Help! I'm Allergic to My Pet!
by Jane Webb(31)So you think you might be allergic to Fluffy or Fido? Does that mean you have to give up your pet? Probably not, but you may need to change a few things in your home.
What exactly are you allergic to?
You aren't actually allergic to your pet or even its fur, but proteins found in your pet's dander, (skin that flakes off, kind of like dandruff in humans) saliva and depending on the type of animal, its urine.
Cats are the culprit in most allergy cases. Since cats groom themselves by licking, their saliva is on their fur so any contact between an allergic person and their cat may produce symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
An allergy to an animal produces the same symptoms as other types of allergies. If you find you need an inhaler or that allergy medicine after you have been around animals, you are probably allergic. If your eyes get red and itchy or watery, your nose stuffy or runny or any rashes, you are probably allergic to the animal you were last around. Usually you will show symptoms within a short time of exposure to the animal.
What can you do?
Wash your hands after petting the animal. Your hands will be covered in dander and possibly saliva if you have been touching a cat that has been grooming itself.
Keep your pets off furniture and no matter how tempting it is, kick your dog or cat out of your bed at night.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dander in the air. An air purifier may help.
Rarely will you need to find another home for your pet. Often, an over the counter allergy medication will reduce or eliminate symptoms. If the allergy is severe and you can't part with your pet, see your doctor who will treat your symptoms adequately.
Are you allergic to your pet? I'd like to read your story. Please leave comments below or sign up to write about your experiences.
Article submitted Thursday, September 17, 2009 & read 76 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Teresa Ortiz (349 days 5 hours ago.)
Thanks for these tips! I am allegic to my dogs, but I still let them climb on my lap and lay by my neck. Washing my hands make a big difference!. Thanks again. Blessings to you! TeresaRespond to this comment
» left by Jane from I didn't log in. (341 days 3 hours ago.)
Hi Teresa. Thanks for reading my article and leaving a comment. I am allergic to cats, so we don't have them in our home. When I pet my dog, my hand has a slight film, I'm guessing that is the dander, so I wash my hands, just in case.
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