(HealthDay News) -- Only about 10 percent of the general population has pet allergies, but 30 percent of people with asthma do, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Does this mean if you're asthmatic that you have to get rid of your pet?
Consider first whether your pet might be triggering asthma symptoms, the foundation advises.
Contrary to popular belief, your animal's fur probably isn't what's making you sneeze and wheeze. More likely, animal "dander" (skin flakes), saliva, urine and feathers are triggering allergic reactions. And dust mites, which many people are allergic to, can collect in your pet's fur.
What's more, any animal that lives in a cage deposits droppings that can attract mold and dust mites.
Suggested remedies include: buying an air cleaner containing a HEPA filter, keeping the allergic person away from the cat's litter box, having someone other than the asthmatic person brush or wash the dog, and making sure everyone washes his hands after playing with the pet.
