Pet Allergies
A pet allergy refers to a reaction to proteins present in an animal’s skin cells, urine, saliva, and dander. On most occasions, pet allergy is triggered through exposure to the dead flakes of the skin shed by a pet. This means that any animal that has fur can be a source of pet allergy. However, pet allergies are mostly associated with dogs and cats. You can come in contact with these proteins by either direct skin contact or inhalation. Your immune system will then consider the proteins as allergens hence triggering allergic responses. Common allergic medical conditions brought about by pet allergies include asthma, eczema, rhinitis, and hives.
Contrary to popular myths, there are no hypoallergenic cat or dog breeds. Also, the length of the pets’ fur or the amount of hair shed never determines the allergenic potential.
What Are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
The symptoms of pet allergy may occur during, and shortly after having contact with the pet. These symptoms may last longer even when the animal has disappeared as the pet dander can potentially stay in the air, on your clothes, or your furniture for quite some time. Common symptoms include:
- Hives, characterized by itchy red skin
- Blocked and runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red, itchy and watery eyes
Asthmatic symptoms include:
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
What to Expect During My Consultation With the Doctor for Pet Allergies?
Your best bet toward avoiding allergies is avoiding the known triggers as much as possible. However, in this case, it may be almost impossible to avoid your lovely pet! Consider having symptomatic relievers at your disposal, including antihistamine, corticosteroids, and decongestants.
However, if you are a passionate pet lover, pet allergies could easily become a long-term concern. And symptomatic relievers may not be a great option. If this is the case, we strongly urge you to visit our Ear & Allergy clinic, have a detailed discussion with our doctor who will develop a long-term solution for you.
What Can I Do to Minimize My Pet Allergies?
- Avoid kissing, hugging your pets if you are allergic to them.
- Make sure your home is well ventilated.
- Keep your pets out of your bedroom as well as your furniture.
- Look for a non-furry pet.
- Look for an individual who is not allergic to pet to routinely bathe and brush your pet outdoor, at least once every week.
- Avoid having rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture in your house because they are known to trap pet dander among other allergens.
- When vacuuming, use a micro-filtered bagged vacuum as this helps to prevent allergens from leaking back into the air.
- Don’t sleep with your pet.
- Use air filters with HEPA to eliminate all unwanted allergic particles from the air.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a pet allergy, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with our healthcare professionals.
Allergens To Test For
- Cat
- Dog
- Guinea Pig
- Rat
- Mouse
- Honey Bee Venom
- When vacuuming, use a micro-filtered bagged vacuum as this helps to prevent allergens from leaking back into the air.
- Cockroach
