Pet Allergies and Dander

Pet Dander

Our pets have what is called “Pet Dander”. It is tiny pieces dead skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds or any animal with hair or feathers. These pieces of skin can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergies to pet dander.

People with allergies can be allergic to proteins in the saliva from cats, dogs and other pets. The saliva can be dry and it can fall of of the animals hair and become airborne. It is then inhaled by the person with a pet allergy and they have a reaction to it.

Pet Allergens

Another problem is pets can carry allergens from dust in the house or outside on their hair. This is one of the reasons that any animal with hair or even short haired can cause a reaction to people with allergies. Because of this, there is no such thing as a non-allergenic pet.

Pets In Bedroom

If you have a pet at your home, it is important to keep them out of the bedroom of anyone who has asthma or allergies. Keep the pets of the furniture and away from any form of carpet. Carpet collects allergens. Clean the home often and do not allow dust to accumulate.

How To Recognize Pet Allergies in Children

If you have children and you have just brought home a new pet, how can you tell if it is Pet Dander or another type of allergy. It could be an allergy to mold also.

If  it is a Pet Allergy, they will have the symptoms most of the year and not just for a short period of time. There could also be environmental allergens causing the symptoms, like mold or mite allergies.

 

 

 

Symptoms To Pet Allergies:

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Frequent sneezing
Itchy and watery eyes
Coughing or Wheezing
Skin rashes or Redness