Tips to alleviate allergies to Pet

[london]

Cause

The protein found in pet's saliva, dander and urine is what makes people get an allergic reaction to pets. The body some times overreacts and thinks the protein as a foreign particle and tries to attack it with antibodies. This over reaction is what causes the allergic symptoms.

People with history of allergy are usually allergic to dead pet dander/skin, saliva and urine which contain the protein. However, the most common allergen is pet dander. Since dander is the most common culprit, it is best to frequently wash, groom and keep the pet clean.

Symptoms

Reactions may be in form of red skin, itchy stuffy nose or inflamed eyes. In some cases It may result in asthma. Skin or blood test can diagnose the condition and exposure to the pet.

Treatment

Hypo-Allergenic Pet: Unfortunately there are no groups of pets one can say are hypo-allergenic. The best way to find out allergies to pet is to perform a test or spend a brief moment with a pet. A person may be allergic to one pet and not to another. In that case a solution can be reached by keeping a pet that you are not allergic to. The protein in cat (glycoprotein, Fel d1) is different then the protein in dog (lipocalin, Can f 1 and Can f 2). If a person is allergic to dog saliva does not necessarily make them allergic to cat saliva. The most commonly recommended dog for folks with Pet allergies are Poodles or Cocker Spaniel. Note if you are severly allergic then any dog will cause an allergy attack.

Pet Alternatives: Love for pets can be kept alive through other ways, not necessarily by having a pet at home. Kids with allergies should avoid keeping pets. Occasional visits to zoo and museums, nature parks could be used as an alternative. One could keep pets without furs – fish, turtles etc.

House : When there is severe allergy to pet then even visiting friends and families who have pets can be problematic. Ask family member with pets to clean the furniture, carpet, walls, woodwork, scrupulously before you pay a visit. All sofa, bedding must be washed in 140 degree hot water at least twice. Steam vapor cleaning is very useful. Allergens can stick to carpets very easily. Stay away from carpets that the pet might have come in contact. Walk on non-carpeted area of the house i.e. hardwood floors, ceramic tiles etc.

Pet care: After petting an animal wash hands immediately. Sprays are available which reduce dander. Regular visits to veterinarian can also help.

Air Filter: Adding HEPA air filter to central heating and air conditioner is very useful in removing pet dander.

Medication: Treatment is symptomatic depending on what reaction a person has to the pet. A soothing cream for rash, eye drops for inflamed eyes, nasal decongestion for stuffy nose. A dose of anti-histamine should be immediately administered. Prescription medicine like Zyrtec or Singular can help or non-prescription medicine like Claritin can help.

Prevention is better than cure applies here. So avoiding contact with pets is the best way to reduce allergic reaction.