According to The Humane Society, 62 percent of American households have at least one pet. Yet an estimated 31 million Americans are allergic to animals, and about 30 percent of those suffer from asthma. Exposure to pets can cause allergy sufferers to experience congestion, sneezing, runny nose and other allergic symptoms — unpleasant, whether you are a pet-lover or not.
For individuals who do have pets and allergies, understanding how pets can trigger allergies, what steps can help protect you and some common misconceptions about pet allergies is essential to achieving a happy coexistence with your furry friend.
Here are a few myths about pets and pet allergies you might not have known:
- Pet hair causes allergies: Actually, as much of a nuisance pet hair can be, it doesn't actually cause allergies on its own. Pet hair triggers allergic symptoms because it's covered in dander and saliva — the true causes of allergies. Pet proteins, contained in pet dander, saliva and urine, push overactive immune systems to attack, resulting in the allergic symptoms you feel when you get too close to your pet.
- Continuous exposure to animals will eventually desensitize you to them: Not true, and also dangerous. Nothing can "desensitize" you to allergies. Your body recognizes allergens as particles that need attacking and isn't likely to stand down with increased exposure. In fact, if you have a true allergy, forcing yourself to be close to animals can become hazardous to your health.
- Pet allergens can't affect you outside: Unfortunately, pet dander is sticky because of its microscopic size and jagged shape. This means that it's very easy to get dander on your clothes and transfer it to other places when you leave the house. Animal dander — in sufficient levels to cause allergies — can be found in many public places.
If you have significant allergies to your pets, you can work on allergy prevention by using over-the-counter or prescription medication and cleaning your home regularly.
