Pet Allergies

It is estimated that 10% - 15% of Americans may have animal allergies and yet 70% of households have a dog or cat.  The Humane Society estimates that a third of cat owners are allergic to cats but keep their pets anyway.

Did you know that pet owners could unknowingly be allergic to their pets? Many people may dismiss a lingering cold or congestion or attribute it to other allergies. Allergic symptoms may not show up for several days after animal contact.  Pet dander can remain present in the home for month despite cleaning.

Causes of pet allergies

Pet allergies occur through the immune systems reactions to animal proteins.  Inflammation of the nasal passages lining (allergic rhinitis) can result in cold-like symptoms usually attributed to hay fever, and may be a primary cause of asthma.

Different species have different proteins in their skin. Therefore some species may cause less allergies (or no allergies) than others.