Pets Allergy is very common, and individuals all over the globe can attest that having a reaction to animal fur or feathers is normal. Most people who cherish animals find it hard to handle. Cats and dogs are most often responsible, the allergy-inducing animals, but even rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are possible provocateurs. Determining the causes and effects of these allergies will help in searching for the most effective ways to live a normal life with these pets.
Causes of Pet Allergies
Pets Allergy is caused by proteins derived from the skin cells, urine, saliva or hair of the animals in most cases. Contrary to pet hair it is the proteins that are associated with pet skin flakes (dander), urine or saliva that may cause the allergic reactions. These allergens can easily become airborne and once they do, they can land on furniture, clothes, carpet, and other usable items and people with allergies are likely to have a reaction.
1. Pet Dander
Skin cells which are released by animals are named pet dander, which is most responsible for allergic reactions. Dander is present wherever the pet has been and since they are particles that are microscopic, small and lightweight they have the ability to stay airborne for long. These particles are rather small and can be readily breathed in or picked up on fabrics and other surfaces.
2. Saliva and Urine
Pets rub themselves on furniture or other objects in order to spread saliva that they have picked up from grooming their fur. When saliva is dry it can peel off and go airborne and trigger an allergic reaction in people. Likewise, antigens from proteins in an animal’s urine may be the source of allergies also. This is especially experienced with rats and mice,; these animals tend to urinate inside confined spaces such as cages; hence the allergens.
3. Fur and Feathers
Pet fur or feathers do not, themselves, contribute to allergies but they bind dander, dust and pollen which usually causes allergic reactions. In homes with animals, fur and feathers easily deposit allergens in different areas of the home especially in furniture or carpet where the animals may have rubbed on.
4. Outdoor Allergens
Outdoor animals may well expose the house to more germs, whether in the form of pollen or mold spores. These allergens can be compounded with dander and may cause an exacerbation of symptoms in people sensitive to animal related allergens.
Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Mild symptoms of allergies arising from animals include; Sneezing, itching, runny nose and congestion, hives and skin rashes. Sometimes people can be put ill by something and they can remain health, dangerous symptoms for several hours after exposure. Common symptoms include:
1. Sneezing and Runny Nose
The most popular initial symptom of an allergy is sneezing, which may occur constantly during an allergy attack. Getting sneezy more than normal around your pet, might be obvious that you suffer from an allergy to your pet. Constant runny nose is also a symptom that can be associated with allergy if one doesn’t sneeze.
2. Itchy, Watery Eyes
Here we also see another glaring sign that is a gritty, watery or itchy eye. This is experienced when the eye is inflamed due to an allergic type reaction to allergens in the environment. Other symptoms include red, inflamed or water filled eyes, especially for those with allergy problems.
3. Coughing and Wheezing
Pet dander are associated with the common respiratory manifestations such as coughing shortness of breath wheezing in asthmatics. In its severance; exposure of an asthmatic to these allergens triggers an asthma episode, which needs urgent treatment.
4. Skin Reactions
Skin reactions may occur, as a result of direct contact with a pet or pet-related allergens. The disorder’s symptoms are itching, redness of the skin, and formation of rashes. Of these, hives which manifest as small red bumps on the skin may develop due to pet licking, or contact with surfaces that have deposit of the allergens.
5. Feelings of fullness, nasal congestion and sinus pressure
Since the allergens will cause inflammation of the nasal passages, breathing with the nose becomes hard especially when there is congestion. Inflammation will always lead to blockage of the nasal passage which causes sinus pressure, headaches, or even sinus infections.
6. Shortness of Breath or Chest Constriction
While for people with more severe allergic reactions, problems with breathing may occur. Pain or pressure in the chest, whistling or song-like breathing, or even signs of an asthma episode preclude easy breathing and may need action or treatment.
Cures And Management Strategies For Pet Allergies
While there is no universal cure for Pets Allergy there are several effective methods and approaches that might help cope with the allergy signs. If one wishes to stay comfortably with their pets it is possible to do so without excessive appeals while switching between changes in lifestyle and medicine.
1. Allergy Medications
Allergic reactions can be treated through the use of medicines that can lessen those symptoms experienced by an allergic individual. The most common treatments include:
Antihistamines
Nasal Sprays
Decongestants
Eye Drops
2. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy might also be prescribed for individuals with uncomplicated, or chronic allergies. Allergy shots also known as immunotherapy involves administering small doses of the allergen into your system in a span of time to help the body build tolerance. The treatment lasts for some years and at the end of the period the patient may never develop allergies again.
3. Air Purifiers
HEPA filters can successfully filter out airborne allergens including dander and dust while the air purifiers can offer cleaner air to be inhaled. In rooms where your pets stay, it is very essential to use air purifiers which will help to minimize levels of allergens in your house.
3. Air Purifiers
Thus, products, consisting of an air purifier with a HEPA filter can minimize airborne allergens including dander and dust in the air people breathe. Taking this note, air purifiers should be installed in areas of the house that the pets frequent and can go along away in reducing the levels of allergens in homes.
4. Regular Grooming and Cleaning
One way to minimize Pets Allergy is by bathing your pet often, trimming its hair and keeping your house clean.
Groom your pet frequently: It is recommended to bathe your pet frequently and brush your pet maintaining that it produces less dander. This should be done out of the house, especially if the family members are allergic to certain types of bugs.
Wash pet bedding and toys: Ensure you bathe your pet often and wash their toys, bed fabrics, and any cloth usually used by the pet. Rinse with hot water because allergens are killed effectively with hot water.
Vacuum and dust regularly: Always clean carpet and furniture using vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter. Dander can also be found settled on objects hence the need for regular vacuuming or dusting.
5. Designate Pet-Free Zones
Making some parts of the house no-pets zones makes it easier to get some time away from those allergens. Never allow pets in bedrooms and also ensure that pet doors to any areas in the house are shut.
6. Think about the Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
If you have very bad allergies to animal dander but don’t want to give up having pets then choosing to have a hypoallergenic breed is wise. Some breeds of dogs and cats cause less allergens compared to other breeds of with the same species. For instance, poodle, schnauzer, bichon frisé dogs do not produce as many allergy-provoking proteins as do other dogs; or Siberian or Balinese cats do not produce as many such proteins as any other cat.
Lifestyle Changes Which Can Be Used to Handle Pet Allergens
Understanding how Pets Allergy work does not always require a great deal of sacrifice. Reduction of the intensity of these reactions could thus come from small amendments that affect a person’s lifestyle greatly.
Limit close contact: Do not embrace a child or let your pet share your bed as this causes high exposure to the allergens.
Wash hands after touching your pet: Evaluating this minor practice, it makes sense to avoid re-directing the tiny allergen particles into the face which amplifies signs.
Ventilate your home: Ventilation prevents the build-up of allergens within the home environment. Use windows and when this cannot be done, make use of exhaust fans to have proper air flow.
FAQ’s
1. What causes pet allergies?
Pet allergies are formed by protein found in skin cells (dander), saliva, urine, and even fur. These are allergens that can float in the air and stick on the articles of furniture, garments, and carpets etc.
2. What if I get allergies do I have to release my pet?
Of course, those who suffer from some types of allergies can also stay with their pets by strictly minimizing contact with allergens. The following general measures – grooming, regular cleaning of home, air purifiers, and no pet zones – may minimize the symptoms.
3. What provera is suitable to treat allergy in pets?
Some of the medicines used in treating pet allergies are antihistamines, which are easily available over the counter. In more serious cases, the individual may benefit from immunotherapy which is also known as allergy shots.
Conclusion
Having Pets Allergy doesn’t mean having to get rid of the pet. Knowing what triggers an allergic reaction and the signs to look for and the use of correct therapies, a person can control allergic reactions. This means that from the moment you decide that you want to keep a certain pet you must be prepared to change your medication. As simple as it may sound, you do not have to stop having your pet around or even endure the sneezing, wheezing or itching eyes; there is always a way.
