The urine, saliva and dander of small furry pets are potent allergens and contribute significantly to the allergen source in the home. The number of allergens they spread depends on their species, their size and number and how frequently they are handled by family members. Birds are also growing in popularity as pets. When birds preen themselves and flutter their wings, no matter how small they may be, they shake feather dust into the air where it collects in and around the cage and also circulates throughout the house. Some of the larger species of parrots may cause more allergy problems since they can produce enough powder to coat most surfaces in the room in which they are caged on an almost daily basis.
People can be more allergic to their pets in the spring and the fall.
Cat and dog allergens, feathers, house dust, and molds are just a few of the culprits that cause the symptoms of perennial, or year-round allergic rhinitis. In most parts of the country, tree and grass pollen or mold spores in the spring, and ragweed and other weeds pollen in fall, are triggers of hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. People who are sensitive to pets and to trees, grasses and weeds usually find their symptoms are much worse during pollen seasons because of an overlapping of seasonal and perennial allergens. People can tell if they will be allergic the first time they encounter a pet. No one is allergic to a substance the first time he or she comes in contact with it.