Unfortunately, many people suffer from allergies to animals. It is very sad when people who are attached to their dog or cat suffer from severe allergies to it and have to choose between keeping their pet at home and suffering from allergies at the same time, and finding new owners for her.
Risk factors. Everyone can develop an allergy to a pet at any age. Most people suffering from pet allergies are often susceptible to other types of allergies, such as pollen or mold. This is due to hereditary reasons, i.e. if your parents suffer from allergies, then it is likely that you will also manifest it. According to research, approximately 15% of the population are allergic to dogs or cats.
What part of the animal do people have allergies to? People who are allergic to animals often suffer from allergic reactions to skin particles (dandruff), saliva and urine. Since dogs and cats are the most popular pets, they are the first in the list of animals to which people are most often allergic. However, people are often allergic to pets such as birds, hamsters, rabbits, mice, mini piggies, as well as horses, goats and cows. Allergies are more common on some of the listed animals than on others.
What are the signs of allergies to pets? Allergies to pets are most often manifested in the form of watery eyes, allergic rhinitis, asthma attacks, skin rashes. Often these symptoms are mistaken for symptoms of other diseases, and only away from animals after a few days the symptoms disappear, appearing again when a person comes into contact with an animal to which he has developed an allergy.
Are there hypoallergenic dog breeds? Unfortunately, there are no such breeds, just as there are no non-dominant dogs. Absolutely all dogs are subject to molting, to a greater or lesser extent. It should be remembered that it is not wool that causes allergies, but small skin particles that crumble together with the faded wool (dandruff). Some breeds are less prone to dandruff (poodles, terriers and schnauzers).
People who are allergic to pets such as cats and dogs can get fish or reptiles as a pet.
How can I reduce an allergic reaction to a pet? If you or a member of your family are susceptible to allergic reactions to pets, you can use the following tips to reduce their manifestations. Even if you do not suffer from this problem, pay attention to these tips, because among your guests there may be people suffering from allergies to animals.
- We spend from one third to half of our lives in the bedroom. Try not to let your pet into it.
- Install a good air cleaner.
- Eliminate drafts in the bedroom.
- Clean the house regularly with a vacuum cleaner.
- Bathe your pet regularly.
- Do not let your pet lie on beds, sofas and armchairs.
- Do not let your pet ride in the car on the seat. Use a special coating for it (litter, cover).
- Take care of the cleanliness and health of your pet’s skin: provide him with proper nutrition and the necessary multivitamin supplements.
- Let your pet spend more time outdoors.
- Wash your hands thoroughly thoroughly after taking care of your pet.
- Consult with your doctor regarding possible immunotherapy or anti-allergic treatment.
For people suffering from allergies to pets, not having a pet or putting it in other hands is in most cases not the best way out. And it will be very difficult to avoid contact with animals, because they are an integral part of our life. Taking the necessary measures, we can reduce the manifestations of allergic reactions, and thereby ensure the joy of communicating with cute pets.