Pet dander allergy - symptoms and how to test
A pet dander allergy is an intolerance to proteins in an animal's saliva, urine, or skin. Pet dander allergy consists of tiny flakes of skin generated by animals, including cats, dogs, rats, birds, and anything else with hair or feathers. Seven out of ten American homes currently have a pet. However, many people, especially those with other allergies or asthma, are allergic to animals. About 10% to 20% of the global population is not affected by cat and dog allergies. To determine if you are allergic to pets, your doctor can do a skin test or a blood test to look for allergen-specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E).