Saturday, May 9, 2009

Pet Allergies

Unlike any other allergies, pet allergy is probably the most common cause of allergic reactions to children or adults. The earlier a child is exposed to house pets, the higher the chance of being allergic to it. This allergy stays with the child as he grows.

Some of us get allergic reactions when we get too close to a certain animal or even by being inside a room with it. This is called pet allergy wherein our body produces an allergy-causing antibody for a particular allergen (or animal protein) and from then on, our body will be sensitive to this allergen once exposed the next time around.

Common domestic house pets are dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, horses and mice. Some even own iguanas, monkeys and wild cats. This is allowed as long as the pet owners follow certain regulations in getting any exotic or extinct animals as pets. Parents take the initiative to have pets primarily for companionship a pet can give and because pets help teach the basic meaning of responsibility to children. A child learns to feed, bathe and play with his pet giving him the sense of responsibility that he needs to take care of his pet for it to live healthy.

So what causes pet allergy? The allergy usually comes from the pet’s sheds and this skin flakes (or dander) and not the hair like most of us thought of. The dander is airborne and may be present in the air for a certain period of time that’s why the risk of getting allergic reaction is likewise lengthened. A pet allergy may also be from the animal’s saliva and urine. An animal’s saliva may remain on the furniture, beddings, clothing and carpets.

There have been a few breeds of pets that may be less allergy causing. Having a short haired pet dog does not necessarily mean it produces less dander. We just have to ask an expert more about these breeds.

Some of the symptoms of having pet allergy include sneezing and coughing, nasal congestion, itchy and reddening of the eyes, facial pressure and pain, itchy nose, mouth or throat, itchy skin with some red patches, difficulty in breathing and asthmatic symptoms for the more serious cases.

When these pet allergy symptoms are already being experienced for a week or so, it is only proper to see your doctor immediately.

Treatment of Pet Allergy

1. Avoid allergy-causing animals
2. Take medications as advised by your doctor. Available drugs are antihistamines, corticosteroids or decongestants or asthma medications if needed
3. Immunotherapy
4. Saline sprays or nasal lavage


For more articles about Kinds of Allergies, visit: myhealthguides.net/topics/allergies

No comments:

Post a Comment