Causes of Animal Allergies
Allergy to animals is a common source of indoor allergens and can aggravate other allergies. Approximately 15 - 20 percent of people suffer from an allergy to animals.1
Although the allergens are not in the animals' fur (contrary to what many people think), their coats can be very good "transporters" of allergens.
Some sources of animal allergens are:
- saliva (from animal grooming)
- skin
- scales (dead skin debris)
- urine
- excrement
Once dried these allergens form small particles and are then collectively referred to as animal dander. Exposure to animal allergens usually occurs through breathing in these particles of animal dander containing the allergens. The most common are from cats; the most potent from horses and small rodents.
