to have cats all my life, but I always got them as kittens and they have always been short hair tabby.

Answer 5

depends...my mother made me eat honey when I was a kid...now I'm allergic to bees AND honey...
I lived around dogs and was never allergic...
but since I haven't had one for many yrs, now I can't touch them.
I've had ferrets for 17 yrs...I'm still allergic. ( I must wash my hands 20 million times a day, not to mention taking allergy meds so I can keep my fuzzies)
So if you think you can...try it..but don't be surprised if it doesn't work.

Answer 6

I have never heard of that before. I don't think so.

Answer 7

yes in controlled doses.