It is great to have pets in the house but it is not easy to be a pet owner. Animals are great friends and bring joy to our lives but they also require training, veterinary care, love, time and attention, all the time. One also needs tolerance for pets especially if he or she is allergic to them.
Causes Of Allergies
Studies show that about 11 million people are allergic to cats alone and about 15% of the population to animals, in general. It is always important to know the causes of allergies from pets as you can develop such allergies at any point of time in your life.
The allergens in pets are found in the saliva and the dander and not in the fur as is believed by many. People are allergic to cat protein FEL d1 found in the dander and the saliva of cats. The protein comes in contact with the skin or if inhaled causes the allergic reaction and the body is triggered to produce histamines. The histamines released cause the swelling and irritation of the airways as well as cause hay fever and other respiratory symptoms.
Another cause can be hereditary. If the parent has had bronchial asthma then the child if brought up in a pet environment also has the risk of developing such allergies at an older age.
Occupations like jobs in animal laboratories or veterinarians who have close contact with animals are also at risk of developing allergies.
Symptoms
• The proteins from the pets especially cats make the body produce histamines which causes eye itching, wheezing and rashes on face, neck and upper chest (eczema)
• Asthma
• Nasal congestion
• Cough, swollen eyes and runny nose
• Nettle rash- red rash and itchiness
• Hay fever with sneezing, blocked and runny nose
Symptoms can occur within 30 minutes of exposure or can develop even after several hours. The symptoms can get severe after 8 to 12 hours. The symptoms may worsen on exposure to polluted air, smoke, car fumes and tobacco.
Manage Pets To Reduce Symptoms
Here is what you can do to reduce your allergic symptoms
• Try and keep your pet outside the house if you do not want to give it away
• Try to avoid close physical contact like hugging the pets
• You can take allergy shots especially for cats and dogs if you do not wish to part with them. This can reduce the intensity of the symptoms
• Restrict and limit the movement of pets inside the house
• Always use filters to carpets and furnishings to avoid any exposure to allergens from the pets
• Wash the bedding with hot water to wash away any dander if present
• Do not let pets sit on car seats or if unavoidable use washable seat covers
• Try and keep the animal skin healthy and provide it rich vitamin supplements to reduce the shedding of dander
• Bathe your pets regularly to reduce the level of allergens
• Use steroid sprays and anti histamine pills to control the allergic symptoms
• Do not forget to wear gloves and mask while grooming your pet
• Use an air cleaner to remove any airborne allergens
• Keep clothing away from pets
• Wash your hands and face after playing or handling your pet
With the right precautions, you can protect yourself from allergies and enjoy your pets, at the same time.