Pet allergies are triggered by certain proteins found in pet saliva, urine and feces.
Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.
As pets continuously lick their fur the protein ends up as pet dander, which can quickly become airborne and can stay that way for a very long time enabling us to inhale the allergen.
It can also end up in our hair, on our clothes, furniture and bedding.
You can also get in contact with the pet allergen in other ways, for example if a pet licks your hand.