Trick allergies & love your pets

Pets! It is such a great feeling cuddling and snuggling with these warm, furry beings. They stir emotions, are great stress busters, and can almost get away with murder with those innocent ‘it simply happened’ looks. But then they can also be the cause for those repeated allergy bouts.

WTN speaks about the causes, dealing with them and more

Pet allergies are common, but it can aggravate for those already suffering from other allergies, respiratory infections and asthma.

Some facts

Our immune system is quite apt at identifying the bacteria and viruses and shooing them away. But those with sensitive immune system can react to harmless proteins in the pet’s dander (dead skin flakes) urine or saliva. These substances are allergens that stick (allergens are sticky) to the wall, furniture, clothes etc, and other places and stay even for months. And these allergens come in contact with the membranes that line the eyes and nose.

Symptoms

· Asthmatic attack

· Shortness of breath

· Stuffy nose & inflamed eyes

· Coughing, wheezing, congestion

· Facial pain due to nasal congestion

· Rashes on face, neck and upper chest

· Swelling, itching of eyes &nose membranes

What causes pet allergies?

It is a misconception that the pet’s hair or fur cause allergy. In fact, the dander, saliva and urine are to be blamed.

Sometimes, you may suffer from pet allergy even if you don’t own a pet. This is because people, who own pets or might have simply patted one, carry these allergens on their clothing and could have come visiting you. And these allergens come in contact with the membranes that line the eyes and nose. Also, you may hold your pet responsible for your sneezing and coughing bouts which in reality should be the pollens or molds that the pets carry.

Are there hypoallergenic pet?

Believe the experts when they say hypoallergenic pets do not exist. However, there are dogs and cat breeds that shed less fur/hair. Example, the American Bedlington terrier, bichon frise, Chinese crested, Irish water spaniel, , Maltese, poodle, schnauzer, soft-coated Wheaten terrier, and xoloitzcuintli – the Mexican hairless dog are known as low-dander breeds. On the other hand, breeds like cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, basset hounds, West Highland white terriers, dachshunds, Labrador and golden retrievers, and German shepherds have hereditary dandruff problems.

Similarly, Siberian and Russian blue care are said to be less allergenic.

Best way to combat allergens

Maintain distance: Though difficult, try not to pat, kiss or come in direct contact with your pet.  If you do, wash your hands immediately. Also, your bedroom must always be closed and the pet kept away from it.

Keep the pet out of home: Make a separate home (kennel for dogs) outside your home.

No carpets/rugs: Bare floors are best. But if you still want to have a carpet, make sure it is with a low pile and steam clean it frequently.

Use vacuum: Vacuuming cleaning ensures every nook and corner of your home, furniture etc is allergen-free. Do it regularly.

Change clothes & linens: After prolonged exposure with the pet, change into fresh clothes. Also, it is important to have fresh linens and curtains every few days.

Bathe & brush ritual: Make sure you give your pet a weekly bath and brush it out of the house.

Avoid central heating or AC: Using the AC or central heat can spread the dander into the remotest corner.

-windowtonews