Latest Updates
-
Half of India's Infertility Cases Trace Back to Men — Few Get Tested -
World Breastfeeding Week 2026: Breastfeeding During Fever, Cough And Cold — Should Mothers Continue? -
Usha Nadkarni Reveals Her Biggest Fear About Living Alone At 80 -
World Breastfeeding Week 2026: Beyond The First Feed—Why Early Support Matters For Mother And Baby -
The Mental Health Side Of Breastfeeding No One Really Talks About: What An Expert Wants You To Know -
Who Is Shreya Kalra? Meet The Lock Upp Season 2 Winner Who Took Home ₹1 Crore, Beating Shivangi Joshi -
Chandipura Virus Outbreak In Gujarat: 22 Children Dead; Expert Explains Symptoms, Prevention And Treatment -
Who Is Mini Mathur? Meet The Alliance Winner Who Beat Aly Goni To Win ₹50 Lakh Cash Prize -
Throwback Thursday: 6 Reasons 'Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na' Was Secretly Gen Z Before Gen Z Existed -
Hiroshima Day: Five Medical Discoveries That Emerged From One of History's Greatest Tragedies
Allergies Triggered By Animals
People suffer from different types of allergies. One of them is triggered by animals. Pet allergies can lead to asthma attacks, sniffling, sneezing, itchiness, watery eyes, runny nose and wheezing.
Of the animals that trigger allergies, research suggests that cats are by far the worst offenders, accompanied by dogs and horses. Cats cause more severe allergy than other pets. Allergy to cats and dogs are not due to the hair or fur, but by the dander and by sebaceous and salivary gland secretions.
Also Read: Ways To Prevent Pet Allergies At Home

The main cat allergen is an incredibly potent one called Fel d1. Secretions from the sebaceous glands of the skin are the main source of supply of Fel d1, but it can be transferred on the fur through the saliva when cats clean themselves throughout the licking or self cleaning process.

Eventually the Fel d1 flakes off and becomes airborne to activate the signs that qualify allergies to cats. The problem is not with the pet's hair. It is the dander or minute scales of dead skin that pets are constantly shedding that is the cause.
Recent research suggests that urine from dogs and cats as well as from ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice include substances which may also trigger allergy.

The main reason Poodles, Bichons Frises, Bedlington and Kerry Blue Terrier dogs are believed to be safe is most likely because they are shampooed and groomed on a regular basis and for that reason cast off less dander at home.

Many people will have more difficulties living with dog and cat breeds that shed hair profusely because the loose hair contaminated by dry saliva and dander cling onto the carpets, furniture and the pet's bedding and favourite places.

Also Read: How To Protect Kids From Pet Allergies
There are several ways in which the allergens spread throughout the house. The longer a pet lives in a home, the more the chance of the allergens to spread throughout the whole house to cause symptoms.
Air currents from air conditioning and fans spread the allergens throughout the home. Also, allergens are spread when you raise or lower the blinds, clean or walk on the rug, fluff up pillows and the pet's bedding and clean the furniture.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.



Click it and Unblock the Notifications