Americans love their pets, no question about it. We've got gerbils, we've got snakes, we've got ferrets, rabbits, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and of course, dogs and cats. Although we care deeply for our furry friends, they often cause us some grief in the way of allergies. Can pets be a part of an allergy sufferer's world? In this article, we will tell you the truth about pets and allergies and we'll give you helpful advice just in case you're making the tough decision to give away your pet in order to save your health. Let's get started with some basic information about pet allergies.
About 40% of American households are home to "Fido," and a large percentage of those pet owners test positive for dog allergy; almost 30%. With regard to cats, almost 10 million people in the U.S. have allergic reactions to cats. Allergies to pets can occur at any age, thus they affect children and adults alike. Pet allergen is physically very tiny and light. Originating in your pet's saliva and skin, this allergen floats about within your home and attaches itself to everything, especially carpeting and furniture.
Pet allergy can cause nasal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, as well as symptoms in the eyes and skin. When the symptoms of pet allergy are respiratory, they can occur relatively quickly; with forty minutes after being exposed to a given animal and they can involve wheezing, coughing, sneezing, and hoarseness of the throat. Frequent bouts of bronchitis are often common.
Allergy medications as well as allergy shots (immunotherapy) may help control pet allergy symptoms. If an owner does not want to find a new home for their pet, here are a few ways to decrease exposure to pet allergen:
- For dogs, bathe the animal as frequently as you can
- Wipe your pet with a damp cloth or wet towel every day
- Do not let your pet the bedroom sleep in the bedroom
- Close the bedroom door and shut the air vents to your bedroom
- Keep your pet outside as much as possible
- Vacuum frequently and invest in a HEPA quality machine
- Purchase a HEPA air cleaner for use in the bedroom and additional areas of your home
- Improve your home's ventilation. Remember, pet allergen floats about in the air, so try to have a source of fresh air whenever possible
- Make sure your pet is not infected with fleas as this would cause scratching and a consequent spreading of allergen
Regarding canines, while all dogs have the capability of carrying allergens, there are 10 breeds that are known to cause the fewest allergic reactions. They are as follows: Poodles, schnauzers, Portuguese water dog, soft-coated wheaten terrier, Lhasa apso, Yorkshire terrier, shih tzu, Irish water spaniel, and the Kerry blue terrier.
With regard to felines, the allergen that causes symptoms in pet owners is called Fel D 1, and it is found in the cat's saliva. Since all cats have saliva, there is no such thing as an allergy free cat, but there are some breeds that are best tolerated by allergy sufferers, and they include: Balinese or the long-haired Siamese, the oriental short hair, the Javanese, the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex, the hairless sphinx, and the Siberian.
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