When airborne, the allergen can cause allergic reactions three different ways:

• When inhaled, the allergen may cause respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, sinusitis, and asthma.
  
  
• If the allergen comes in contact with the skin from touching the animal or being licked, it may cause hives and itching.
  
  
• When the allergen gets in the eyes, itching, burning, swelling, and watering of the eyes may occur.

2. What dog or cat breeds are hypoallergenic or safe for children with asthma?
There are no hypoallergenic (allergen-free) dogs or cats, since all breeds have the offending protein allergens in their saliva and urine and produce dander. Occasionally, patients are more allergic to one breed of dogs than another, but this is an exception.

If your child has asthma but is not allergic to cats or dogs, either pet is considered safe, but the question is, for how long? Allergies to pets can develop over time and exposure, and they may not occur until the pet has been in your home for years. If there is any question about your child having dog or cat allergies, it is best to see a board-certified allergist prior to the purchase of a pet.

3. What is the reaction time for an allergic reaction to occur to a pet?
Reactions to pets can be immediate, happening within minutes, or may be delayed for hours after the exposure. To determine whether allergy symptoms are triggered by contact with a pet, see a board-certified allergist for a diagnosis.

4. I get an itchy rash on my hands whenever my dog licks me. Could I be allergic to the dog’s saliva?
Itching and hives are common allergic reactions that can occur when skin comes in contact with an allergen. Dogs have proteins in their dander, saliva, and urine that cause reactions in those allergic to them, so it would be possible for your symptoms to be caused by your dog’s saliva. However, to confirm a diagnosis of dog allergy it is best to discuss your situation with your physician.

5. I am allergic to my cat and was wondering if washing her frequently would reduce the amount of cat allergen I am exposed to?
Study results on this subject have been conflicting, showing either no change or only a short-lived improvement in cat allergen with frequent cat washings. The current opinion is that the benefits of cat washing are so transient that it is unlikely to be worth the effort or trauma to the cat.

6. My husband and I are looking to buy a dog. However, my husband has allergies to animal dander. Is there a dog breed that is well suited for us?
While some breeds of dogs may produce more allergen than others, there is not a breed that is absolutely hypoallergenic or best for people with pet allergies. All dogs have proteins in their dander, saliva, and urine that can cause difficulties for those allergic to them. If you know your husband is allergic to animal dander, it is best not to purchase a dog.

7. I recently found out I have cat allergies and have decided to find new homes for my cats. My doctor suggested I have my air ducts cleaned. Is this effective in removing cat allergen?
One of the many environmental controls that helps remove cat allergen once the cat is no longer in your home includes cleaning your home’s air ducts and cleaning or replacing furnace filters. In addition, thoroughly washing walls, repeatedly vacuuming upholstery and carpets (reservoirs for cat allergen) with a well-sealed HEPA-equipped (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) vacuum cleaner, and using HEPA air cleaners throughout your home will help speed the process as well.

Wash all bedding and draperies even if your cats were not in direct contact with them. Cover your bed with new allergen-proof encasements as cat allergen can linger in mattresses for months or years after the cat has been removed. Cat allergen levels in dust fall slowly, so it may take four to six months to notice a difference.

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