Pets

Are you allergic?

 Allergies occur when a person's immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are harmless for most people. Hay fever is one sort of allergic reaction, causing runny or itchy nose, throat or eyes. Allergies can also trigger a flare-up of eczema, hives or asthma.
 Avoiding the allergen is the best way to manage an allergy. While avoiding pet allergens can be difficult if the source is a much-loved family pet, taking steps to reduce your exposure may help. In the long run, though, the most effective way to avoid allergens from cats and dogs is to not have these pets in the home.

Common culprits
Dogs and cats are the most common cause of pet allergies. Furry little friends such as guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, mice and rats can also trigger asthma or allergies in some people.
 
Not only can horses trigger allergies or asthma in their human companions, they can also suffer from asthma like problems (heaves) themselves.
 
The best pets for people with asthma and allergies are turtles, hermit crabs, fish or reptiles.

Not just their hair
While many people think that the pet's fur or hair is the problem, it isn’t the source – although it can carry the allergens. The main source of allergen in dogs is saliva and in cats are the sebaceous glands in the cat's skin. Dander (shed skin particles) is also a source of allergens.

As all dogs and cats have dander and secretions, all breeds/types can potentially cause allergies. However, some animals may pose less of a risk than others because:

• Some breeds produce less allergen or shed less hair, which can reduce the spread of allergens.
• Smaller dogs generally produce less allergen than larger dogs, simply because they typically produce less saliva and have less skin.
• Short haired cats may pose less risk compared to long haired ones.
• Cat allergy is more common (and typically worse) than dog allergy.
• Cats lick themselves which helps spread the allergen. The allergen is sticky so it glues itself to hairs, dust particles and parts of the home. Cat allergen can exist for years in homes that no longer have a cat – or have never had one.