When most people think of pet allergies, they think of hair, and they think of dogs and cats. After all, dogs and cats can leave massive amounts of hair in their wake, on everything from clothes, pillow, and the floors they walk on. My family often wonders which is the better of two evils, the carpet of hair our yellow lab used to leave on the hard wood floors, or the tumbleweeds we now find in corners made of golden retriever hair. Either way, we’re now learning it’s not necessarily the hair that causes the allergies. It’s more than that. So what can you do if you think you or a family member is allergic to all that hair and what comes with it?

People often avoid living with pets due to the sneezing and itchy eyes that dogs and cats can cause. These symptoms are not only bothersome, but in turn can lead to chronic ear and sinus infections. Also, people with asthma find that pets can exacerbate their symptoms as well. While they may be right that it is the pet causing the symptoms, it’s not necessarily the hair.

Studies are shown that the main cause of pet allergies actually comes from the saliva from the animals, not just the hair. And cats are notorious for constant licking; therefore as they clean themselves, the saliva dries on their hair and forms dandruff which is left all around the house with the shedding hair. Hair also holds pollen and dust, so where the pet goes, so do the allergens. Not the cat’s fault in any case, or the dogs either, for that matter, but nonetheless, it’s hard for those allergic to live with them.

So what is the allergic but animal loving sufferer to do? Do they have to give up their beloved pets, or never have one to begin with? Not necessarily. Some practical suggestions like dusting and vacuuming often, having hardwood floors and bathing your pet frequently can be helpful.

And what about the very trendy “hypo-allergenic” pets like schnoodles and labradoodles? These can be a good choice for those with allergies and/or asthma, but it must be remembered that they’re not “allergy-free.” Because of the type of hair they have and dander (or lack of) they don’t hold onto the dandruff, pollen and other allergens that other dogs do. They also don’t shed so hair is not deposited all over the house. It is worth a look into, but they still need to be bathed frequently, and as stated, are not 100% allergy free.

Don’t forget allergy shots or alternative forms of allergy relief, either. It is possible to have your pet and clear breathing, too; it takes a little extra effort though.

- Heather Legg

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