Animal Facts

 · Any animals can cause allergic problems in the chest, nose and skin.

· The material that causes these problems is called an allergen.   

· Any animal with fur or feathers produces allergen. 

· 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. 

· Animal allergy is a common asthma trigger.

· You can develop an allergy to a pet at any time.

Avoidance and Control

· The best advice for anyone with asthma or 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 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 asthma or nose allergies. 

· Experts cannot agree if air cleaners, special vacuums, removal of carpet, or washing your pet will help.   

· Talk with your doctor or asthma educator about the costs and benefits before trying any of these. 

· 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 allergy.   

· All breeds of cats and dogs can cause allergy. 

· Reactions can occur to any animal with fur, feathers or hair. 

· 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.