Myths abound regarding dog, cats and other fuzzy friends who are safe for people with pet allergies. If only this was true. But the reality is that there are no "non-allergenic" breeds.
Over 10 - 15% of people in the United States suffer from pet allergies. Cat allergy is twice as common as dog allergy. Proteins in the dander, urine or saliva of warm-blooded animals (e.g., cats, dogs, mice, rats, gerbils, birds, etc.) have been reported to sensitize individuals and cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma or allergy episodes in individuals sensitive to animal allergens.
Allergy symptoms are caused by the body's reaction to a specific protein (allergen) found in the pet's saliva, urine, or dander (dead skin flakes), not to the fur of the animal. These proteins cling to the fur, carpeting, or furniture, and the flakes of dander float through the air.
Cat allergy is particularly strong and can linger in a home up to 3 years even after the cat has been removed. Some dog breeds may produce less allergen than others, but all dogs produce some amount and cannot be considered non-allergenic. Allergy medicines and shots may help, but will not eliminate all of your allergic symptoms.
What's the Answer?
The answer is obvious, if you have pet allergies and you don't have a pet, don't get one. If you already have a pet that you love and want to keep there are some things you can do to lessen the amount of allergen in your home.
- It is important to clean your home thoroughly (including floors and walls, but especially carpets and upholstered furniture). Get a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) to keep allergens from flowing back into the air when you vacuum. Be sure to vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture two or more times per week.
- Keep pets out of the sleeping areas, away from upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.
- Use plastic mattress and pillow covers, replacing carpeting with hard flooring and washable throw rugs.
- Some people are advised to wash their pets regularly, but research indicates that washing pets may only provide temporary reductions in allergen levels. There is no evidence that this short term reduction is effective in reducing symptoms and it has been suggested that during the washing of the animal the sensitive individual may be initially exposed to higher levels of allergens.
- When brushing your pet be sure to do this outside while wearing a face mask, and be sure to change your clothes immediately afterward. Better yet, take your pet to a professional groomer.
- Avoid visiting friends and relatives who have pets you are allergic to. When you must, be sure to ask your doctor for medications to help reduce symptoms before you visit a home with a pet.
The bottom line is that there is no such thing as a non-allergenic pet. Consider a fish or lizard instead.
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