Pet allergies can be a hindrance between you and your desire to take care of a pet but technically, you are not allergic to all animals. You may only be allergic to group of animals that have fur. Pet allergies develop when the body reacts to proteins that are normally present in animal’s urine, skin cells or saliva.

Pet allergy can also be triggered to continuous exposure to animal dander or flakes which fur pets normally sheds. Typical animals with fur can cause pet allergy but the most common source of pet allergies are horses, dogs and cats.

There are several pet allergies treatment but the easiest way to avoid allergy attack is to avoid or stay away from fur animal that may cause the allergy.

What are the Symptoms of Pet Allergy?

Symptoms of pet allergy are often the reaction of the body to animal dander. Several symptoms of pet allergy may include:

• Hives or red patches in the skin
• Cough
• Sneeze
• Itchy eyes
• Itchy nose
• Facial pain
• Blue colored skin under the eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Hay fever
• Eczema

Oftentimes, people with asthma may also develop pet allergies. There are also some cases particularly in children that asthma are worsen due to repeated exposure in the animal or dander carried in the air. If your symptoms of pet allergies contribute to asthma, you may also show signs of the following:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic attack of asthma

Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing may require emergency care. Call your health care provider immediately or go to nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.

What are the Causes of Pet Allergy?

Normally, the immune system produces antibodies that protect the body from any foreign substance which may harm the body. When a person have pet allergies, the immune system consider the particular allergen like animal dander as harmful thus responding to it by producing inflammatory response in the lungs and nasal passages.

The most common allergen in cats and dogs are found in their animal sheds, hairs and saliva. The problem with cat and dogs dander is that it is very small and can remain in the air for very long time. It also stick to clothes, carpets and furniture.

Saliva can still remain to carpets, beddings and clothes while dried saliva can remain airborne for a long time.

Some claim that there are hypoallergenic breed of dogs, but technically, they may only shed less compared to other breeds but they can still cause pet allergy. There is really no breed that is hypoallergenic.

Allergens found in other pet animals like hamster and mice are found in hair, urine and dander. Dust from their litter or cages may also increase allergens found in rodents.

What are the Pet Allergies Treatments?

Several pet allergies treatment may be given to you by your physician. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, medications are normally given. However, if the pet allergies symptoms gets worst or if asthma attack becomes chronic, the best approach is to avoid allergy-causing pet.

Here are the common pet allergies treatment:

1. Medications

Medications like antihistamines are normally given to control the symptoms of allergic reaction. These may minimize itchy nose, wheezing and sneezing.

 

 

 

 

2. Nasal sprays

Nasal sprays are given to lessen the inflammation and reduce hay fever symptoms. Number of puffs depends on the severity of your symptoms.

 

 

 

 

3. Nasal lavage

Nasal lavage or saline rinse may aid in lessening the postnasal drip and congestion. Ask your physician how many times you need to lavage your nose.

 

 

 

 

4. Avoid having a pet

The simplest way to avoid symptoms of pet allergies and asthma is to get rid of pets. However, this may not be a good option for others especially if you or a family member is attached to having a pet. However, weigh your options properly, not having a pet will surely lessen your pet allergies and may greatly help in lessening your asthma attacks.

 

 

 

5. Clean the house regularly

Animal dander and sheds are not only found in the pets, they also stick to the clothes, furniture and other objects. It is recommended that you always clean all the area of your house even walls and ceilings.

 

 

 

6. Replace carpets

Dander can be found also airborne and stick to the carpets. Replace your carpets regularly to lessen the presence of pet allergens.

 

 

 

 

7. Change beddings often

Beddings should be change regularly. It is very difficult to remove completely the dander to beddings that is why it is recommended that you change the beddings regularly.

 

 

 

 

 

Having pets around will surely bring enjoyment, however, before you decide to have pets, make sure that you do not have pet allergies in order for to have commitment with your pets. You may also ask your health care provider before you decide to have pets.