Facts About Pet Allergies Articles | Allergies

By: Joe Dively

You know that being around cats and dogs makes you feel miserable.  Your throat is scratchy; your head pounds and you can’t stop sneezing.  But what is it about these adorable little creatures that set your immune system into overdrive?  

Here are a few facts you may not be aware of regarding pet allergies:

Fur is not the problem. In reality, proteins secreted by oil glands and shed with dander trigger pet allergies.  These proteins are most often found in a pet’s saliva, and is transferred to their skin and hair when they lick themselves (which is quite often, it isn’t their fur that’s the trouble – it’s their spit!

When the allergens land on the lining of the eyes and nose, and/or are inhaled into the lungs, allergic symptoms result.

How severe your allergic reaction depends on your own immune system. Some people only experience minor aggravations like a runny nose or sneezing, while others can become quite miserable and even suffer dangerous respiratory ailments due to their pet allergies.

Symptoms don’t always show up right away.  Some people may experience an allergic reaction as long as 12 hours after being around an animal, which can often make it difficult to determine what indeed caused the reaction in the first place.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats. There are, however, breeds that shed less, which may account for the lessoning of some symptoms in many people.

Typically, allergic folks are more sensitive to and display more severe reactions to cats than to dogs.

Individuals who are allergic to animals can suffer symptoms whether or not an animal is present.  Allergens can linger for months after a pet is taken out of the environment.

To alleviate these symptoms, a complete cleaning of all upholstery, rugs and bedding is essential after a pet is removed form the home.

If you are a pet lover who wants to keep you dog or cat in your home, it is essential to find an allergy specialist who is committed to finding ways in which to treat your symptoms, despite your pet’s presence.  It is possible to coexist with a pet despite your dander allergies, but it will require a lot of work to keep the areas in your home clean and dander-free.  This may require continuous cleaning and even making some area’s pet-free to ensure some places where you can go and breathe easy without the fear of an allergic reaction.