Pet Allergies
How to Manage Your Cat, Bird or Dog Allergy
Do you suffer from allergies to your pets? Are you concerned about your child developing allergies or suffering because of a beloved dog or cat?
How can you cope with your pet allergies and when should you consider getting rid of an allergy-causing pet?
What are the Signs of Pet Allergies?
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that 10% of Americans, and as high as 30% of asthma sufferers, are allergic to pets. With more than 70% of households owning pets it’s no wonder allergy relief is such an important issue.
So how do you know if you or a family member is suffering from an allergy to your dog, cat, bird or other pet?
In their book Living Allergy Free, M. Eric Gershwin, MD and Edwin L. Klingelhofer, Phd, recommend taking note of the following signs: Sneezing repeatedly – especially in the morning; watery, smarting or itchy eyes; itchy ears, throat or roof of the mouth; dark circles under the eyes; watery nasal discharge and/or stuffiness; unexplained nosebleeds and loss of taste of foods.
Some, or all of these symptoms are usually chronic when your allergy is to a pet in the home. So if you suspect an allergy to your pet, what can you do?
Keeping the Home Allergen-Free
Pet allergy sufferers are often sensitive to other allergens in the environment such as dust mites, mold, pollen and environmental pollutants. Removing or reducing these in your home can substantially help you to keep allergies under control.
Vacuuming with a HEPA filter, using allergen-reducing sprays on furniture and carpets and keeping areas dust-free are easy steps to begin with. Dehumidifiers may assist in damp homes prone to mold, but if there is a reason to suspect a buildup of mold a professional should take a look or you may be exposing yourself to dangerous levels of toxins.
Cleaning cages, litter boxes and pet beds frequently is a necessary step in reducing the amount of dander, feathers and other pet allergens from building up in the home. Keeping some rooms ‘off limits’ will also help the allergy sufferer, especially keeping pets out of bedrooms and off furniture.
Keeping Your Pet Allergen-Free
Whether you have a hypoallergenic dog or not, you should find some relief from your pet allergies if you maintain your pet’s coat with frequent washing and grooming. Allergens in the pet’s dander (skin), saliva, urine or droppings cause the most problems when they enter the environment by attaching to the shed hair or feathers of the pet. Touching the pet or areas where the pet has been can also cause allergic reactions.
For this reason allergy suffers should not perform the tasks of cleaning pets or pet areas, such as cages or litter boxes, when there is someone else available.
When Should You Get Rid of a Pet?
You may have to consider removing the pet from your home to reduce the symptoms of the allergy sufferer if keeping your house as allergen-free as possible has not reduced the symptoms and if allergy treatments are not an option or not successful.
This is particularly true with asthma sufferers, young children or anyone who has a severe reaction to certain pets. Consider instead getting tropical fish or spending limited time around favorite pets.
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