Pet allergies can develop at any point in a person’s life – even if you’ve always had pets. Just how do you know whether you’ve got a pet allergy? This post delves into some of the telltale signs, as well as some advice for living with a pet allergy.
What causes a pet allergy?
Allergies are the result of the immune system misinterpreting a non-harmful substance as a threat. This causes the immune system to react as if that substance were a poison or a virus.
A pet allergy is triggered by contact with proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. Shedded fur can cause allergic reactions too, although this is generally not caused by the fur itself but because of saliva and skin cells (dander) within the fur.
Cats are the most common animal to be allergic to, followed by dogs. Other animal allergies are less common, but can still occur.
What are the signs of a pet allergy?
If you are having an allergic reaction to one of your pets, you will usually start experiencing one of the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
Other symptoms that some people can experience include:
- Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing
- Coughing
- Skin rashes or hives
How to tell if pets are the problem?
It’s possible that you could be allergic to something other than your pets. Hay fever, dust mite allergies and mold allergies can all display similar symptoms, so you may need to rule these out first. You should also make sure that it’s not a cold or a sinus infection.
A simple way to determine whether your pets are the problem or not is to spend some time away from your pets. This could include getting away from your home and wearing fresh clothes that aren’t likely to have hair on them.
Can I still live with my pet?
The good news is that you don’t have to get rid of your pet. In cases where an allergy is fairly mild, it’s usually possible to continue living with a pet – however you should be diligent with cleaning and limit physical contact with your pet (such as letting a dog lick your face).
Taking antihistamines each day should help you to overcome symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. Compare reviews to find the best rated antihistamines so that they are likely to be effective.
There are also ways to solve breathing problems such as practicing breathing techniques and making sure that your home is well ventilated. You can also ask a doctor to prescribe you an inhaler.
If you’ve got an allergy and have been thinking about getting a pet cat or dog, it’s also worth noting that some breeds may be better suited than others. For example, low-shedding dog breeds tend to result in less allergy symptoms than high-shedding dog breeds. Also, consider feeding your dog Nextrition since it’s great for their skin and coat.
Is there a cure for pet allergies?
There is sadly no current cure for pet allergies. Once you’ve developed an allergy, you’ll likely have it for life. There are occasions where allergies can fade away on their own, however there are also cases where allergies can progressively get worse. All in all, allergies are very unpredictable.
One long-term solution could be to look into immunotherapy using allergy shots. This can give people a temporary immunity for several months but is not effective for everyone.