Allergic to Pets?

Many individuals you meet complain of being allergic to pets. They usually have symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, red and itchy eyes or watery eyes when ever they are around cats and dogs. Pet allergies can show up not only from dogs and cats but also from birds, hamsters, ferrets and even lab animals. Oddly enough it is not the actual pet hair that these individuals are allergic to it is the specific protein in the dander of the animal that they are reacting to.

The proteins that cause allergic reactions are called "allergens". These allergens can be found in the pet's urine and in the saliva. The proteins, "allergens", are tine, and can easily become airborne which is why individuals can have allergic reactions just by walking into a room where a pet has been, even if the room is empty.

Common symptoms from those who suffer from pet allergies are: stuffy noses, runny, itch eyes,, itchy or scratch throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and also shortness of breath.

Typically not all family members are allergic to pets just one or two. If you have one parent that is allergic to a pet, chances are good that one or more of the children may also be allergic to pets. There is a higher risk for pet allergy if you have other allergies like hay fever or suffer from asthma. Some individuals only react in a mild way to pets and others may have severe reactions like having an asthma attack.

There are many ways to prevent or handle pet allergic reactions:

If you are unsure of exactly what is triggering your allergic reaction it is best to visit an allergist so that tests can be conducted to discover exactly what you are allergic to.

The obvious best way to avoid experiencing allergic reactions is to avoid what you are allergic to, this is not always possible.

If you have pet allergies you can do these simple steps to help minimize your exposure to the allergens from pets that are causing your symptoms:

Keep the pets out of your bedroom

Use a HEPA filter to reduce the airborne allergens. Usually stand-alone filters are more effective than a whole-house HEPA system. Avoid de-ionizer/purifiers because they release harmful ozone gas and may make your reactions worse.

Housework chores such as vacuuming and dusting are a must when anyone in your household suffers from allergies. If the individual with allergies is the one typically doing the housework that individual should wear a facemask when doing the housework.

You can shampoo carpets, change bedding frequently, rub pets with allergy preparations made for pets, wipe down walls, and damp mop hardwood floors. Dust often and avoid using carpeting or upholstered furniture.

Use shades or washable curtains instead of blinds or heavy drapes.

Change furnace filters often and vacuum or dust floors frequently.

It is also important to brush and comb pets frequently to cut down on loose pet hair that can fall off and gather around the floors.

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