Allergies to Pets: Living Comfortably with Both
Submitted by Barb Cronin on Fri, 02/06/2009 - 05:12.
By Barb Cronin - Posted on February 6th, 2009
So if you're like me, you have pet allergies but still have pets. Yes, sounds crazy but if this is you (and it's definitely me) we're not alone. Studies show that many people with allergies to pets still own and live with pets.
In fact, one study revealed that about one third of the people with allergies to pets, in particular cats, live with at least one cat. The comfort and companionship of having a loving pet is unmatched. They don't talk back, complain or yell. I love my pets but I do have numerous allergies to pets.
Cats and dogs cause allergies by glands in their skin that secrete allergens. These allergens not only stick to the fur but also can become airborne. The allergens can also be found in the pet's saliva and urine. The allergens become airborne when the saliva dries. Contrary to popular belief there are really no "allergy free" pets.
So how do you keep your pet and still live a healthy and somewhat allergy free life? There are ways to do this, and studies show that most people with allergies to pets not only keep their pets but refuse to give them up even when recommended by a doctor and also get new ones when their pet dies.
If you fall into this group, (I know I do) there are a few simple steps you can take to make your life with your beloved pet pleasant for both the pet and you, or whoever in the house has allergies to pets.
5 Steps to Living with Allergies to Pets:
- Bathe your pet frequently. It's been shown that frequent washing (one time a week) of your pet reduces allergens on pet's fur by as much as 84%. Most pets fight the "bath" but will get accustomed to it if you do it regularly, even cats.
- Washing bed linens weekly, where dander tends to accumulate, and opt for impermeable covers for the mattress and bed pillows.
- Consider using a HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom and make the room of the person with allergies to pets a place that the pet is not allowed to go.
- Seek the advice of an allergist and get tested for allergies. Don't assume you have allergies to a pet; make sure this is the cause of your issue.
- There are numerous drug treatments to help people with allergies to pets (and other sources) feel better including an immunotherapy program or simply put allergy shots. There are also allergy medicines available both over the counter and prescription. I highly recommend avoiding all medications to treat allergies if at all possible. Consider allergy shots before loading up on daily doses of allergy medicine.
If you indeed have allergies to pets but can't part with your pet or live without a pet in your life consider these options to help cope with your (or a loved one's) allergies to pets.
