[Allergy to furry animals: myth and reality]

Allergy to furry animals is a frequent health issue, and should be suspected when investigating any yearlong rhinoconjonctivitis or asthma. A detailed medical history and skin prick tests are usually sufficient for diagnosis, and if necessary, specific IgE testing may be performed. In case of proven hypersensitivity, avoidance of animal allergens is the main therapeutic measure, primarily by removing the animal from the patient's environment, in association with symptomatic treatment. If animal removing is impossible, other measures exist to decrease allergen load, but not with the same -efficacy as removing the animal, particularly for asthma. Immunotherapy is available for cat and dog allergy, but indication is to be carefully discussed.