Animal dander


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Animal dander


Animal dander is loose skin cells (like dandruff) from animals such as dogs and cats. These skin cells, which contain secretions from glands in the animal's skin, float in the air, where they may be breathed in by people.

Animal dander is an allergen. Animal fur or hair is not an allergen. When a person is allergic to an animal, such as a dog or cat, the allergy may be to animal dander (skin cells) or to dried saliva from the hair of a cat.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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