Does being close or touching of that fluffy Chihuahua trigger your allergies and have you wheezing and sneezing again?
Well, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over 132 million adorable reasons for that, which is the number of cats and dogs living in pet-friendly households worldwide.
However, while these cute four-legged friends are by far the most reliable companion animals, according to ByPurify, they are not the only creatures behind the exasperating symptoms of pet allergies.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
There are varieties of pets that can trigger your allergies: from birds to ferrets and hamsters. Just about any animal with dander has the potential to bring susceptible people down with a suite of allergy symptoms.
However, it is important to realize that it is not pet hair or the flaky, dandruff-like dander itself that mostly triggers these unwanted reactions. It is a particular type of protein in the dander that causes such results. You can also find these allergens in your cat’s or dog’s saliva and urine. Add that to the fact that these allergens are tiny, easily airborne, and ubiquitous. It makes sense to the ambiguity of how some people can develop pet allergy symptoms by merely walking into an empty room.
Fortunately for anyone affected by these allergens, there are simple ways to help you manage this allergies-no matter the effect. However, you first need to make sure you pay a visit to the allergist, who can help identify which specific allergen is triggering your symptoms. If you know what precise allergen bursts out the sneezes, asthma attacks or itchiness, then you can follow these tips to make your life easier.
Enjoy Time with Your Favorite Companions with These Tips on How to Cope and Manage Your Pet Allergies
They say the best way to avoid an adverse reaction is to prevent the response by all means. However, what do you do when you love your dog? Here are some simple methodologies to implement:
#01. Keep Your Bedroom Pet-Free
Your bedroom is your sanctuary. So, keeping pets away from this sacred area can significantly decrease levels of allergens.
You should also consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows, both for your room and your child’s since allergen particles access your room through your clothes and other objects that can accumulate them.
#02. Invest in the Best Tools for the Job with a Specialized Air Purifier and Vacuum Cleaner
Make sure that you use an air purifier that specifically targets pet dander such as the IQAir HealthPro Plus and vacuum regularly with a vacuum cleaner for pet hair throughout your home since they help to capture 99.99% of microns. Investing in a robust, functional and budget-friendly system helps in reducing your allergic reactions.
You also need to stay away from dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors.
Ensure that you also frequently and thoroughly clean couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds to remove dust and allergens (protein-based dander).
#03. Bathe and Groom Your Pet Regularly
Bathe and groom your pet on a regular basis. Doing so helps in reducing the level of allergens on fur by at most 90%.
Even though some shampoos and fur products claim to reduce allergens by 90% when sprayed, a weekly bath is more effective. You also need to know that dogs are not the only pets that need a shower; you can accustom your cat to enjoy the bubbles too. You can check with your veterinarian’s staff or an online pet care helpline for directions on how to do this correctly, and use whatever shampoo your veterinarian recommends.
#04. Do Not Jump to Conclusions; Consult the Services of Your Allergist First
We all look for someone to blame when things go wrong, and in this case, most of us blame our pets for our allergies.
Visit your allergist and have him/her test you for allergic reactions to pet dander, rather than making blind assumptions. You should also understand that allergies are cumulative.
Most allergy sufferers are sensitive and prone to more than one allergen. Therefore, if you are allergic to dust, pollen, smoke and dog dander, you will have to, one way or another, reduce the overall allergen level in your environment.
You can do this by concentrating on all of the culprits, not just the pet allergy. For example, you might need to avoid cigarette smoke.
#05. Seek Out Immunotherapy Shots
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) will help in improving the symptoms. One thing, however, is that they cannot eliminate them entirely. Allergy shots work by gradually desensitizing a person’s immune system to the pet allergens.
Your allergist injects allergy-causing proteins under your skin, thus triggering your body to produce antibodies (protective proteins), which then block the pet allergen from erupting any unwanted reaction.
Allergy patients are usually given one dose per week for a few weeks to months (depending on the severity of the allergy) and one injection per month.
So, instead of thinking of ways to lock up your pet in that tightly closed space, enjoy your time with them. No problem is unsolvable!
