Animal Dander
By Bobbie Hasselbring
Almost half of US households have 1 or more
pets. While dogs, rabbits, birds, and other pets are a
common cause of allergic reactions, cats are the most
allergenic, or allergy-causing, pet. Almost 28% of the
homes in the US have at least 1 cat.
The cause of allergic symptoms is not the
animal's fur but the proteins secreted in its saliva and
oil glands that it sheds as dead skin cells called dander.
These same symptom-producing proteins are also in animal
urine and feces. Dander is so small that it becomes
airborne and finds its way into sensitive noses and
airways. To get rid of animal dander, follow these steps.
Check with new landlords or real estate
agents. Before renting or buying property, find out
if furry pets or birds have lived on the premises.
Get a nonfurry friend. Any furry
pet, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets,
guinea pigs, and even horses, can cause an allergic
reaction if you're sensitive to pet
allergens. That doesn't
mean you have to go without a pet. Try a turtle, fish,
snake, hermit crab, or other animal without fur or
feathers.
Dust-proof your home. House dust
contains a number of allergens, including animal proteins.
In extreme cases, you may need to remove
your pet from your home. Be sure to confirm through
allergy testing that you are allergic to your pet. Removing
the pet can be heartbreaking, but it may be the most
effective
way to avoid symptoms. Keeping the dog or cat out of your
bedroom or outdoors is only a partial solution. Place the
pet with a caring friend or relative who is not allergic.
If getting rid of your pet is not an
option, see
Keeping a Pet to Which You're Allergic for tips to
reduce symptoms.
After removing your pet, thoroughly clean to remove pet
proteins. It may take as long as 2 months before your
symptoms disappear. Follow these steps to help.
- If you allowed it to sleep on your bed, you'll
probably need to replace your bedding. Otherwise, it may
take weeks or months to remove all pet allergens from
certain fabrics.
- Either replace floor coverings or have
floor coverings and upholstery thoroughly cleaned to remove
pet proteins.
