Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Pets are known to be a major source of year-long (perennial) allergy. With pets, that substances that cause allergic reactions (allergens) are found mainly in the air. They are very small, can stay airborne for up to 24 hours and are easily transported in the air from one place to another. Therefore, animal allergens can give rise to reactions even when the pet is not around. Cats are the commonest allergy causing animals in the UK, and male cats shed more allergens than female ones.
Animal allergens are found in the saliva and oily secretions not in the fur itself. However, animals that groom themselves (e.g. cats) can leave deposits of these secretions or ‘dander’ on their coats or in places where they have been resting.
| ANIMAL | SOURCES OF ALLERGENS |
| CAT | Saliva, fur, skin & flakes |
| DOG | Hair, urine, saliva |
| MOUSE, RAT, RABBIT & GUINEA PIG |
Hair, urine, saliva |
| HORSE | Hair, urine, saliva |
| BUDGERIGAR, CANARY PARROT & PIDGEON |
Feathers, droppings |
Physical conditions that are most commonly associated with pet allergy include rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis and urticaria (nettle rash). Eczema can also be associated with pet allergy.
Treatment:
The best treatment for animal allergies is animal avoidance combined with vigorous cleaning measures
This includes:
- Not having birds and furry animals such as cats, dogs, guinea pigs or gerbils in the house.
- If you are reluctant to remove the family pet, it should only be allowed into specific areas such as the kitchen, and as much as possible keep it outside. Do not let the pet come into the bedrooms or the main living areas of the house.
- When the time comes, and informed decision should be made whether or not to replace the family pet.
- Vigorous cleaning measures (e.g. all flat surfaces, carpets, curtains and bedding) are required for a period of time (up to six months) after the removal of the pet to remove any left behind (residual) animal allergens from the home.
- recent studies have suggested that washing cats and dogs (e.g. once a week) when combined with other measures, is helpful in reducing the amount of allergens in the home.
- Weekly vacuum-cleaning of soft furnishings and carpets also helps to reduce the amount of animal allergens in the home. Using a vacuum that has been fitted with a micro-filter or one with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is recommended.
Regular airing of the home is also beneficial.
Other sources of information about allergies:
The British Society For Allergy & Clinical Immunology www.
Allergy UK http://
Contact details:
Frimley Park hospital
Generic ENT Secretaries Frimley: 0300 614 5000
fhft.ENTClinicalAdminFPH@
Wexham Park Hospital
Generic ENT Secretaries Wexham: 0300 614 5000
fhft.entclinicaladminhwph@
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/003
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.