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.