---
title: "Rash Causes: Allergic to dogs? | Sutter Health"
description: "I often have a light rash after playing with my dog. Are allergic reactions to dogs from their fur, their saliva or something else?"
url: "/ask-an-expert/answers/rash-causes-allergic-to-dogs-1051061043"
---

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2.  Rash Causes: Allergic to dogs?

# Rash Causes: Allergic to dogs?

* * *

Medically reviewed by

-   Steven Rubinstein, M.D.

## Question

I often have a light rash after playing with my dog. Are allergic reactions to dogs from their fur, their saliva or something else?

## Answer

Allergic reactions to dogs can be from anything that comes off or out of a dog. Saliva and the skin that is shed with the fur (also called dander) are the most allergenic parts of both dogs and cats. Fur/hair itself is too large to cause actual reactions.

Dogs that shed lose more dander and are therefore more allergenic. So are dogs that drool a lot. Urine can also be quite allergenic, especially if it stays in carpet for a while. Rinsing/washing your skin that has been exposed to animals as soon as you're done playing with the animal is helpful.

## Explore related topics

Breathing and allergiesPet Allergies

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