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Salon
Salon
Science
Matthew Rozsa

Hypoallergenic pets: Are they real?

Cute Maltese dog relaxing on sofa (Getty Images/mixetto)

The world is full of animal lovers who must enjoy animals from afar. Indeed, roughly 10 to 20 percent of the world's population is allergic to dogs, while 10 to 14 percent of Americans are allergic to cats. Allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, running nose, red and watery eyes, itchiness and other forms of discomfort and pain. As your body struggles with your immune system's overreaction to the pet dander, the rest of your health takes a toll. While some choose to endure the misery, many allergic animal-lovers wish for a world where they could hang out with their furry companions (who, in a post-climate change world, will need more care than ever) and not endure allergies.

"No published scientific evidence indicates that such animals truly exist."
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