Pollen Allergies in Humans and Their Dogs, Cats, and Horses: Differences and Similarities

Both humans and their domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses, shared similar IgE receptor repertoires and cell types involved in allergies, like mast cells and eosinophils. Translational clinical studies in these animals could help treat animal allergies and provide insights for human allergies. Pollen allergens caused different symptoms in each species: allergic rhinitis in humans, eczematous lesions in dogs, airway obstruction or hives in horses, and bronchial asthma or pruritic dermatitis in cats. Diagnostic methods varied, with IgE and dermal tests being equally important in animals, while humans relied more on specific IgE detection and skin tests. Allergen immunotherapy significantly improved symptoms in both humans and animals, making domestic animals valuable models for allergy research.