Know the truth about pet allergies
By Arlena Fodd, special to Arcamax If you suffer from pet allergies, you are among 10 to 15 percent of the population. Furthermore, cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies.
When a human experiences an allergic reaction to a pet, it is caused by the body's reaction to a certain allergen (a specific protein). These allergens are found in:
~ Pet saliva
~ Urine
~ Dander (dead skin and flakes)
There are ways to prevent allergic reactions to your pets, but it is important to be able to separate myth from fact.
Myth: Pet fur causes allergies to act up.
It is not pet fur, but the allergies that cling to fur, carpets and furniture that creates an allergic reaction. Little tiny flakes of dead skin can also float through the air and cause sensitive people to react. Did you know cat allergens can cause allergic symptoms for three years after the pet is gone?
Myth: People with pet allergies should only own non-allergenic breeds.
All animals have skin and are therefore subject to dander. Because of this, there is really no non-allergenic breed to speak of. Some breeds may be less irritating, depending on individual sensitivities.
Myth: I haven't started sneezing yet, so I will be ok.
Allergic reactions to pets usually peak within 12 hours of exposure. So simply because you aren't irritated the moment you walk through the door, it doesn't mean you're not going to be later.
Myth: I am allergic to pets, so I can never have one.
Don't despair. Not all of the pet-allergic people out there are doomed to live a life without a four-legged or feathered companion. Depending upon a person's sensitivity, it is possible to reduce allergens in the home, thereby reducing allergic reactions.
Cats seem to be the most allergenic pets due to secretions of an allergen called Fel d1 that are transferred to the fur when the cat is cleaning itself. Male cats produce more Fel d1 than females.
Urine from cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice can also cause allergic reactions to flare up.
Myth: Younger animals are just as likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Baby animals don't have old skin so they don't have dander. It takes a few months for kittens and puppies to produce allergens. Sometimes people get young animals and have no trouble, but then have to get rid of the animals when they begin to mature.
Try these suggestions to reduce exposure to pesky pet allergens:
- Cover your mattress and pillow with plastic covers to keep them clean.
- Install hard wood flooring and use washable throw rugs, which are easier to clean.
- Make it a point to clean often.
- Use HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner.
- Keep bedroom doors closed and pets out.
- Brush your pets outside and clean yourself up immediately (you may also want to cover your mouth and nose to prevent inhalation of dander).
- Talk to your doctor about allergy medications.
- Consider keeping your pets outside.
- Fish and reptiles make great pets too.
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Author Arlena Fodd is the publisher of the Fodd Allergy website which is a great resource for information on all allergies. You can find more of her allergy-related articles at http://www.foddallergy.com/articleallergy/
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