Pets Indoors - A Risk Factor For or Protection Against Sensitisation/Allergy. A Nordic Interdisciplinary Review of the Scientific Literature Concerning the Relationship between the Exposure to Pets at Home, Sensitisation and the Development of Allergy

Abstract

Ten researchers from the Nordic countries have reviewed the literature on early exposure in childhood, to pets and the risk of sensitisation/allergy. A search of the literature resulted in identification of about 1200 articles, of which 89 were selected for further examination. The group concluded that all exposure to pets involves a risk of sensitisation. Exposure in infancy involves an increased risk (normally RR = 1–1,5) of sensitisation and to a lesser degree of the development of symptoms. The group also concluded that pet allergens are present “everywhere”, as a result of people bringing allergens in their clothing, etc. The group concluded as a recommendation, that families with atopic individuals should wait until the child is at least two years old before getting a pet.