Allergies to pets with fur are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. In the United States, as many as three in 10 people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies. People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist. The job of the immune system is to find foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, and get rid of them. Normally, this response protects us from dangerous diseases. People with pet allergies have over-sensitive immune systems. They can react to harmless proteins in the pet's urine, saliva or dander (dead skin cells). The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. Pet allergens can collect on furniture and other surfaces.

The allergens will not lose their strength for a long time. Sometimes the allergens may remain at high levels for several months and cling to walls, furniture, clothing and other surfaces. Pet hair is not an allergen. It can collect dander, urine and saliva. It also can carry other allergens like dust and pollen. Cat and dog allergens are everywhere. Pet allergens are even in homes and other places that have never housed pets. titan air purifierThis is because people can carry pet allergens on their clothing. air purifiers used in hospitalsAlso, allergens can get into the air when an animal is petted or groomed. compact room air purifierPet allergens can also be stirred into the air where the allergens have settled. This can happen during dusting, vacuuming or other household activities.

Once airborne, the particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods. Cat and dog allergens can land on the membranes that line the eyes and nose. Reactions include swelling and itching of the membranes, stuffy nose and inflamed eyes. A pet scratch or lick can cause the skin area to become red. It is common to get itchy eyes after petting an animal then touching your eyes. If allergen levels are low or sensitivity is minor, symptoms may not appear until after several days of contact with the pet. Many airborne particles are small enough to get into the lungs. For some, this exposure can cause severe breathing problems. Highly sensitive people can begin coughing, wheezing and have shortness of breath within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling allergens. Sometimes highly sensitive people also get an intense rash on the face, neck and upper chest. Contact with a cat can trigger a severe asthma episode (asthma attack) in up to three in ten people with asthma. Cat allergies also can lead to chronic asthma.

Your doctor will diagnose a pet allergy based on your symptoms, physical examination, medical history and test results. Your doctor can use either a blood test or skin test to aid in the diagnosis. Allergy testing will show if there is allergic sensitization to the animal. Some people find it hard to believe that they could be allergic to their pets. The doctor may tell you to stay out of the home where the pet lives to see if your symptoms go away. It does not help to remove the dog or cat, because the allergen will remain. Pet allergens still in the home can cause symptoms months after the animal is gone. The best treatment is to avoid contact with cats or dogs or the areas where they live. Keep pets out of your home. If possible, try to avoid visiting homes with pets that you are allergic to. Avoiding cats and dogs may give you enough relief that you will not need medicine. Keeping the pet outdoors will help, but will not rid the house of pet allergens. Another option is to choose pets that do not have fur or feathers.

Fish, snakes or turtles are some choices. Pet allergy can be a social problem making it difficult to visit friends and relatives who have cats and dogs (and sometimes horses and other animals). This may be especially troublesome for children who cannot participate in activities at the home of friends. Talk to your doctor about possible use of medication before these social exposures and specific measures to take after the exposure. Removing the pet from the home is often the best treatment. However, if you still want to keep your pet, there may be some strategies to reduce exposure.Let us take care of you! Should I buy an air purifier for my asthma and indoor allergies? Attention asthma and allergy sufferers! Has your doctor suggested buying an air purifier for your house to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms? Here are some Q & A to assist you. Q: What is a HEPA air cleaner? A: HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.”  Basically, HEPA is a type of filter that traps a large amount (99.97%) of very small particles— as small as 0.3 microns. 

For size comparison, the period at the end of this sentence is about 400 microns in size!  The size of pollens (30 microns), dust mites (20 microns), animal dander (1-20 microns) can be captured, but only if the air in the room is passed through the filter.  HEPA air cleaners are believed to be the most effective, especially when compared to electrostatic or paper filters.  Most vacuum cleaners would simply recirculate these very small particles back into the air of your home. Q: Where can I find one? Q: How much do they cost? A: HEPA air cleaners have a wide price range, primarily depending on features such as Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which is the amount of particle-free air being delivered into the room.  The higher the CADR, the larger the size room that can be cleaned of airborne particles.  Other features that some HEPA air cleaners have are casters and digital remotes—nice, but not necessary.  The number of air changes per hour is also important.  The more air changes, the more particles removed from the air. 

Remember that most air cleaners are advertised at the highest air speed.  With high air speed, the fan generates more noise. Eight or more air changes per hour may decrease airborne levels by 90% or more.  This factor is most important for the allergic patient.   So, back to price—they range anywhere from $350 to $900 (not including replacement filters). Q: Do they work? A: Yes, but air cleaners alone without using other measures to decrease airborne allergens and irritants may only be partially effective in improving symptoms of the patient with allergies or asthma. Some air cleaners are certified by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with Allergy Standards Limited (ALS), which is “an independent program created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies. The Certification Program has included certifying air purifiers in order to address some of the contaminants that may be present in indoor air and to scientifically validate that air cleaners contribute to the goal of allergen reduction.”