In 2024, the Chinese urban pet population soared to 120 million—up 2.1% from a year earlier—highlighting a booming bond between city dwellers and their furry friends. But with rising snuggles comes a surge in allergies, turning joy into sneeze season for many.
Allergy Spike by the Numbers
Beijing Shijitan Hospital’s Allergy Center reports that between 2020 and 2022, 12.5% of patients developed cat dander allergies—a 0.7-point increase from 2017–2019. Globally, 10–20% of people face pet allergies, driven by proteins in dander, saliva, or urine.
How to Keep Pets and Health in Harmony
- Designate allergen-free zones: Keep pets in specific areas.
- Clean smart: Vacuum with HEPA filters and wash pet bedding weekly.
- Air it out: Use air purifiers to cut indoor dander levels.
- Get checked: Early medical advice can prevent severe respiratory issues.
These insights come as we mark World Allergy Day on July 8, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Allergy Organization. It’s a reminder that with the right steps, we can snuggle our pets without the sniffles.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
