Animal allergens

Thirty percent of all German households have cats or dogs; many of these are "indoor pets" who spend little or no time outdoors. About 20% of allergy patients are allergic to animals, mostly to cats, dogs, rabbits, mice and rats. Less common are allergies to guinea pigs and birds. Allergies to livestock are also common in rural areas.

Animal hair is not the main cause of allergic reactions; more common allergens from animals include skin flakes, secretions from the sebaceous glands, saliva and stool.

For instance, the main cause of cat allergies is a substance in their saliva, which is spread over their fur when cats clean themselves. These cat allergens can remain in the household for months after an animal has left. Unlike dust-mite allergens, they are found in the air at levels higher than floor level. Furniture and textiles are allergen reservoirs. Cat allergens can cause bronchial asthma.

Dog allergens are also found in the saliva, and also in dogs' urine, but not in the hairs themselves. Dogs like to mark their territory by spraying urine, so it's possible for large areas to become contaminated with the allergen. The allergens bind with dust particles, which are then inhaled.

Bird allergies do not result in an immediate respiratory reaction, but in a delayed reaction that can lead to a lung infection. Often the problem is caused not by the feathers themselves, but by the mites living in them.

The most effective treatment is to avoid contact with animals. If you have a pet, try to find it a good home. But some allergens can also be brought into the house via shoes and clothing: that means visitors can bring allergens into the home. Animal hair in blankets, such as camel hair, can also be a source of allergens.