Doctor discusses often overlooked pet-related allergens

• By Sam Garcia / Staff writer

Although pet hair is a common allergen, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital otolaryngologist Hu Hao-chun (胡皓淳) said that there are many other pet-related allergens, so it is important to determine what exactly is causing an allergy and take protective measures.

Other pet-related allergens include dust from pet beds, litter and substrates, additives in pet food, dust and mold on pet supplies, grooming products and medications, Hu wrote on Facebook on Friday last week.

Many people who keep hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs or reptiles as pets focus only on cleaning the pet’s enclosure, but overlook the dust from bedding and substrate materials such as wood shavings or paper fibers, he said.

Tiny dust particles are strong respiratory irritants, he added, adding that additives and dust from pet food are also often overlooked.

When pet food is served, the fine airborne particles contain additives, preservatives, colorants and grain powders, which could trigger respiratory reactions, Hu said.

This is especially true for fish food, such as flake feed and shrimp powder, as the tiny particles can easily enter the respiratory tract, he said.

Hu recommended wearing a mask when serving pet food or using a long-handled scoop to reduce dust inhalation.

Mattresses, toys, sofas and other products that pets often use are prone to breeding dust mites and mold, which should not be underestimated, he said.

Some of these products are inconvenient to clean, which means they become a nest for allergens, Hu said.

Turtle and fish tanks are also very humid environments that are prone to grow black mold, which can cause severe allergic reactions if inhaled, he said.

Hu advised cleaning such items at least once every two weeks to eliminate any dust mites and mold, and emphasized the importance of wearing gloves and a mask when cleaning them.

Pet grooming products and medications, such as shampoos, flea powders and deworming medications, often contain chemical allergens, he said.

Owners should wear waterproof gloves when bathing pets, or use hypoallergenic, natural products, he added.