What You Need to Know About Pet Allergens
You may have heard of fur allergies; however, if furry animals give you a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, it's not actually their fur that causes the allergic reaction. Did you know that it's the proteins found in animal's dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine that are to blame for those sneezes or itches you may experience? These allergy -triggering particles are transported to the pet hair or fur, where we touch dogs and cats most often. These particles are so light that they can be transported in the air and carried on your clothes and hair.
Pet Allergens Are Everywhere
Many people are allergic to pet dander, which can be suspended in the air like pollen . They are called aeroallergens. Dander collects on surfaces like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains and mattresses. Because it travels easily through the air, these allergens may also cling to your clothes and hair and are easily transferred in public settings where animals aren’t present, like schools and offices. If you suddenly start sneezing at work, one of the causes may be your new cat-loving co-worker.
Are There Hypoallergenic Pets?
If you have cat allergies or dog allergy symptoms, you should know that there are no allergy-free cats or dogs. Even though your cat may be hairless or you have a supposed “allergy-friendly” breed of dog (one that sheds less), your pet is not actually hypoallergenic . You may be more or less allergic to individual animals, but any furry or feathered friend produces proteins that can trigger allergies.
Which Pets Cause the Most Allergy Symptoms?
More people have cat allergies rather than dog allergies because cats groom themselves with their tongues, depositing saliva on top of dander. Other common pets that may cause allergy symptoms include rabbits, birds, and hamsters.
How to Help Reduce Pet Dander Exposure
Just because you’re allergic to your pets, it doesn’t mean you always have to avoid them. Here are some tips to help reduce your exposure to pet allergens in your home.
Don’t Sleep Next to Your Pet
Teach your pet to sit and stay – separate from where you sleep. The warmth from your cat or dog couldn’t be cozier, especially in colder seasons, but keeping your bedroom as a pet-free zone may help decrease your nighttime allergy symptoms and increase your shut-eye.
Vacuum Often
Make it a clean sweep. Removing pet allergens in your home by vacuuming up dust and fur from carpets and furniture can help reduce your allergies. Invest in a vacuum that has a HEPA filter and double-thickness bags. Vacuuming may stir up dust and dander, so delegate the task to a family member or wear a dust mask.
Clean Cages and Bedding
Even small pets can cause a big reaction. Small rodents like gerbils, mice and guinea pigs spread allergens too. Because their cages are filled with bedding, large amounts of allergens can be found there. Clean cages and tanks regularly and supply clean, fresh bedding.
Purify the Air
Breathe a little easier. Placing HEPA air filters in rooms where you and your pets hang out together. may improve air quality in those rooms. If you have a forced-air heating and air conditioning system, change the filter often and choose high-quality filters.
Fast Relief from Allergies
Do you still have allergy symptoms? Claritin® is here to help provide fast and effective non-drowsy symptom relief of pet allergies (including dog and cat allergies), dust and mould allergies.
Claritin® Allergy, Claritin® Liquid Capsules, Claritin® Rapid Dissolve™, Claritin® Allergy + Sinus Extra Strength, Claritin® Allergy + Sinus or Claritin® Allergy Nasal Decongestant Spray may be used for fast relief from allergy symptoms.
To be sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need help choosing the right product for you.
REFERENCES
- Pet allergy: Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? Mayo Clinic. Accessed March 24, 2020.
- Pet Dander. American Lung Association. Accessed March 24, 2020.
- Pets & Asthma - Asthma Canada. Accessed May 26th, 2022.
