WHAT IS PET ALLERGY?

animal allergy

Pet allergy is one of the most common respiratory allergies, affecting adults and children alike. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the animals' hair that causes the allergy, but the allergenic proteins present in their dander (dead skin), saliva or urine. These allergens are easily dispersed in the air and accumulate in the indoor environment.

Which animals can cause allergies?

Animal allergies mainly concern :

  • Cats, which are highly allergenic even without hair

  • Dogs, whatever the breed

  • Rodents (hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs)

  • horses

  • More rarely, certain birds

It's important to note that no animal is totally hypoallergenic.

Animal allergy symptoms

Symptoms generally appear after direct or indirect contact with the animal, or with an environment contaminated by its allergens.

The most common signs are

  • Repeated sneezing

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Red, watery or irritated eyes

  • Coughing, shortness of breath

  • Asthma attacks in sensitive individuals

  • Itchy skin or contact eczema

For some people, symptoms may persist even in the absence of the animal, as allergens remain present for a long time in textiles and surfaces.

How do pet allergies develop?

Allergy develops when the immune system overreacts to animal proteins, mistakenly regarding them as dangerous. This sensitization can occur as early as childhood or adulthood, even after many years of living with an animal.

Diagnosis of animal allergy

Diagnosis is based on :

  • Medical consultation

  • Skin tests (prick tests)

  • A blood test to measure specific IgE antibodies

A precise diagnosis enables us to implement appropriate solutions without necessarily forgoing the presence of an animal.

How to reduce animal allergens in the home?

It's not always necessary to part with your pet. Simple, effective measures can greatly reduce exposure to allergens.

1. Protect bedding and textiles

Bedding is a veritable reservoir of allergens. The use of anti-allergen protective covers is an essential solution.

👉 On protechallergies.com, you'll find :

  • Dust mite covers for mattresses, pillows and comforters

  • Textiles designed to block animal allergens while remaining breathable like bamboo sheets

2. Improving indoor air quality

3. Adapt home maintenance

  • Vacuum with HEPA filter

  • Regularly wash textiles at 60°C

  • Clean surfaces with products adapted to allergic environments

4. Specific anti-allergy products

The solutions offered by protechallergies.com are specially designed for allergy sufferers:

  • Certified anti-allergy bedding covers

  • Breathable bamboo sheets (less prone to dust mites than cotton)

  • Solutions designed for everyday use, without harsh chemical treatments

Can you live with a pet allergy?

Yes, in many cases. Thanks to good home hygiene, effective anti-allergen protection and appropriate medical care, it is possible to significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Animal allergy is a common but manageable condition. Understanding its origins, identifying symptoms and adopting the right solutions means you can continue to live serenely, even in the presence of an animal. The specialized products available on protechallergies.com are an invaluable aid in limiting exposure to allergens and restoring respiratory comfort on a daily basis.