How to Treat Pet Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are about 4 pets for every 10 people in the United States. Between 10 and 30 percent of people who suffer some type of allergic reaction are allergic to dogs and cats (see Resources below).

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Know the Cause of Pet Allergies

1. Know that pet dander, urine or saliva is the culprit in producing an allergic response. The hair is often thought to be the allergen, but it is the collection of dander and other allergens on the hair that is the problem.
2. Understand that pet dander (dead skin that is shed) can be in homes without pets. It can be transported on clothing by anyone who comes into contact or close proximity to a cat or dog.
3. Realize that cat allergies are more common than dog allergies. Many people with cat allergies complain of having asthma attacks or chronic asthma.
4. Consider that one may be allergic to some breeds of dogs, while other breeds do not cause an allergic response. Breeds such as poodles are among those that do not shed. Even though it isn't the hair that's the culprit, hair carries the dander.

Find the Right Treatment for Pet Allergies

5. Visit your allergy doctor for a skin test or a RAST test to make sure your allergic reaction is to the pet and not a substance (shampoo, cologne or outdoor pollen) that is on the pet.
6. Avoid exposure or contact with all cats or dogs if you have a severe reaction to the pet allergen. Medication may be required in some instances to treat the symptoms.
7. Determine if keeping your pet out of the bedroom will eliminate the problem. Keep the room clean and the door closed to reduce the chance for allergens to float in.
8. Use a high-efficiency air cleaner with a HEPA filter designed to capture at least 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter.
9. Have someone treat your pet to a weekly bath with a thorough brushing to remove any loose hair.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, get rid of all carpets in the house. If you can't get rid of all of them, get rid of as much as possible. Animal allergens will stick to surfaces. Hardwood or vinyl floors are much easier to clean.
• The best way to treat allergies to pets may be to choose fish, turtle or lizards. Avoiding fur and feathers may be the only solution in the case of severe allergic reactions.

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