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Pets like Maggie can be cuddly & playful, and can even provide some real health benefits
to those around them like stress reduction and companionship.
But for some people, pets can cause problems ranging from annoying stuffy noses to serious
asthma attacks. If you've ever experienced discomfort around pets, you may be part of
the estimated 15 percent of the population that is allergic to certain animals. The good
news is you can still live happily with a furry friend -- or even visit with friends
who have pets, it just requires taking a moment to understand what's causing your allergic
condition and following few rules. Believe it or not, the allergy culprit isn't
the pet's hair. All animals, dog, cat, and even birds, secrete allergy causing proteins
that end up in dead skin that sheds away. This is called dander. Depending on the breed
of animal, this protein allergen can also show up in urine & saliva. Whatever the source,
the allergen can stick to the membranes that line our nose and eyes. For people with pet
allergies, their immune systems are hyper-sensitive and react to these allergens with inflammation.
The symptoms of Allergy inflammation include: -Rashes
-Itchy, watery eyes -Congestion, sneezing, & runny nose
-Coughing & wheezing, sometimes to the point of an asthma attack
If you have these problems around pets, there are steps you can take before banning your
loved one from the house. When choosing a pet to adopt, pick a breed
with short hair. The longer the hair, the more dander and other allergens in the great
outdoors will gather in the fur of an animal. Allergy sufferers sometimes pay extra for
non-allergenic, or hypoallergenic, pets. Unfortunately, the idea of a totally hypoallergenic pet is
an ideal. The fact is, some dog breeds shed less and secrete less allergens than other
breeds, making them easier for people with allergies to live with. All cats produce about
the same amount of allergens. Dander can stick to surfaces in your home
and stay potent for months. Follow these tips to minimize your exposure to dander
-Don't allow pets on the furniture. -If possible, avoid dander-gathering thick
carpets and cloth draperies -Wash your hands after playing with pets
-Bathe your pets weekly with an allergen reducing shampoo
-Use a high-efficiency HEPA air humidifier and HEPA filters on vents or air conditioners
-Make an "allergy safe" room where pets are never allowed.
Taking these steps won't let you totally escape the allergen. When symptoms are bad,
you can turn to medication for relief—though there is no cure for allergies. Talk to your
doctor to decide which of the following options is best for you:
-Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and have very few side effects if taken as a nasal
spray. -Various decongestants can be bought over
the counter, but check with your doctor before using any if you have high blood pressure.
-Antihistamines relieve itching, sneezing, and runny noses, but do nothing for nasal
congestion. So, you may get the most relief from combining these with corticosteroids
or decongestants. These can also help if you're visiting friends' with pets. Just remember,
you'll need to take them XX hours before you arrive.
-If medications are ineffective, or if you have severe allergies, your doctor may consider
immunotherapy shots. These desensitize the immune system to certain allergens. But, immunotherapy
treatment is expensive, time consuming, and a long-term commitment.
Choosing the right pet and reducing dander in your home can limit your exposure to pet
allergens, but it won't eliminate them altogether. If you or someone in your household suffers
from pet allergies, it doesn't mean you can't have that furry friend. But you'll
need to think twice about bringing a pet into your home.