Coping With And Finding Relief From Pet Allergies.
Pet Allergies can be minimized with a few simple moves. Find out what they are in the section below.
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Pet Allergies do not need to come between you and your pet.
Pet allergies can be quite a problem for an afflicted animal lover. Torn between distaste for pet allergy symptoms and the love of their four-legged friends, pet allergy sufferers can face quite the conundrum. What do you do if you love pets, or you already have a live in your own little zoo, and you develop pet allergies? There are ways to deal with having an allergy sufferer in the same house as pets, but it may take a little extra effort. Any true animal lover will say it is more than worth it.
You will want to start by making sure that your pet is the one causing the pet allergy. Getting tested is the best way to find out for sure. You do not want to automatically blame your symptoms of allergies on your pet when they could be coming from another source.
Keeping pets out of the bedroom is one notion. It allows a person who is allergic to pets to have a place where symptoms will not be an issue. You may go so far as to purchase an air purifying device to ensure that this is a safe space. A HEPA air purifier should work nicely.
How we Can Live With Our Pets and Allergies
We love our animals so pets allergies have an emotional component. The allergy is caused by the pet dander, not the hair or the fur. Dander is material shed from the body of various animals, similar to dandruff or pet pollen. It may contain scales of dried skin and hair, or feathers. It is a frequent cause of animal allergies in humans. If the animal is an outdoors animal such as a horse or a rabbit or an indoors animal such as a dog or cat, the resulting allergic reaction is the same. It is easier to limit the frequency and duration of exposure to outdoor animals than it is to indoor pets. The bedroom is the most important room in the house to keep as clean as possible and definately avoid having the pet in the bedroom. The term "pet" is synonymous with "warm and fuzzy" for most people and this includes anything with fur, hair or feathers.
Dogs and cats are the most likely pets that people have in their homes, therefore dog allergies and cat allergies are the most common allergies treated and discussed. There are many other types of animals people are allergic to such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, rodents, birds and ferrets, and outdoor animals such as horses, pigs, cows and moles. Some people may also react to urine and droppings from animals including birds, rodents, and insects, as well as insect bites and stings. Bird allergies are far more common than you realise. By-products made from animals may also trigger allergies and these can include feather pillows and some upholstery (although allergies associated with these are far more likely to be triggered by dust mites). If a person has an allergy to pets of any type, the risk of them developing an allergy to most animals rises. The best way to treat animal allergies begins with avoidance of animals if possible.Pet allergy Treatment may include immunotherapy and management strategies that can reduce the level of allergens within a person's home.
You do not have to have direct contact with an animal to develop an allergy. Because the particles of dander are extremely lightweight they easily become attached to larger particles and become airborne and stick to objects or surfaces. Even after the animal has departed, these particles can remain in the environment for weeks or even months. The animal does not even have to live in the home for it's allergens to be present. Researchers have found the presence of animal allergens in homes, office buildings and other environments where animals did not live. The amount of animal allergen found was quite high in some cases. This means that people can have an allergic reaction to an animal without ever having touched or even been near an animal.
Because different animals exude different proteins, there is not one specific protein that causes an allergic reaction. A person could therefore be allergic to rats and not mice and vice versa. There are other animal related substances that may cause an allergic reaction in some sensitive people. The most common, by animal are as follows:
|
|
Saliva |
Dander |
Urine |
Albumin (a |
Hair/ |
|
Cats |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
Dogs |
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
Guinea |
X |
X |
X |
|
X |
|
Pigs |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
Mice |
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
Rabbits |
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
Rats |
X |
|
X |
X |
|
The list above is only a sample of the most common animal allergies. There are many other animals that have been known to cause allergies, namely gerbils, horses, sheep, cattle, fish, reptiles, birds and deer. Animal allergies can also be triggered by products made from animals. These include wool, feather pillows, fur coats, down jackets and comforters, and some upholstery. An bird allergy is similar to other animal allergies, allergens are released when the birds preen themselves, molt and shake feather debris into the air. Bird allergies can also occur with where there are bird droppings and urine. A range of pets that people with animal allergies can safely keep are pets without fur or feathers. They are snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, fish, spiders and hermit crabs. Be aware though that fish aquariums can add to the humidity in the room which can result in an increase in mold and dust mites.
Signs and Symptoms of Animal Allergies: Animal allergy symptoms are much the same as symptoms for other types of allergies. They are not dependent on the seasons, like some mold and pollen allergies, and they may occur all year round. There are several allergic symptoms people may experience including:
- Eczema (flaky, scaly, itchy pink patches on the skin )
- Hives or welts
- Red, watery itchy eyes
- Watery nasal discharge
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
The severity of symptoms of reactions to animals can vary between people. Some people with animal allergies can experience anaphylaxis, although this is rare.This is possibly a life threatening serious allergic reaction and requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis include;
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat(angioedema)
- Lowered blood pressure
A number of medications are available for pet allergy relief for people with animal allergies. Some require a doctor's prescription and others are available over the counter. It is important that before you take any pet allergy remedies or supplements, you should consult your doctor or physician.Pet allergy products and Medications used in the relief of animal allergy symptoms include:
- Steroid nose sprays. These are similar to to the body's own hormones and are used to lessen nasal inflammation
- Antihistamines. These are medications that block the effects of histamines, chemicals released in an allergic reaction that produces symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose
- Decongestants. They are medications that shrink swollen nasal tissues, which then promotes easier breathing
Prevention Methods for Animal Allergies: The recommended method of preventing an allergic reaction in people with animal allergies is to completely avoid any contact with the animal or animals to which they are sensitive. People can become very attached to their pets and it is not always an option for animal owners. There are, however,for pet allergy sufferers, preventative measures that can be taken to minimize allergic reactions. They include:
- Designate pet free areas of your home and if possible keep the pet out of the bedroom
- Run portable air purifiers throughout the home and use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter
- Vacuum and clean on a regular basis. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter may help remove allergens
- Frequently change HVAC and HEPA filters
- Consider placing plastic covers on upholstered furniture
- Remove carpeting and rugs in the home and replace with tile or hardwood flooring. People who choose to keep carpeting must steam clean it regularly.
- Do not permit the pet on the furniture
- Avoid clutter and kep walls and floors bare
- Wash hands after handling the pet
- Avoid hugging and kissing pets
- Place litter boxes and animal cages away from areas of air filtration vents in homes. Also have nonallergic individuals clean soiled litter boxes and cages
- Have a nonallergic person brush the pet daily (outside), as well as bathe it twice a week
- Provide a well balanced diet for the pet, minimizing fur loss may reduce indoor dander
- Let someone else do the vacuuming to avoid breathing in allergens, or wear a mask when cleaning. Cleaning will stir up animal allergens in the air where they are more easily inhaled
- Low allergy dogs and allergy free cats are an option.
Questions for your Doctor on Animal allergies: Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about animal allergies. Preparing questions in advance may help you have more meaningful discussions regarding your condition:
- Do my symptoms indicate an animal allergy?
- What methods will you use to determine if i am allergic to animals?
- Will an allergy test determine which of my animals in particular is the cause of my animal allergy?
- I am not willing to give up my pet, what steps can i take to reduce symptoms/
- Are there any medicines or over the counter remedies that you recommend?
- Do i need a HEPA system in each room of my house?
- Is there a special shampoo i can use on my pet to reduce my allergic reactions?
- Can removing carpeting help alleviate my animal allergies?
- Are certain breeds less likely to trigger my allergy symptoms?
- I have had a dog for many years, why am i suddenly allergic to dogs only now?
- Are my children likely to develop animal allergies as well?
- Can you recommend a pet that will not cause allergy symptoms?
The different types of allergies to pets or animals in general affect people in different ways, some have allergies to dogs, some have allergies to cats, some have reactions such as allergic dermatitis, or develop an allergic rash. Allergies and pets are an unfortunate part of the daily lives for many people.
Additional Resources for Pet Allergies
Allergies to Pets | The Humane Society of the United States
Pet Care. All in a Day's Work: How to Turn a Love of Animals into a Career. Allergies to Pets ... Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. ...
How Pets and Allergies Can Go Hand in Paw
Understanding pet allergies so you can your have your pet and live with it, too. ... That's why it's important to know what causes pet allergies. ...
Pet Allergies - Mayo Clinic
Explains how pet dander can trigger an allergic response and offers tips for dealing with the condition.
What are the bloggers saying about Pet Allergies?
For instance, their skin might break out where a dog slobbers on them. Others with more severe allergies might develop hives on their face or chest. People with asthma as well as pet allergies can have especially serious symptoms. ... source..
More that 70 percent of the US households have a dog or a cat. Pets provide companionship, security, and a sense of comfort. However, people with allergies should be cautious in deciding what type of pet they can safely bring into their ... source..
Being exposed to a pet can leave you sneezing and wheezing. Ten percent of the population is probably allergic to animals. Higher rates of 20-30 percent of people with pet allergies are also suffering with asthma. ... source..
Pet allergies are easy to identify and treat. They can be medically treated with drugs or with natural remedies that include keeping pets at bay. source..
News about Pet Allergies
There’s nothing like a pet to make life more serene. Pets can provide comfort and happiness in times of stress and troubles. I know, for I have been a cat and dog enthusiast since childhood. I can remember my dog Corky, who was a companion through ... source..
In the three previous articles about the beginning of Elk Grove Unified School District in the late 1950s, I included some of my memories of the Elk Grove of long ago. The Pinkerton family came here in 1962, three years after the unification of the ... source..
The proteins from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and the airways, like hay fever, and can result in asthmatic symptoms . It may also cause atopic dermatitis or a nettle rash . It is often ... source..
Recent research into climate change and plant growth indicates that both people and their pets may have a tougher time with allergies in the future. Leaving aside the discussion about what is causing the warming of the Earth's climate, it seems that ... source..
We’ve all watched our feline companions constantly licking and cleaning themselves, so why would we need to assist them in the grooming process? In order for your cat to remain happy and healthy, regular grooming is required not only to make them ... source..
We share our homes with millions of tiny critters which are invisible to the naked eye. But while most of us live in harmony with dust mites , they cause the most common allergy in the UK and over 80 per cent of asthma sufferers react to them. Here ... source..
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