The best form of defense against allergens is to stay away from allergy triggers when you can. However, when dealing with pets, most individuals rule out avoidance as a possibility. More than 40% of people that suffer from animal allergies refuse to get rid of their pets, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (although some other surveys report a much higher percentage). Below is some information about Animal Allergens, and what you can do to manage them.

Pet Dander

In a stressful situation, a person might have said to not "get your dander up." And just what is dander? Dander is similar to dandruff on humans, except for pets. These are dead skin cells shed routinely by animals. These dead skin particles can float in the house air, and burrow in carpets, and upholstered furniture for weeks to months at a time. Dander is miniscule, light, and has the ability to float for hours.

Basically, if you are allergic to animals, pet dander is your biggest foe. About one out of every ten people is allergic to animal dander. Concerning the part of the population that suffers from asthma, the number raises to 20 to 30%.

The dander proteins that cause allergies are known to cause a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are itchy and water eyes, headaches, sinus congestion, and skin rashes. Asthma episodes can also be provoked by pet dander.

No Animal is Allergy-Free

Besides dander, animal allergen triggers can also include animal urine and saliva. Animals of any species have the potential to trigger allergies.

Dander is the most common problem with cats and dogs. The worst symptoms are often caused by cats. Cats lick their fur to clean it, and the saliva that dries on the fur also has the potential to cause allergy symptoms.

While gerbils, mice, and hamsters all create saliva and dander, the worst allergen produced by these animals is urine.

Birds are problematic because of the dust collected by their feathers. When a bird flaps its wings, a very small amount of dust can be cast over a whole room, kicking dander up into the air. Droppings are also a source of allergens, containing fungi and bacteria.

While lizards, snakes, and fish do not cause allergic reactions as often as these other animals, they still are producers of pet dander. These animals' skins are covered in scales, which must be routinely shed. Mold, a frequent in-house allergen, can grow in the moist environment of the fish tank.

Managing Animal Allergens

Rather than exiling your pet from your home completely, the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver offers these measures you can take to limit the amount of pet dander and other such animal allergens in your home:

Grooming Your Pet

If you are allergic to your pet, ask a member of your family that isn't allergic to clean the animal's living space, such as the fish tank, birdcage, or litter box. If there's no one available, make sure you wear a particle mask to keep pet dander and other allergens out of your mouth and nose. Cleaning your pets once a week will rid them of most of their dander. Use a special medicated shampoo for pets to keep your animal's skin from drying out, which might cause increased dander.