Living with a Pet While Suffering from Pet Allergies
The majority of families in the United States enjoy sharing their home with a beloved pet. In fact, almost 70% of US households include a pet as part of the family. When you do the math, it shows there are close to 100 million pets nationwide. Some of these pet owners are defying the odds as they suffer from pet allergies, but still manage to find a way to keep a pet at home.
Pet allergies are extremely common. People who suffer from them are subject to allergic reaction from animal dander, saliva or urine. Pets can also trap pollens and spores from the outdoors and bring them in on their fur. This introduces other allergens to the home. Despite their allergies, as many as 25% of people with pet allergies continue to keep pets at home and often indoors.
Pet Allergy Symptoms
Common symptoms those with pet allergies suffer from include:
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Hives
These symptoms can be seen in both children and adults. The symptoms of those who live with furry, hairy pets such as cats or dogs are pronounced due to the constant exposure to allergens, compared to those who choose not to live with animals.
Pet Allergy Solutions
Some people think the solution is to keep their pets outdoors. While this sounds good in theory, pet dander and other pet allergens eventually make their way into a house, carried in on our clothing and shoes as we care for and interact with our outdoor pet.
For people who insist on keeping pets indoors and trying to live with them, despite allergies, one of the best policies to follow is to not allow the pet into your sleeping quarters at all. Try to maintain this room as a safe haven, not allowing the pet to enter the room at all. Since you occupy this room more than any other room of the house, sleeping here approximately eight hours a day, you can minimize contact with pet allergens this way.
If you have pet allergies, try not to hug or kiss your pet. Pet him, speak to him lovingly and provide for his needs to show him how much you care. After petting, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you have a cat, get someone without allergies to take responsibility for cleaning the litter box. If you have upholstered furniture, try to not allow your animals to sit, lay or climb on it. If you do, keep washable covers on the furniture and launder them regularly.
Be sure to bathe your pet often to keep dander at a minimum. Your pet should be washed weekly. Special shampoo products can help to neutralize or reduce skin allergens to help you cohabitate easier with your pet. Get someone who isn’t allergic to brush the pet regularly outside. If you have carpet or rugs, vacuum at least daily, if not multiple times daily, to remove pet hair and dander. It is best to pull up carpet and rugs to eliminate surfaces for allergens to get trapped in.
Pet Allergy Treatments
If you decide to live with a pet, despite your allergies, talk to your allergist about treatments to help you coexist peacefully. Allergy shots can help reduce or eliminate any symptoms of pet allergies, making it possible for you to live under the same roof alongside your furry best friend.
Allergy and Asthma Consultants
Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.
Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.
CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490
