Updated September 2024
Animal dander can cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common allergic conditions, affecting one in five people in Australia. Despite its common name, it is not caused by hay and does not result in fever.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with allergens in the environment, including animal dander (flakes of skin in animal fur, hair or feathers).
The body’s immune system reacts to the allergen – which for most people is harmless – and causes symptoms.
For people who are allergic, ongoing exposure to animal dander can also cause allergic conjunctivitis.