2024-01-05 07:30:17
According to an IPSOS survey, nearly 60% of French people own a dog or a cat. Pets that can cause allergies. Are the hairs so often blamed the only animal allergens? Santé Sur le Net investigated the matter.
Hair allergy, a stubborn misconception
Many people think that cat or dog allergy results from its hair. However, any domestic animal, whether with hair, feathers or scales, can cause allergic reactions:
All pets or livestock can cause allergies., cats, dogs, rabbits and other NAC (new pets), but also fish and birds. Sometimes the allergy is not caused by the animal itself, but by the products used for its food or care.
Read also – Dogs and cats against allergies and obesity!
Animals, sources of multiple allergens
The allergy can therefore following direct contact with the animal (scratch, bite, caress, care, etc.) or indirect contact, for example with a blanket or towel used for the animal. Atopic subjects generally have an increased risk of developing an allergy to animals. In the event of an allergy, it is often very difficult to identify the allergen or allergens in question. And for good reason, these allergens can be multiple:
Hair and other appendages (scales, etc.); Dander; Animal secretions: allergens can be present in the animal’s urine, sweat, saliva, tears or even sebum; Animal parasites; Products used for animals (food, fodder, herbs, hygiene and care products, etc.).
Contrary to popular belief, animal allergies do not only depend on hair. Besides, no link could be established between the nature and length of an animal’s hair and the risk of allergy. Likewise, some people say they are allergic to the feathers contained in certain pillows, duvets and eiderdowns. This is not the case, the allergy here is due to dust mites present in the bedding.
Read also – Monkey pox: what risk for pets? – https://www.sante-sur-le-net.com/variole-du-singe-quel-risk-pour-les-animals-de-compagnie/
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A careful search to identify the allergen in question
Multiple allergens have thus been able to be identified in animals, hair being just one example among many others. Thus, respiratory allergens have been described in the saliva of rabbits. In rodents, urine is the main source of allergens, but it is not the only one. A cross allergy between horse meat and hamster skin has even been identified.
In the event of a pet allergy, searching for the allergen(s) in question can be long and complex. A specialist consultation with an allergist is recommended. What you need to remember is that all animals can cause allergies, from dogs to snakes, including all NACs! That allergies can take many forms, from skin rash to respiratory allergy. And finally, that animals are sources of many allergens, either by themselves or by their environment. Atopic subjects, who are more sensitive to allergies, must be particularly vigilant!
Read also – From rats to fish: these laboratory animals which test our medicines
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Pet allergens. www.atmo-bfc.org. Accessed December 22, 2023.
– New pets, allergens and allergic dermatoses. www.sfdermato.org. Accessed December 22, 2023.
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