HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO ANIMALS?
Sensitivities to animals is one of the most frequently seen allergies. It is currently estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population are sensitive to animals. With a population of approximately 250 million in the United States, this means that between 50 to 60 million Americans may be adversely affected when exposed. According to many physicians, these figures may be low estimates. From the standpoint of sheer numbers of susceptible people, says Dr. Michael G. Loar of Littleton, Colorado, allergy may well be the most common illness caused by pets. Allergies to cats in particular have multiplied alarmingly in the last decade, undoubtedly because there are more cats than ever in homes in many parts of the world. Pets have become an integral part of our lives and pet ownership is at an all-time high in this country. Our total pet population is more than 150 million, the most common being cats and dogs. Allergies to cats in particular have multiplied alarmingly in the last decade, undo
