What Causes Pet Allergies?

Pet dander is the reason that people are allergic to pets. It is the skin flakes that is in their hair (and for some, feathers) that can start to cause a reaction to a person within a few minutes of coming in contact with it. The dander particles are able to stick to most surfaces in a person’s home and can also be transported through the air, making allergies more noticeable.

For some people, an animal’s saliva, urine, and other secretions can also trigger an allergic reaction. Simply removing an animal is not enough to cure allergy symptoms. The allergen particles can stick to a person’s clothes and/or home furnishings and can be difficult to get rid of completely. Studies have found pet hair and dander to be transported all over because people with pets have it all over their clothes and other belongings they travel with.

People with Pet Allergies

Allergies are not just something people are born with; they can be developed at any time. The same goes for other types of allergies. Some people’s allergies toward pets are worse than others, the more allergic, the sooner the signs will show up. Someone with a weaker allergy to animals may not see the signs for a few hours after initial contact.

Allergies and Immunoglobulin E

The reason people have allergic reactions is because a person’s immune defense system mistakes an allergen for an invader and makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E. The next time you come in contact with an animal your body produces an allergic reaction.

The immunoglobulin E activates the chemical histamine that triggers the mucous membranes in your sinuses, eyes and nose. That is what causes your nose to run, your eyes to water, a rash to appear and your throat to itch. In addition, when an allergy is more severe some signs of asthma appear like coughing, wheezing, and congestion of the lungs to list a few.

Animals that Cause Allergic Reactions

Cats are proven to be the most allergenic of all pets. Everyone’s allergies can be different, but cats are the most popular of all animals due to their grooming methods. When a cat grooms itself, its saliva dries on its fur it becomes airborne and begins to affect people in a number of different ways.

There are hairless breeds of cats and dogs that have even proven to still be allergenic. Other animals (in addition to cats and dogs) that cause allergic reactions are:

• Gerbils
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters
• Horses
• Pigs
• Cows

There are many more, but that illustrates how widespread pet allergies really can be. Outdoor animals have bacteria within their pens and cages due to mold and bacteria in their droppings which are constantly in their living area.

Pet Owners with Allergies

Pet allergies affect 15 percent of people young and old. Some are born with the allergies, while others develop them over time. Some are also more severe than others. One observation showed that many people with pet allergies continue to have pets despite being advised not to.

Pets are an important part of people’s lives and most find ways to cope with their symptoms while enjoying the company of their pet. There are a number of ways to reduce the influence the allergens have on a person. Following a more detailed cleaning routine and treating the symptoms and signs is a big step toward living comfortably with a pet and maintaining allergies.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/solutions/sc/allergy-proof-your-home/allergy-triggers
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/how-pets-allergies-can-go-hand-in-paw?page=2
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-allergy/DS00859/DSECTION=3
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/allergies_to_pets/