Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Causes Of Pet Allergy

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or animal dander.

Your immune system produces proteins called antibodies. These antibodies protect against unwanted invaders that can make you sick or cause infection. When you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even if it is not. When you breathe in the allergen, or come into contact with it, your immune system overreacts and produces an inflammatory reaction in your nose or lungs. Prolonged exposure to the allergen or regularly can cause ongoing (chronic) inflammation associated with asthma.

Cats and dogs

Cat and dog allergens are found in the skin cells shed animal (dander), saliva and hair. Scales is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with minimal air movement. It also includes upholstered furniture and easily attaches to clothing.

Animal saliva can stick to carpets, bedding, furniture and clothing. Dried saliva can become airborne.

A hypoallergenic dog named skins can take less than a shedding dog but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Rodents and rabbits

Rodents include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea Guinea. Allergens of rodents is normally present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. Dust bedding or sawdust in the bottom cages can contribute to airborne allergens by rodents.

Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair and saliva.

Other animals

Pet allergy is rarely caused by hairless animals such as fish and reptiles.

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