Animals In Your Home

Although we tend to think of long-haired cats and dogs as the type of pets most likely to cause animal allergy symptoms, there is no such thing as a "nonallergenic" animal. Animal dander, not hair specifically, causes the problems, and sensitive persons may react to the urine of a guinea pig or the saliva of a dog or cat. Animal dander is a mix of particles of skin, fur, or hair that is shed or secreted and that becomes airborne.

animals and allergens

It may be necessary to remove the pet from your home. Even then, since animal dander and feathers linger in carpets, house dust, and air ducts after the pet is gone, it may take three to six months for the allergens to completely disappear.

A good way to determine whether you are not allergic to your pet is if you continue to have severe allergy symptoms after being away from the animal for two or three weeks.

If getting rid of the animal is unthinkable, these measures can help alleviate the problem:

  • Do not allow the pet in your bedroom. (Remember what was stated earlier about the amount of time spent in the bedroom.)

  • Keep the animal outside as much as possible Allergy sufferers should not bathe the animal.

  • Encourage baby-sitters and others who have contact with animals to wear clothes that have not come into contact with the animals.

  • Professional cleaning of air ducts, carpets, and furniture usually is necessary to completely remove animal dander after the animal has been removed.

  • There are chemical treatments/ shampoos that you can treat your animal with that can render the dander less allergenic. Allerpet is one well proven brand name. Your veteranarian or pet store can advise you on the products available.

  • When your pet dies, don't replace it with a different type of animal. Someone allergic to one kind of animal may develop an allergy to the new animal.

  • animals and allergies

    If you are going to visit someone who has an animal, take antihistamines or asthma medication and/or have your child take it, so that you and/or your child will be able to tolerate limited exposure to the animal. If you are staying overnight, the animal should be temporarily removed, and the room you sleep in should be thoroughly cleaned and the bedding changed before your visit.



Number of physician office visits for allergic rhinitis: 11 million



Return To The Homepage


Stay Connected

Allergy and Asthma Self-Quiz

If you or one of your family members are suffering from common allergy/asthma symptoms it's important to find out.

TOP 10 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR AN ALLERGY FREE HOME

1. Follow diligently, the home improvement tips in the allergies self help book*

2. Create a breathing OASIS – your bedroom

3. Allergy-proof encasings for your mattress & pillows

4. Consider air purifiers/cleaners

5. Installing a dehumidifier can eliminate mold and mites

6. Effective vacuuming with a HEPA or central system.

7. Prevent pet dander by pet removal or taking measures.

8. Furnace/filter and HVAC maintenance

9. Prevent chance of Anaphylaxis by food management & garden/yard insect control

10. With environmental control understanding- plan changes, be thorough & ensure disciplined maintenance.