FACT SHEET

PET ALLERGIES

There are an estimated 100 million pets in the United States, and they are often important members of the household, providing companionship, security and comfort to their owners. But for pet owners who suffer from allergies or asthma, keeping a pet can cause problems. For people with allergies to animals, it is best not to have a pet. But there are precautions that determined pet owners can take to minimize exposure to allergens and safeguard their health.

• The most common household pets – dogs and cats – are the most common cause of animal allergies.

• Allergic reactions to pets are caused primarily by the animal’s dander (dried flakes of shed skin), saliva and urine.

• Short-haired pets are not less likely to cause allergies than long-haired animals, although an animal’s hair can collect other allergens such as pollen, dust and mold.

• Cats are responsible for the majority of animal allergies. To reduce dander and remove dried saliva, cats should be washed once a week with plain water or a mild veterinary shampoo.

• Bird, gerbil, hamster and mice droppings can be a source of bacteria, dust, fungi and mold – all of which can trigger allergies.

• The best pets for people with allergies and asthma are those that don’t shed dander or have hair, fur or feathers, such as fish, salamanders and turtles. However, fish aquariums should be kept covered to reduce the amount of water vapor in the air which may increase the concentration of mold and dust mites.

• Keep pets outside or limit them to a few rooms in the house to reduce exposure to pet allergens. At the very least, pets should be kept out of the allergic family member’s bedroom.

• Allergy and asthma sufferers should avoid hugging and kissing their pets, and should keep them out of their beds.

• Central air cleaners can help remove pet allergens in the home.

• An allergist-immunologist should be consulted if symptoms of wheezing or shortness of breath occur after exposure to pets, or if there is a chronic or progressive feeling of breathlessness, loss of energy or feeling of fatigue.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has more information that can help you get your allergies and asthma under control.  Call its toll-free number 800-842-7777 or visit www.acaai.org.