Around 91 million households in the EU own a pet (46%). Unfortunately, millions of pet owners have an allergy to their animals.

Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. Symptoms of pet allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Some people may also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds.

Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are no truly “hypoallergenic breeds” of dogs or cats. Allergic dander in cats and dogs is not affected by length of hair or fur, nor by the amount of shedding.

Giving up a pet in order to prevent allergy symptoms isn’t always necessary. If you have a pet allergy, the best strategy is to look for an allergist to accurately diagnose your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you or your child manage allergy symptoms and potentially keep your furry friends.