Getting to know

Animals are a common source of allergens in our daily life. Allergy to animal allergens has become very frequent in the last few decades, paralleling the more and more common habit of pet ownership. Most frequent cases of allergy to animal allergens are found between pet owners (cats, dogs and guinea pigs being the animal most frequently responsible for allergy) or in people that come in contact with the animals through their job (for example in people exposed to rodents in experimental laboratories). It is estimated that every fifth allergic person reacts to animal allergens.

Most people allergic to animals believe that the allergens are contained in the animal’s hair. 

In fact animal allergens are primarily found in animal’s secretions: saliva and skin dander are the primary source of allergens for cats and dogs. In other animals, such as guinea pigs, hamsters or rabbits, allergens are found in other kind of secretions such as perspiration, urine or faeces. Animal’s fur can easily become contaminated with these secretions. It is, in fact, this contamination that renders the fur allergenic. 

When the animal is moving around the house it spreads drops of saliva or other secretions. When drying, these drops form a very fine powder which is very light and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. Being so fine this allergenic powder can penetrate and accumulate deep in the carpets and furniture upholstery which become thus important reservoirs of allergens.

• Through direct skin contact with the allergens contaminating animal’s fur. This is generally causing reactions on your skin such as urticaria or even more severe swelling (which are called angioedema).    

• By breathing in or coming in contact with the allergens floating in the air. Indeed very small drops of animal secretions, obviously carrying the allergens with them, can become air borne. These drops, which usually remain suspended in the air for a long time (even after the animal is no longer found in the room or in the house), can be inhaled together with the air we breathe in, landing on the lining of the nose or the bronchi and causing rhinitis and asthma. Also the airborne allergens can land on the eye lining (conjunctiva) causing eye allergy – allergic conjunctivitis.