It is surprising how many pet owners have bought these breeds because they were told they did not cause allergies. While it has recently been established that some animals cast off more allergens than others, there are no non-allergenic dogs or cats. Some people may have more problems living with dog and cat breeds that shed hair profusely because of the excessive amount of loose hair contaminated by dried saliva and dander clinging to it shed from the pet onto the rugs, furniture and the pet s bedding and favorite lounging places. Frequent vacuumings are usually necessary, along with the use of a moist sponge, to pick it up. Puppies and kittens cause fewer allergy problems that adult pets.
Baby animals have no old skin to shed and consequently have no dander.
It usually takes a few months before kittens and puppies produce these allergens. This may explain why people who buy young pets become allergic to them when the they reach maturity. People can be allergic to some breeds of dogs and not to others. The possibility of dog breed-specific allergens was first investigated many years ago, reports Dr. David Knysak of the Department of Medicine's Allergy Division of the University of Michigan Medical Center. Subsequent studies have determined both qualitative and quantitative variations in the antigen content extracts derived from different dog breeds, however, he adds, no breed-specific allergens have been found.