Ask A Scientist© Veterinary Topics Archive

name         Doreen O.
status       other
age          30s

Question -   Hello. I was wanting to know if a moth`s wings have a
dander on them such as birds. I have a bull terrier that is allergic to
dander. We have been doing a good job of keeping him well, however last
night he was exposed to several moths, and this morning his feet were
swollen 4 times there normal size. I know this sounds stupid but the
moths were the only thing he came in contact with.
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As far as I know, dander is protein left on the cat's fur that is put there
from saliva, when the cat grooms itself.   So although moths may have their
own dander, it is unlikely that it is the same dander that your dog is
allergic to.

However, he may be allergic to the grass he was in, even if it is the same
ole grass, because this is springtime and many grasses and trees are
pollinating, and the pollen is on the ground.

Phillip Raclyn, DVM CVA
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