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Do I Have to Part With My Pet If I Have Pet Allergies?
by: Larry Chamberlain
Aaaaaaachoo!
Sneezing? Wheezing? Nose runny, eyes itchy? You may be suffering
from the common cold. But if the condition has been hanging on for
two weeks, or more, you may be suffering from an allergy as opposed
to a cold. Your doctor may be the only one who can conclude if you
are experiencing an allergic reaction.
There are many types of allergies but being allergic to animals
is quite common. What happens if you discover you are susceptible
to pet allergies?
Does this mean that your faithful dog, loving cat or beautiful
rabbit has to go?
Some people that have allergies can continue to live with their
pet. It depends upon the severity of your allergies and whether
or not you are prepared to make some changes and live within a few
rules. If your allergic reaction to your pet is on the moderate
side, you may be able to reduce your suffering by reducing the amount
of animal allergens you come in contact with.
Up to 15% of the population are allergic to domestic animals and
approximately one third of those continue to live with their pet.
For many the pleasure of owning a pet outweighs the burden and discomfort
of pet allergies.
If your allergies make life miserable for you, but are non life
threatening, you may be able to reduce the symptoms by taking the
following actions.
If you suffer from allergies, and share your living space with
an animal, it is extremely important to keep dust and dust mites
to a minimum in your home. The microscopic skin particles that are
cast off by dogs, cats, hamsters and other pets are known as dander,
and can quickly spread throughout your home and cause allergic reactions
for anyone who has a pet allergy.
Never sleep with your pet. You would be breathing in dander for
the whole time that you are asleep. Best make your bedroom a no
go area for your pets, keep your bedroom door closed and don't allow
your pet in. Although you cannot completely prevent dander from
getting into your bedroom, keeping the animal out will greatly reduce
the level of pet allergen in that room. Buy a low cost vinyl encasing
for your mattress, this will keep down the dander that resides within
your bed. Wash blankets, sheets and pillow cases frequently.
Where you can replace your carpets. A non porous flooring such
as hardwood, tile, vinyl or linoleum will contain far less allergen
than carpeting. Where you do have carpets have them cleaned regularly
and vacuum frequently - and use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate
Air) vacuum filter.
Consider replacing fabric furniture covered for leather or vinyl
furniture and replacing your curtains with plastic blinds, an expense
but doing so will help reduce the effect of your pet allergies.
Bath your pet frequently, at least once a week and you will greatly
diminish the amount of dander residing in your pet's fur (by up
to 80%). Contrary to popular belief cats can be bathed, get someone
to help and ask your veterinarian for advice on how to do this properly.
Damp wipe all surfaces once per week, pet allergens are airborne
and will stick to most anything. Don't forget to wipe down your
pet's toys they will be harboring allergens.
Washing off or changing the filter in your heating cooling system
will help. Consider purchasing a HEPA air cleaner, they can reduce
allergens in the home and increase comfort for those who suffer
with pet allergies.
Talk to your doctor about your commitment to keeping your pet.
If he/she considers that your pet allergy is not life threatening
he/she may understand your reluctance to part with your animal companion.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be prescribed and may help you,
together with the steps above, to continue to enjoy the company
of your cat, dog, hamster or rabbit.
About The Author
Larry Chamberlain If you have a pet related web site and you wish
to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided
the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource
box and live link to http://www.best-cat-art.com/.
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