Pet Dander and Allergies - How to identify and help yourself and your pet

According to studies published nationally, up to 10% of the general population and 40% of allergic individuals react to cats and dogs. The interesting thing is that allergy to cats is twice as common as allergy to dogs. Also, it is interesting to understand that 50% of households in the US have or have had a pet living in the house at sometime. Even after a pet has left a home, dander can remain in the home for years and years.

To further understand allergic reactions, one of the major causes of allergic reactions to dogs and cats is not the hair or fur, but what's under it: dander or old skin scales (similar to, only much smaller than dandruff on the human scalp) which are constantly shed into the environment. These allergens are microscopically tiny, like microns of dust or powder. Allergy suffers cannot see these particles, but they literally can be everywhere in a home...millions of them...attached to curtains, on floors, embedded on beds and more.

Dander in pets is just as normal as in humans. There are many discount pet meds and supplies though that people can use to help stop the spread of dander. Even though you can reduce it, you can never eliminate it. Special shampoos, and formulas can help though. Natural foods and fish oil supplements can really help animals shed less dander.

People who are allergic to animals can tell you that symptoms are usually instant when walking into a home that has pet dander. Symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and other sinus problems occur immediately. Even the smallest amount of animal dander can cause an allergic reaction, and it is so small and light that it remains airborne for long periods of time.

A question that comes up over and over is are there certain "hypo-allergenic" breeds of cats and dogs?

Unfortunately there are no known breeds of either cats or dogs that do not produce allergenic pet dander. Generally though pets that have shorter hair and that shed less seem to naturally produce less dander so they may be a better option for people. Discount pet meds are certainly an option for those who want to have the higher dander type breeds.

For those of you who really want to eliminate allergies to pets, the best bet is to go to your Medical Doctor or allergist and start getting allergy shots. This is an excellent way to build up immunity to the dander that causes your allergic reactions.