Pet Dander

Cats, dogs, rodents like hamsters, mice, rats, and guinea pigs, and even birds can cause allergies. Many people think pet allergies are caused by the fur of cats and dogs, but the major allergens are proteins from the animals’ skin, urine, feces, and saliva. These proteins are shed in flakes of skin called dander. Allergy-causing proteins in saliva stick to the fur when the animal cleans itself.

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic or allergen-free cat or dog. Hair or fur does not affect the amount of allergen that animal produces.

Pet allergy symptoms include:

  • Sneezing, cough
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion
  • Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
  • Skin symptoms like itchy skin, eczema, and raised and discolored patches of skin called hives
  • In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose

If your allergy symptoms are severe, including blocked nasal passages, wheezing, or difficulty sleeping, talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can create a treatment plan to help manage your allergy symptoms. You may not need to give up your pet to prevent symptoms.

Actions You Can Take

The most effective method to control animal allergens is to not allow animals in the home.

  • Brush or groom your pet often. Brush your pets outside, not in the house. Cats and dogs often
  • Wash your hands after you touch a pet. Try to keep pets away from your face.
  • Keep your pet in areas of the home that have hard floors that are easier to clean than carpeted floors.
  • Clean areas where you keep your pets at least once a week. Dust and vacuum often. Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.  Wash regularly any rugs, pillows, pet beds, or other items you pet has contact with.
  • If your allergy symptoms are severe, consider finding your pet a new home. Even after you remove a pet, it may take many months before the change has a noticeable effect. If you remove an animal from the home, it is important to thoroughly clean the floors, walls, carpets and upholstered furniture.
  • Some individuals may find isolation measures to be sufficiently effective. Isolation measures that have been suggested include keeping pets out of the sleeping areas, keeping pets away from upholstered furniture, carpets and stuffed toys, keeping the pet outdoors as much as possible and isolating sensitive individuals from the pet as much as possible.
  • Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter, especially in the bedroom

 

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