If you have a pet allergy, your immune system is reacting abnormally to harmful allergens. These allergens come from the proteins in a pet’s dander, urine, or saliva, not their fur.
However, a pet’s fur can bring outdoor allergens like mold spores and pollen indoors. Cats cause more allergic reactions than dogs or other furry animals because they have more allergens in their saliva and on their bodies. Fish, amphibians, and other non-furry pets rarely cause allergies. This can make them ideal pets for young children with allergies.
Common pet allergies. Although pet allergies are common, you’re more likely to have one if a close family member has allergies or asthma. Studies show that living in a household with a pet in the first year of life helps build resistance to pet allergies. Pet allergy symptoms are similar to those of a cold or hay fever and include nasal congestion itchy, watery eyes, coughing from post nasal drip, and sinus pressure. Some people may also experience wheezing and difficulty breathing similar to asthma sufferers. Others may experience skin symptoms or allergic dermatitis. Direct contact with the pet will cause red, raised patches and itchy skin.
Medicine. Although avoiding pets is the best way to manage a pet allergy, it’s not always necessary to rehome a pet and doing so can cause stress that leads to other health problems. Fortunately, after diagnosing a pet allergy either through a skin test or blood test, your doctor can prescribe a variety of medications to relieve your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications are available. Prescription options can work for more serious pet allergies. Nasal sprays reduce inflammation and control hay fever symptoms.Some medications are designed to help shrink swollen sinuses. In severe cases, a series of shots containing small doses of the offending allergens can “train” your immune system to tolerate them. This is rarely done, but can be when needed.
Constant cleaning. Even if you choose to rehome your pet, you will have allergy symptoms for several weeks due to significant levels of lingering pet allergens. Have someone else do a thorough cleaning that includes washing the ceilings and walls. All bedding including sheets, pillows, bedspreads, and blankets will need replacing since it’s difficult to completely launder away pet allergens. Either replace your mattress and box springs or cover them in allergen-blocking covers. If you decide to keep your pet, a fenced-in area can keep them safe, and heated or air-conditioned sheds can keep them comfortable if you need a break. Establish “pet free zones” in your home including your bedroom. Enlist a family member or friend to bathe your pet weekly.
Less carpets. Allergens cause your immune system to produce antibodies that identify the allergens as harmful. Inhaling or coming in contact with them causes an inflammatory response in the sinuses and lungs. Pet dander and saliva that contain these allergens become embedded in carpets and upholstery. This can lead to regular exposure and cause the same chronic airway inflammation as asthma. For this reason, it’s best to remove all carpeting in the home. Hardwood, wood laminate, or tile flooring will be easier to maintain with a pet in the home. While it’s true that so-called hypoallergenic dog and cat breeds shed less, their dander still contains these allergens that carpets trap.
HEPA filters. HEPA is an acronym that stands for high-efficiency particulate air. HEPA air purifiers and vent filters can reduce airborne pet allergens. HEPA filters are made of fiberglass filaments with very small diameters. They are designed to target and trap microscopic particles and pollutants. HEPA filters work by mechanical means that reduce the side effects of asthma and allergies. These air-purifying filters remove 99.97 percent or more of allergy-causing particles. They need to be replaced every two to three years to work properly. Some vacuum cleaners incorporate HEPA filters into their filtration systems. They are extremely useful for removing pet allergens that become trapped in upholstery and rugs.