⚡ Already have pet component results?

• We accept cat/dog component results (e.g., Fel d 1; Can f 1/2/3/4/5/6) that are ≤ 5 years old. You can skip retesting and move straight to treatment if appropriate.
• Upload past results (skin or blood, including component‑resolved diagnostics) for a Wyndly doctor to review here: Use an existing allergy test.

Suggested pet‑focused lab order set (if you’re retesting and want components):

• Screening extracts: Cat dander sIgE; Dog dander sIgE
• Cat components (as available): Fel d 1 (primary), Fel d 4
• Dog components (as available): Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3 (albumin), Can f 4, Can f 5 (prostatic kallikrein), Can f 6
• Consider other household co‑triggers: Dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus), mold mix

  Component note: Our standard at‑home test is extract‑based; component testing (e.g., Fel d 1, Can f 5) isn’t in‑panel. If you have component results from the past 5 years, you can upload them for your Wyndly doctor to review.> Human vs. Vet: This guide is for people with pet allergies (not for diagnosing pets). If you’re a human reacting to cats/dogs, you’re in the right place.

What to order (quick checklist)

• Starting from scratch: confirm pet dander from home with Wyndly’s extract-based specific IgE blood test (cat and dog included) — order the At‑home test here: At‑home allergy test.

• Retesting and want components: ask your ordering clinician/lab for cat and dog dander sIgE plus available components (Fel d 1 ± Fel d 4; Can f 1/2/3/4/5/6). Components are helpful in select scenarios (e.g., suspected male‑dog–specific Can f 5).

• Already tested within 5 years: skip retesting and upload results for a doctor review: Use an existing allergy test.

Glossary — key pet components (fast facts) - Fel d 1 (cat): secretoglobin from skin/saliva; primary marker of genuine cat sensitization. - Fel d 4 (cat): lipocalin from saliva; can explain symptoms even when Fel d 1 is modest. - Can f 1/2/4/6 (dog): lipocalins from saliva/skin; major dog allergens; multi‑lipocalin positives suggest broader dog sensitization. - Can f 3 (dog albumin): cross‑reactive with other mammal albumins (cat, horse, etc.). - Can f 5 (dog): prostatic kallikrein from male dogs; mono‑sensitization may mean symptoms mainly around male dogs.

Introduction

If you sneeze, wheeze, or get itchy eyes around cats or dogs, you can confirm a pet allergy from home and start a doctor‑led plan for long‑term relief. This guide explains what “pet dander” really is, which specific cat and dog proteins matter (Fel d 1; Can f 1–5), when component testing is useful, how extract‑based specific IgE testing is used clinically, how to reuse existing lab results, and Wyndly’s path: test → doctor → sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Pet allergens 101: what you’re actually reacting to

• The triggers are proteins in animal skin flakes (dander), saliva, and urine that hitchhike on fur and dust—not fur itself.

• Cat allergens are dominated by Fel d 1 (a secretoglobin in skin/saliva) and also include Fel d 4 (lipocalin) and others. Wyndly’s education on cat allergy and Fel d 1: How to get rid of a cat allergy.

• Dog allergens include several proteins referred to as Can f (canis familiaris) components.

Key cat and dog components (for clinical context)

Note: You don’t need to memorize components to get treated effectively. Most patients can be diagnosed and treated using standard extract‑based specific IgE.

Component map at a glance

• Fel d 1 (cat, secretoglobin; skin/saliva): primary cat allergen; strong marker of genuine cat sensitization.

• Fel d 4 (cat, lipocalin; saliva): may explain symptoms when Fel d 1 is low; potential cross‑reactivity with other animal lipocalins.

• Can f 1 (dog, lipocalin; saliva/skin): major dog allergen; common in broad dog sensitization.

• Can f 2 (dog, lipocalin; saliva/skin): often co‑sensitizes with Can f 1; adds to total dog burden.

• Can f 3 (dog, albumin): cross‑reactive with other mammal albumins (e.g., cat, horse); can relate to reactions to dander and saliva.

• Can f 4 (dog, lipocalin; saliva/skin): contributes to multi‑lipocalin load; persistent indoor exposure.

• Can f 5 (dog, prostatic kallikrein; male dogs only): male‑dog–specific sensitization; helpful for counseling on pet selection.

• Can f 6 (dog, lipocalin; salivary/epithelial): lipocalin with cross‑reactivity potential to other animals.

Mini‑guides by component

Fel d 1 (cat)

• What it is: secretoglobin made in sebaceous, salivary glands; coats skin/dander and fur.

• Why it matters: dominant cat allergen; elevated sIgE strongly supports true cat allergy.

• Counseling: high environmental persistence; HEPA and cleaning help but immunotherapy addresses the root. Learn more: Cat immunotherapy and How to get rid of a cat allergy.

Fel d 4 (cat)

• What it is: lipocalin found primarily in saliva.

• Why it matters: can drive symptoms even when Fel d 1 is modest; lipocalin cross‑reactivity possible across species.

• Use case: helps explain "I react to multiple furry animals" histories.

Can f 1 (dog)

• What it is: dog lipocalin from saliva/skin.

• Why it matters: major driver of dog allergy; frequent co‑sensitization with Can f 2/4/6 correlates with persistent symptoms.

• Counseling: indoor reservoirs (upholstery, carpets) prolong exposure.

Can f 2 (dog)

• What it is: dog lipocalin.

• Why it matters: adds to total lipocalin load; presence with Can f 1 suggests broader dog sensitization.

• Use case: supports multi‑lipocalin targeting in immunotherapy.

Can f 3 (dog albumin)

• What it is: serum albumin; highly cross‑reactive with other mammal albumins (cat, horse, etc.).

• Why it matters: may explain cross‑species symptoms; often reflects reactions to saliva/skin contact.

• Counseling: consider broader pet counseling and multi‑allergen care. See Wyndly Immunotherapy.

Can f 4 (dog)

• What it is: dog lipocalin.

• Why it matters: contributes to persistent dog symptoms; relevant in combination lipocalin patterns.

• Use case: supports including multiple dog lipocalins in a tailored SLIT plan.

Can f 5 (male‑dog–specific)

• What it is: prostatic kallikrein produced by male dogs only.

• Why it matters: Can f 5 mono‑sensitization can mean reactions mainly to male dogs; helpful for lifestyle/pet selection counseling.

• Counseling: female or neutered male dogs may be better tolerated in some cases.

Can f 6 (dog)

• What it is: dog lipocalin from salivary/epithelial sources.

• Why it matters: part of multi‑lipocalin sensitization; potential cross‑reactivity with other animal lipocalins.

• Use case: indicates value of comprehensive lipocalin coverage in SLIT.

Pet component cheat sheet

Note: Ask your Wyndly doctor for the printable Pet Component Cheat Sheet (PDF) during your consult.

Get started — board‑certified consult included

• Start treatment for pet allergies at home: Pet Immunotherapy (SLIT)

• Prefer to meet a doctor first? Book a consult: Schedule a consult

• Already have component results (≤5 years)? Skip retesting: Use an existing allergy test

Component FAQs

• Do I need Fel d/Can f components to start? Not usually. For most patients, extract‑based cat/dog sIgE plus history is sufficient to begin effective SLIT; components are helpful in select scenarios (e.g., suspected Can f 5).

• What does a positive Can f 5 mean? Sensitization to a prostate‑derived protein made by male dogs; some patients react mainly to male dogs.

• Why test albumin (Can f 3)? Albumin is cross‑reactive across mammals and can explain multi‑species symptoms.

• If I’m positive to multiple dog lipocalins, will SLIT still work? Yes—Wyndly designs multi‑allergen SLIT plans addressing relevant triggers for one price. See Best Allergy Immunotherapy Guide.

• How fast will I feel better on SLIT? Many notice improvement in 4–24 weeks; plan on ~3 years for durable immune changes. See How long until drops work?

Extract‑based specific IgE testing from home (what Wyndly provides)

• What it is: a finger‑prick blood test measuring allergen‑specific IgE against standardized extracts (e.g., cat dander, dog dander) processed at a CLIA‑certified lab. See: At‑home allergy test, What is an allergy blood test?.

• Coverage: 40+ common environmental allergens, including cat, dog, and horse dander, multiple pollens, dust mites, and molds. See the full Allergen Index.

• Convenience: test from home; review results with a U.S. board‑certified physician online; no need to stop OTC antihistamines before Wyndly’s blood test.

• Who it’s for: adults and children 5+ with environmental allergies. Wyndly does not treat food allergies.

When does component‑resolved testing matter?

Component‑resolved diagnostics (CRD) can help in select scenarios:

• Male‑dog reactivity questions (suspected Can f 5) to guide lifestyle choices (e.g., male vs female dog exposure).

• Suspected broad animal cross‑reactivity driven by lipocalins or albumins (e.g., persistent symptoms across multiple mammals).

• Complex cases with severe or refractory symptoms where parsing genuine sensitization vs cross‑reactivity changes counseling. For most people, extract‑based IgE plus history is sufficient to confirm pet allergy and start effective therapy.

Using existing lab results (skip retesting if you already have data)

• If you have an allergy test from the last 5 years (skin or blood), Wyndly can review it and move straight to treatment if appropriate. Start here: Use an existing allergy test.

From test → doctor → SLIT (allergy drops/tablets)

• Physician review and plan: your Wyndly doctor combines your results and history to design a personalized, multi‑allergen SLIT plan. Learn more: Best Allergy Immunotherapy Guide and Allergy shots vs sublingual immunotherapy.

• Pet allergy program: targeted to cat and dog dander with at‑home dosing, no needles, and ongoing physician support. Details: Pet allergy immunotherapy, Cat immunotherapy, Dog immunotherapy.

• Timelines and outcomes: many patients notice improvement in 4–24 weeks; full disease‑modifying benefit requires consistent daily dosing over ~3 years, with potential decades of relief thereafter. See timelines: How long until allergy drops work? and Quick facts before your visit.

• Safety and support: SLIT has a favorable safety profile suitable for at‑home use; Wyndly provides 24/7 access to doctors and a 90‑day Allergy‑Free Guarantee. See: Allergy drops safety and Allergy‑Free Guarantee.

• Pricing transparency: treatment typically $99/month (HSA/FSA eligible) with free shipping; test may be billed to insurance in select workflows. See: Treatment subscription and Allergy test landing.

How clinicians use extract‑based IgE in practice

• Interpretation is clinical: a positive specific IgE to cat or dog plus a consistent history (symptoms around exposure) usually confirms diagnosis.

• Multi‑trigger care: many pet‑allergic patients also react to dust mites or pollens. Treating all relevant triggers (not just pets) is associated with better outcomes. Wyndly’s plans address multiple environmental allergens for one price. See: Wyndly Immunotherapy.

Practical tips for at‑home testing success

• Hydrate and warm hands before the finger prick; allow blood to drip (don’t smear) to fill circles on the card; let the card air‑dry before mailing. Step‑by‑step: How to test.

• Keep living your life: you do not need to stop modern, non‑sedating antihistamines for Wyndly’s blood test.

Limitations and expectations

• Wyndly treats environmental (not food) allergies; avoid home “food allergy” testing.

• SLIT is a long‑term, disease‑modifying therapy—daily dosing and follow‑ups are key to durable benefit.

• Severe, systemic reactions to SLIT are exceedingly rare; still, follow your physician’s instructions and report unusual symptoms promptly. Learn more: Safety of allergy drops.

Quick start: two best links

• Start pet allergy treatment: Pet Immunotherapy (SLIT)

• Browse the tested allergen panel: Allergen Index

Frequently asked questions

• How do I know it’s pets and not pollen? Use history (symptoms near animals) plus specific IgE. Wyndly’s at‑home blood test confirms sensitization to cat/dog and screens 40+ other allergens. See: At‑home test.

• Do I need Fel d 1 or Can f components to start SLIT? Usually not. For most patients, extract‑based IgE and history are enough to begin an effective SLIT plan. Components can help in select cases (e.g., suspected male‑dog–specific Can f 5).

• Can SLIT help me keep my pet? Yes. SLIT retrains the immune system and is commonly used so patients can live comfortably with pets. Learn more: Build immunity to cat allergies and Cat allergy care.

• How fast will I feel better? Some feel improvement in 4–8 weeks; most notice meaningful progress within 4–24 weeks; plan on ~3 years for lasting immune changes. See: How long until drops work?.

• What if I already have results from another lab? Upload them and meet a Wyndly doctor—many patients can start right away. See: Existing test review.