Animal Facts:

• Animal allergy is a common asthma trigger.
• You can develop an allergy to a pet at any time.
• Any animal can cause allergic problems in the chest, nose and skin.
• The material that causes these problems is called an allergen.
• All animals with fur, feathers or hair produce allergen. The allergen is in their dander, saliva and urine.
• Animal allergen is a problem because it easily gets into the air we breathe.
• Animal allergen is easily carried from place to place on clothing.
• Allergic problems may happen right after contact with an animal or may happen a few hours later.
• Regular contact with an animal may cause daily symptoms including cough, wheeze or stuffy nose.

 

Avoidance and Control

• The best advice for anyone with an animal allergy is not to have an animal in the home.
• After removing the animal from the home, it may take months before there is less allergen in the home.
• If you cannot remove the animal, keep it outside as much as possible.
• When an animal must be inside, try to keep it in a small uncarpeted area.
• Never allow the animal into the bedroom.
• If you have an animal allergy, you should not clean its cage, litter box or handle the animal.
• If you are allergic to an animal and have regular contact with it, asthma may be harder to control.
• You may need to take more asthma medicine to keep your asthma controlled.
• Animals should be kept out of daycares and school rooms where children have allergies to animals.
• Experts cannot agree if air cleaners, special vacuums, removal of carpet, or washing your pet will help.
• If you must visit a place where there are animals, speak to your doctor. Get advice about medicine that may help to protect you during a visit.
• If moving, check with the landlord or previous home owner to see if an animal has lived in the home.

 

More Animal Facts

• Cats are a common problem for people with allergies or asthma.
• All breeds of cats and dogs can cause allergy. There are no NON allergic cats or dogs.
• Short haired pets produce as much allergen as long haired pets.
• Animal allergen collects on cloth covered furniture and carpets. It is hard to remove.

The Children's Allergy & Asthma Education Centre ©2012, 2014