It might not surprise you to hear that as many as 70% of all American homes own a pet. Pets bring a lot of joy and are usually considered a true member of the family. Petting a cat or dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. It’s not hard to understand why we have a real emotional connection to our pets. However, for people with allergies to animal dander, pets can pose a concern.
Pet related allergies are often thought to be related to the actual hair, but it’s actually old skin scales that cause allergic reactions in humans. All animals are biological beings with systems constantly working. A byproduct of this existence is a regular, almost constant, shedding of old skin. Older animals are usually worse offenders than younger, and since dander is usually 2-3 microns in size, it can’t be seen by the naked eye; but is the perfect size to invade and cause disruption in the eyes, nose, or throat.
The small size of pet dander also means that it transfers easily. If you have a dog or cat in the house, it’s likely you can find your pet’s dander in the air, on clothing, bedding, in the curtains, furniture, and carpeting. Pet dander transfers so easily on clothing you don’t even have to own a pet in order to suffer from pet allergies.
Symptoms of an allergy to dander will usually present the classic allergy symptoms. Swollen glands, hives, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, nose congestion or runny nose, swollen face and skin, or general aches are all common. It should also be noted that the excretory droppings of animals can cause allergic reactions as well.
Most cases of pet allergies occur in homes where pets are living, but also happen in places where pets do not live. Pet allergens can be especially prevalent in schools, homes, shopping centers and places of work. It’s not possible to live in a bubble, but it is possible to take measures to reduce pet dander and pet related allergies in your home.
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