Author: Mike Mathews
Many people are allergic to the family pet and research has
shown that people are allergic to cats about twice as
frequently as dogs. Getting rid of the beloved family pet is
usually not an option. Therefore we have to learn how to live
with our allergies by learning how to manage them. Most people
think that allergies are caused by cat or dog hair but that is
not really the problem. Allergic reactions are caused by
proteins called allergens that come from oil glands in the skin
and are shed as dander allergens. Allergens are also found in
the saliva and urine of cats and dogs. Allergens are very
pervasive and cling to clothes, furniture fabric and shoes. Cat
allergens have been found in houses many months after the cat
has departed and have also been found many houses of people
that never owned a cat. Dander allergens are really dead skin
cells that can be transferred to your pet's fur when they clean
and lick themselves. A major problem for individuals predisposed
to allergies occurs when they inhale airborne pet dander
allergens. Allergic reactions result when minute particles of
dander fool our immune systems into thinking that the dander is
an invading antibody. Our immune system releases histamines to
fight the "dander" antibody which results in the familiar
sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching eyes and difficult
breathing. The first exposure to an allergen doesn't usually
trigger symptoms and it takes multiple exposures over a period
of weeks or months to produce full blown reactions. So how do
we cope or manage the situation so that we can live with our
cat or dog?
We can first find out if we are really allergic to the family
pet, or something else like dust, pollen or mold, by visiting
an allergist physician and getting tested for various
allergens. If your allergic reactions are severe then the
allergist may recommend allergy shots to desensitize your
reaction to dander allergens. Next you can try and allergen
proof your home by getting rid of your carpets and replacing
your curtains with vertical blinds. Easily washed surfaces can
eliminate a lot of dander allergens. If you have wall-to-wall
carpeting then have it steam cleaned fairly often. If possible
install air cleaners and air filters and vacuum often with a
vacuum cleaner with a high allergen containment rating.
Restrict your pet's access to your bed and bedroom and try to
keep pets off the chairs and sofa that you regularly use. Try
to minimize the dander allergens on your pets by washing them
weekly with a special moisturizing allergy shampoo. Obviously,
it is easier to do with a dog than a cat. Wash your hands
frequently when playing with or grooming your pet. Try spraying
your pet's coat with an anti-allergy spray that helps eliminate
allergens. Try to groom your pet frequently as the combing and
brushing will help stimulate a healthy skin. Try and do the
grooming outside your house and if possible get someone else to
do the grooming. If it isn't possible then wear rubber gloves
and a mask to reduce your exposure to the dander. Finally, if
you are getting a new cat or dog, you may want to try and get a
breed that produces less dander. All pets produce some dander -
even the so-called hypoallergenic pure-bred and hybrid designer
breeds. Smaller pets produce less dander than larger pets.
Light-colored and short haired cats seem to produce less
dander. In dogs, many of the non-shedding or low-shedding
breeds may also produce less dander. See the Dog Allergies
section of www.dog-breed-facts.com/dog-allergies.html for a
list of dog breeds that should produce less dander.
About The Author: Mike Mathews is an editor and regular
contributor to the popular dog breed information site
http://www.dog-breed-facts.com . He recently added a new
section on Dog Allergies that shows allergy sufferers how to
cope with their allergic reactions to dogs - which can be found
at http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/dog-allergies.html
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