Pet Allergies doesn't mean you have to live without your furry friends!

A pet allergy doesn’t mean you have to live without furry family members

Pet allergies often are triggered by exposure to pet saliva or the dead flakes of skin, called “dander,” a pet sheds. Dander is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with the slightest bit of air circulation. Dander collects easily in upholstered furniture, and it sticks to clothing.

A combination of allergy medication and environmental changes often can help control pet allergies, making it unnecessary to remove a family pet from the home. In almost all cases, the physical and emotional benefits pets can offer children far outweigh the problems allergies might cause. — Dr. Anupama Ravi, Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota