 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 dead skin cells. 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 can be easily inhaled, pet dander can also penetrate fabric and upholstery. Additional pet allergens include animals’ urine, saliva residue, and their fur.
Specifically, we now delve into the mechanics of an allergic reaction to pets. Allergic individuals react to certain proteins found in animals, such as skin cells, urine, fur, or saliva. The bodies of those with pet allergies mistakenly identify these proteins as harmful and produce antibodies that trigger allergies to combat them. When these proteins are encountered through physical contact or inhalation, the immune system generates an inflammatory response, resulting in allergy symptoms.
In a nutshell, a person with pet allergies has a hypersensitive immune system that reacts to proteins that are not actually harmful, but which cause an allergic person significant discomfort.
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, on 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 those of other common allergies, it’s helpful to know the common allergic reactions to pets. The following are some signs of pet allergies, as detailed by the Mayo Clinic:
According to the pet 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 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. In situations like this, services such as Washington DC dog boarding can provide a flexible and positive solution, allowing families to enjoy quality time with their pets while managing allergies responsibly.
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?
 |
- 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
|
 |
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. Continue reading to learn how to combat pet allergens in your environment.
|
 |
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
|
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 available. Additionally, asthma medications are available 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 have here at Achoo! ALLERGY, and what you are presumably seeking as well, is actual pet allergy relief, which can be achieved through environmental control. The following are some solutions for controlling pet allergies that, when combined, are sure to make living with your pets (or visiting your home) much more bearable. Learn how to reduce pet allergies below.
-
- 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. Keep pets off the bed. You spend about one-third of your life sleeping, and it’s crucial to get good, uninterrupted sleep that’s not disrupted by allergy attacks. Mattresses, bedding, and pillows are particularly susceptible to infestation by allergens, especially pet dander, which is extremely small in 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 sleeping area from allergens by using allergy relief bedding. When combating the effects of pet dander, BedCare is the way to go. With some of the smallest average pore sizes in the industry, BedCare bedding effectively guards against pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, and other allergens. Also consider an BedCare Dust Mite Proof 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 designating a living room, family room, or parlor as a no-pet zone where guests with allergies can congregate. Train dogs and cats to stay out of that room to minimize pet dander and fur from accumulating on the carpeting and upholstered furniture.
</ hr>
-
- 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. AllerTech® Anti-Allergen Pet Shampoo for cats and dogs is also a great option. All these products are non-toxic and gentle, making them safe for both you and your pet. If you have a Miele vacuum, as an additional failsafe to washing your pets, try using any of the Miele 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.
</ hr>
-
- 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 Miele Triflex HX2 Cat & Dog Cordless Stick 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. The Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner also makes cleaning up pet hair and its accompanying allergens a snap. It features attachment tools to help you vacuum hard-to-reach areas, such as the vertical rises of carpeted stairs or the backs of upholstered furniture, where allergens often collect. It’s also great for vacuuming the car and for removing dust, pet dander, and other allergens from crevices in your home, car, or office. Pet hair seems to collect everywhere.
</ hr>
-
- Filter the air. Any complete allergy treatment regimen calls for air purification, and dealing with pet allergies is no exception. The Advanced HEPA+ Air Purifier is perfect for allergic pet owners. It will trap pet dander, dust mite allergen, mold, dirt, pollen, and other allergens while simultaneously removing pet odors with its HEPA+ filter.
</ hr>
-
- Have nasal irrigation products on hand. When you or a guest experiences a flare-up from pet allergies, a nasal rinse can work wonders by removing the offending allergens from the nasal passages.
</ hr>
- Feed your pets quality food. 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. Generally, since cats are carnivores, they require a diet rich in meat to maintain their health. Healthy skin and coat go a long way towards reducing cat dander and shedding. The same may be applied to dogs.
|
|
