Animal dander

Animal Dander of Domestic Pets

Cats are the worse source of pet allergens.

	Surveys have found that 15 to 30% of allergic persons have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Symptoms of allergic reactions to cats and dogs range from ordinary skin inflammation, nasal congestion and inflamed eyes to severe life-threatening asthma. Reddened areas on the skin are usually caused by a scratch of a lick. Sometimes an intense rash appears on the face, neck and upper trunk, and is associated with respiratory symptoms.

	In most cases, respiratory symptoms occur 15 to 30 minutes after exposure. However, when allergen levels are low or where the person's sensitivity is minor, symptoms may appear several days after exposure.

	Sources of allergens from pets include their saliva, urine, hair and skin flakes (dander) and oil gland secretions.

	Airborne allergens of cats and dogs appear to be sticky and adhere to walls, clothing and other surfaces. As a consequence, cat and dog allergens are virtually everywhere, even in homes which have only been briefly occupied with these animals.

	Allergies to animals can take 2 years or more to develop and may not subside until 6 months or more after ending contact with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for 4 to 6 weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in the household air for months after the animal has been removed.

Ways to avoid pet allergens in the home:

	Ideally, remove all pets from the home.
	Keep pets outdoors if possible. If not, keep them in well-ventilated parts of the house with hard flooring.
	Do not allow pets in bedrooms or in the main living rooms.
	Wash cats and dogs frequently (at lease once a week) to remove allergens from their fur or hair.
	Vacuum the floor, bedding, couches, chairs and soft furnishings with a high performance vacuum cleaner that can effectively prevent dirt particles from leaking out.
	Remove carpeting and install hard flooring instead (e.g tiles, hardwood)

Cats are the worse source of pet allergens

Up to 40% of asthma sufferers show some degree to sensitivity to cat allergens. Cats are the worse source of pet allergens because they preen themselves more than other furry pets. Saliva, or proteins in their saliva, is the major source of cat allergens instead of their fur or skin. As the saliva dries and aerosolizes, it becomes air-borne allergens. Oil glands in the skin of cat also produce secretions that may cause allergic reactions.

Cat allergens readily stick to carpeting, furnishings and walls and it is difficult to eradicate them. Cat allergens can still be detected in dust for months after a cat has gone.

Allergy to dogs

Allergy to dogs is less common than that to cats. The major sources of dog allergens are their dander, saliva and urine. Dogs only preen selected parts of their body and are much less likely to expose humans to salivary allergens. However, dogs are still a major source of pet related allergy, especially if they slobber.

Allergy to other pets

Rabbits and some rodents (such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils) have become increasingly popular as household pets. Their urine and saliva are the major sources of allergens that cause allergic reactions in some people. Although their hair and skin particles also carry allergen, these allergens were primarily derived from contamination with urine and saliva.

Birds carry allergy-provoking mites, moulds, and pollens on their feathers. Budgerigar droppings contain a protein that becomes airborne and can induce a lung problem that is separate from the usual forms of allergy. This problem is insidious in its onset and leads to progressive breathlessness and cough.

Horse and cow skin scales can be allergenic to those exposed to them. Horse allergens sticks readily to clothing and so is liable to transported into the home.

For people keeping fish as pet, moulds may grow in damp areas around or inside fish tanks, and the spores of moulds can be a cause of allergic reactions. In addition, sensitization to ants' eggs, a fish food, has been reported.