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Pet Allergens
Most pet allergies are caused by cats, dogs, and rodents. Allergens from animals are found:
- In their dander (dead skin cells)
- In saliva (which can become airborne when dried)
- On their hair/fur
- In their urine
- In cage litter/sawdust (from mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs)
Horses, cattle, rabbits, pet birds, and products made from feathers or down can also trigger allergy symptoms. Plus, you can suffer from pet allergy symptoms even if you don't have a pet, if you are exposed to pet allergens in other people's homes or on their clothes at work or school.
Controlling Pet Allergies
- Give your pet a weekly bath. Ask a family member or friend without allergies to bathe your pet on a weekly basis. This includes cats. If you start when the cat is a kitten, it's easier to get into this routine. Kitty treats to reward the cat might help.
- Remove carpets and soft furnishings. Wherever possible, replace rugs with tile, wood, linoleum or vinyl flooring. Consider replacing other soft furnishings such as upholstered furniture, draperies and horizontal blinds. Instead, try wood furniture with washable seating pads/pillows, and vertical blinds. Make sure any surfaces your pet sits on are washable.
- Have non-allergic family and friends assist with pet cleaning duties. It's important to clean a pet's bed, litter box or crate/cage regularly to reduce allergen buildup. If you have a cat allergy and you need to change the litter box yourself, wear a mask.
- Use HEPA filters. This may help reduce airborne pet allergens. Try a vacuum bag with a filter, and also place a HEPA filter in the bedroom.
- Keep your pet outside, if possible. You'll reduce allergens in your home if you live in a warm climate and have the breed of pet who can live outside comfortably.
- Limit the pet's contact with soft furnishings. When the pet is indoors, try to keep it in a room with fewer soft furnishings, such as the kitchen. Provide the pet a comfy bed of his/her own, and never let the pet into the allergic person's bedroom.