The first step in taking control of pet allergies is
understanding what causes an allergic reaction to pets in the first
place. Many people mistakenly believe that it is the pet's fur that
causes allergies. While this is partially true, the main culprit in
inciting allergic reactions is pet dander, which is the animal's
skin. Pet dander, particularly cat dander, is extremely small and
light (down to approximately 2.5 microns), making it easily airborne
and hard to capture. In addition to remaining in the air where it's
easily inhaled, pet dander can penetrate fabric and upholstery.
Additional pet allergens include animals' urine, and saliva residue,
and their fur.
Specifically and here we get down to the mechanics of
an allergic reaction to pets, allergic individuals react to
certain proteins found in the animals: skin cells, urine,
fur, or saliva. The bodies of those with pet allergies,
mistakenly identifying these proteins as harmful, produce
allergy-inducing antibodies to combat them. When these
proteins are encountered, through physical contact or
inhalation, the immune system generates an inflammatory
response, leading to allergy symptoms.
So in a nutshell, a person with pet allergies has a
hypersensitive immune system that reacts to proteins that
are not actually harmful, but which make an allergic person
miserable.
While it's obvious that the presence of pets can lead to
allergic reactions, even if you don't own any pets, you
could be reacting to pet allergens. This is because pet
dander is extremely light and sticky it can stay in the
air, in carpets, upholstery, and fabric, and on surfaces
long after pets are removed from a home. Sensitive
individuals may even react to pet dander that's on the
clothing or in the car of a person who owns pets.
Signs of Pet Allergies While pet allergy symptoms
resemble other common allergy symptoms, it's helpful to know
the common allergic reactions to pets. Following are some
signs of pet allergies, as detailed by the Mayo Clinic:
According to the et allergies. This is especially
true with cats — people who are allergic to animals are
twice as likely to be allergic to cats as to dogs.
While standard advice and the common sense approach
dictate either avoiding dogs or cats at others' homes or
getting rid of any pets that are owned by allergic
individuals, life itself isn't always that simple. For
instance, what about the man who dates the girl whose cats
are her “babies”? How can he spend time with her at her
house? And what happens when one thing leads to another and
they get married? Will she really want to banish her pets
from her household and life? For many of us, pets are
family, and being allergic to them is almost like
being allergic to a human loved one.
Situations like this are all too common. Thankfully, with
some education and dedication, allergen avoidance through
environmental control can be applied to pet allergies as
effectively as to other types of allergies.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
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- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
Postnasal drip
- Cough Facial pressure and pain
- Frequent awakening
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
- In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the
nose
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Pet allergies leading to asthma may also
include the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Audible whistling or wheezing sound when
exhaling
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of
breath, coughing or wheezing
- Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are
worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold
or the flu
If you or someone in your household experiences
any of these symptoms, pet allergies may be to
blame. Keep reading to discover ways to combat pet
allergens in your environment.
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Inflammation caused by allergic reactions to
pets may also lead to skin irritation, including the
following signs of allergic dermatitis:
- Raised, red patches of skin (hives)
- Itchy skin
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Medical Treatment for Pet Allergies
Common treatment for pet allergies is similar to
that used for dealing with any allergy. Allergy
medications including antihistamines,
corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and
decongestants are all available, as are asthma
medications for both long-term and short-term
control of the condition. Some people also choose to
undergo immunotherapy, which involves a series of
shots that can help the body "learn" not to react to
particular allergens. This is usually a last resort,
as maintenance shots are necessary about every month
for about five years.
Pet Allergy Relief
While the above-mentioned solutions may provide
temporary suppression of pet allergy symptoms, what
we here at achoo! ALLERGY are interested in and
what you are presumably seeking as well is actual
pet allergy relief, which can be achieved through
environmental control. Following are some pet
allergy solutions that, in combination with one
another, are sure to make living with your pets (or
visiting your home) much more bearable:
- Create an allergy-free zone.
Designate one area of the house that will remain
off-limits to pets. If you or one of your family
members is the allergic individual, keep pets
out of the bedrooms occupied by the allergy
sufferers. Absolutely keep pets off the bed. You
spend about one-third of your life sleeping, and
it's crucial to get good sleep that's
uninterrupted by allergy attacks. Mattresses,
bedding, and pillows are particularly
susceptible to infestation by allergens,
especially pet dander with its super-tiny size.
An additional problem is that dust mites love to
feed on pet dander (in addition to your own shed
skin cells); pet dander in the bedroom may
increase dust mite populations.
Clearly, a critical component of creating an
allergy-free zone in the bedroom is making sure
to protect your immediate sleeping area from
allergens by using
allergy relief bedding. When combating the
effects of pet dander,
Allergy Armor ULTRA is the way to go. With
the smallest average pore size in the industry,
Allergy Armor ULTRA bedding guards against pet
dander as well as dust mites, pollen, mold, and
other allergens. Also consider an
Allergy Armor Pillow, which is constructed
with allergen barrier fabric to keep allergens
from entering your pillow in the first place.
Considering that the average pillow increases by
10% of its weight in a year due to the
accumulation of allergens, might it be time to
replace your pillows anyway?
If space allows, consider assigning a living
room, family room, or parlor as a no-pet zone
where allergic guests can congregate. Train dogs
and cats to stay out of that room in order to
minimize pet dander and fur from gathering in
that room's carpeting and upholstered furniture.
-
 Wash your pets regularly. While it's
significantly less popular with cats than with
many dogs, washing pets to clean them of pet
dander, urine and saliva residue, and loose fur
keeps these allergens from collecting in your
home.
The Ecology Works Pet Allergy Shampoo
denatures the protein that causes pet allergies
and also helps control fleas and ticks.
Allerpet/C for cats and
Allepet/D for dogs are made to use with a
washcloth following grooming. For even less
fuss, and great for quick cleansing before
allergic guests arrive, use
Quick Bath Cleansing Wipes for Cats and
Quick Bath Cleansing Wipes for Dogs. All
these products non-toxic and gentle, making them
safe for both you and your pet.
As an adjunct to washing your pets, try using
the
Pet Brush Vacuum Attachment to remove loose
fur and dander before it collects in your home.
The vacuum cleaner's roar may send cats
scurrying, but many dogs actually enjoy the
process.
- Clean your home with extra care. When
pet allergies are a problem, cleaning frequently
and thoroughly is a must. Using machines and
products specifically designed to alleviate pet
allergies makes your cleaning routine
particularly effective. For instance, the
Dyson DC17 Animal Vacuum Cleaner, hailed as
the “ultimate cleaning tool for allergic pet
owners,” excels at picking up microscopic
allergens such as pet dander from carpeting,
floors, and upholstery. Furthermore, as with all
Dyson machines, its patented root cyclone
technology makes for a vacuum that never clogs
or loses suction.
 The
Eureka Power Paw Turbo Attachment also makes
cleaning up pet hair and its accompanying
allergens a snap. This universal turbo
attachment helps you vacuum those hard-to-reach
areas like the vertical rises of carpeted stairs
or upholstery backs where allergens collect.
It's also great for vacuuming the car and for
cleaning dust, pet dander, and other allergens
out of crevices in your home, car, or office.
Pet hair seems to collect everywhere. For
quick and hassle-free cleanups, try Gonzo's
amazing
Pet Hair Lifter Sponge. Simply wipe in short
strokes on upholstery, throw rugs - and don't
forget those lampshades! This sponge can be used
over and over again and uses no residue-leaving
chemicals.
- Filter the air. Any complete allergy
treatment regimen calls for air purification and
dealing with pet allergies is no exception.
Austin Air's Pet Machine is specifically
designed for allergic pet owners and will trap
pet dander, dust mite allergen, mold, dirt,
pollen, and other allergens while simultaneously
removing pet odors with its carbon blend filter.
- Have nasal irrigation products on hand.
When you or a guest does experience a flare-up
from pet allergies, a nasal rinse can work
wonders by removing the offending allergens from
nasal passages. Neti pots like the
Narial Nasal Cup or the
NeilMed NasaFlo Saline
 Rinse Kit allow users
to safely and effectively clear their nasal
passages from allergens using warm water and an
all-natural saline solution. For less
adventurous allergy sufferers, you can go with
more traditional nasal irrigation products such
as the
NeilMed Bottle Kit or the
Breathe-ease Nasal Wash System, which offer
relief in the form of more familiar nasal
sprays.
- Feed your pets quality food.
My-Pet-Medicine.com offers this advice:
“Feeding your cat a healthy diet specific to his
needs as determined by your veterinarian will
enhance your cat's skin, and coat, and allow
your cat to more successfully fend off disease.
In general, since cats are carnivores, they need
a meat-based diet to stay healthy. Healthy skin
and coat go a long way towards reducing cat
dander and shedding.” The same may be applied to
dogs.
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