Allergic To Pets

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that 10 percent of the human population has allergies to pets. Signs may include sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, nasal congestion, skin reactions and potentially life-threatening asthma. While cat and dog allergies are most common, allergies to birds, rabbits, ferrets, rodents and farm animals also occur.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergens are small proteins that elicit a response by the immune system. In allergic patients, this response is exaggerated, leading to a cascade of immunological events that end in the clinical signs that we describe as allergies. Most people think of hair and dander (dead skin) as the most common allergens, but allergens are also present in the saliva, sebaceous glands, anal sac secretions in cats and dogs, as well as the urine and droppings of rodents and birds. While some people are allergic to multiple species of animals, others are allergic to only one.

If you suspect that you have allergies, it is important to consult with your physician, who may recommend medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) to control your symptoms. The ideal treatment for allergies is to avoid the offending allergen, and your doctor may recommend that your pet be removed from the household. Despite such recommendations, many allergic people still choose to share a home with a pet.

Hypoallergenic Pets

While there are companies currently working on genetically creating hypoallergenic pets, if you want a hypoallergenic animal, it is probably best to get a fish. However, some animals seem to elicit less of an immune response in allergic individuals. Dogs that have limited shedding, including the standard poodle, Kerry blue terrier, puli and bichon frise, tend to be less allergenic. For those with cat allergies, the Devon rex, Cornish rex and Sphinx cats may cause fewer allergic signs.

There are ways to limit exposure to household pets and limit the allergen concentration in the home. These environmental management strategies require lifestyle changes for both the humans and the animals in the household.

It is important to establish pet-free areas in the house. These areas should include the bedrooms. Depending on your pet and the severity of your allergies, you may even consider other strategies such as creating a safe environment for your pet outdoors or changing a spare bedroom into your pet room. A pet room should provide comfort and environmental enrichment for your pet, and family members must give quality attention to the pet each day.

Reducing the allergens on your pet

Because allergens are present in the saliva and glandular secretions, allergens can not be eliminated from the animal. However, bathing your pet at least once weekly may help to remove surface allergens. Wiping the animal with a wet cloth daily or using a commercial product designed for allergies may be beneficial in some cases. None of these methods, however, have been scientifically proven.

Minimizing direct exposure to pet allergens

Because allergens stick to our clothing and hands, care should be taken to limit extended contact with hair, dander and saliva. After brushing or petting, wash your hands thoroughly to remove the allergens. Additionally, consider changing your clothes after contact with your pet. Many people wear a robe or jacket when interacting with their pet that can be easily removed afterwards. Pets should not be allowed to sleep on clean clothing, bedding or pillows. A mask, gloves and protective eyewear may be necessary when handling your pet.

Because allergens can concentrate on carpet, rugs, furniture and items such as wall hangings, curtains and decorative objects, it is best to choose home furnishings that will be least likely to harbor allergens. Choosing hardwood or vinyl flooring, leather or wood furniture, vertical plastic blinds and easy-to-clean decorative pieces will reduce the allergen concentration in the house.

Maintaining a clean environment

Increasing air circulation, maintaining clean ducts and furnace filters, and using an air filter will help to manage airborne allergens. In addition, regular vacuuming, dusting and cleaning of household surfaces will limit accumulation of allergen particles in the home.

These management strategies may alleviate clinical signs for some, but for individuals with severe allergies and asthma, it may still be necessary to find new homes for pets due to the potentially life-threatening nature of these diseases.