• Animals can cause allergic problems in the chest and nose.
  
  
• The substance that causes these problems is called allergen.
  
  
• Allergen comes from the dander (skin flakes), saliva or urine of an animal.
  
  
• 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 cough, wheeze or an itchy, stuffy nose.
  
  
• Animal allergen is a problem because it easily gets into the air we breathe.
  
  

Avoidance and Control

• You may have to take medicine if you are allergic and have regular contact with an animal.
  
  
• After removing an animal from your home it may take months before there is less allergen in the home.
  
  
• If you cannot remove the pet, keep the animal 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.
  
  
• Anyone with an animal allergy should not clean its cage or handle the animal.
  
  
• Animals should be kept out of daycares and school rooms if there are children with asthma or allergic nose problems.
  
  
• Experts cannot agree if air cleaners, special vacuums, removal of carpet or washing your pet will help asthma. Think about the costs and benefits before trying any of these.
  
  
• If you must visit a place where there are animals, speak to your doctor for advice about medicine that may help to protect you during a visit.
  
  

More Animal Facts

• Cats are a common problem for people with allergy.
  
  
• All breeds of cats and dogs can cause allergy.
  
  
• Animal allergen collects in cloth covered furniture and carpets, and is hard to remove.
  
  
• Reactions can occur to any animal with fur, feathers or hair.