Information on Pet Allergies for patients

1. Pet Allergies
What you should know
Sources:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma/allergens/pets/
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pets.html
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/UNFCB5

2. Pet Allergies
Fur and feathers are NOT THE ONLY cause of
allergies, pet allergies can also be aggravated
by:
 Proteins secreted by oil glands and shed as
dander
 Proteins in saliva (which stick to fur when animals
lick themselves)
 Aerosolized urine from rodents and guinea pigs
Pet
Allergies
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/qSpCCo

3. Symptoms
You can experience symptoms both with and
without your pet being present.
 Nasal congestion, sneezing, and other symptoms
caused by inflammation of nasal passages.
 Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and other
symptoms associated with asthma.
 Eczema, hives, and other forms of dermatitis
(skin inflammation).
Pet
Allergies
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/vthWcv

4. Prevention Strategies
If you can’t remove pets from your home, you
can…
 Keep them outside or out of bedrooms at all times
 Keep them away from carpets or upholstered
furniture
 Bathe them weekly to reduce amount of allergens
 After playing with your pet, wash your hands and
clean your clothes to remove pet allergens
 Avoid contact with soiled litter cages
Pet
Allergies
Image Credit: http://mrg.bz/iHIYOw