What you need to know about pets and allergies

We all know pollen can cause hayfever to flare up, but did you know your furry friend may also be contributing to symptoms? Living with a pet is possible, with these simple tips.

With an estimated two-thirds of Aussie households home to a pet or two, it is fair to say we are a nation of animal lovers.

Dogs are the most common, with 48 per cent of homes owning a pooch, followed by cats who rule the roost at 33 per cent of abodes.

But all that loving, cuddling, grooming and just being around our furry friends can mean itchy eyes, a running nose and sneezing if you’re a pet allergy sufferer.

What causes pet allergies?

While allergies to pets and other animals are a common cause of hayfever, it might surprise you to know the main culprits are pet dander and saliva, rather than fur.

Dander is dead skin cells that regularly flake off and particularly applies to dogs. 

When animals play, dander becomes airborne and before you know it, your pet allergy symptoms begin.

Saliva is also a common cause from dogs, either directly from those lovely licks or from being transferred to their dander or hair.

Cat allergens come mainly from the glands in their skin and are spread through licking and grooming.

But don’t despair; in the majority of cases it’s possible to have a happy, healthy life with your pets (even if you’re allergic to them) by taking a few simple steps to reduce symptoms:

1. Groom regularly

If you’re a dog owner, regular grooming or bathing can help reduce the amount of dander and allergens your pet produces. 

Brush your pet’s fur regularly and wash them with a pet-friendly shampoo.

2. Clean often

Vacuuming, dusting and sweeping regularly helps keep allergens at bay. 

Make it fun – turn your music up loud and get a workout at the same time. 

Consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap small particles such as pet dander. 

In addition, it’s a good idea to wear a face mask while vacuuming your house.

3. Create a pet-free zone

Having a designated pet-free zone, such as your bedroom, provides you with a happy little sanctuary from allergens. 

Keep your bedroom door closed and use allergen-proof bedding to reduce your exposure to pet dander. 

If possible, keep pets off soft furnishings too.

4. Choose hard-surface flooring

Wall-to-wall carpet can conceal many allergens including dander, pet hair and dust mites meaning hard wood floors (at least in the main living areas) are nothing to sneeze at if you’re a pet allergy sufferer. 

Hard surfaces leaves no room for the little critters to hide and they’re easy to keep clean.

5. Use the right treatment

Almost 20 per cent¹ of the Australian population suffers from allergies but an astonishing 35 per cent² of them aren’t treating them, meaning they’re not living their best life.

Telfast 60mg tablets work fast to help relieve allergy symptoms that can come from hayfever or year-round allergies. 

And best of all for people who like to get the most out of life, it doesn’t cause drowsiness. 

Living with pets as an allergy sufferer might require some extra effort, but it’s worth it!

* This post was brought to you by Telfast. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Ask your pharmacist about this medicine.

¹ “Allergies – Department of Health Victoria – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/chief-health-officer/allergies” – Accessed 19th April 2023. 

² Independent market research conducted by Sanofi, data on file. April 2023.