Allergies to our Pets

Our pets fill our lives with joy and companionship but for some pet owners the friendship they bring comes with faults. Approximately 15% of people are allergic to dogs or cats and at least 1/3 of them continue to own pets. Allergic people are often told to get rid of their pets, but most pet owners do not consider this a viable option. Many of these pet owners even get new pets after a previous one has died, which shows that pet companionship is often more valuable than clear sinuses. People with mild to moderate allergies can live comfortably with their pets despite being allergic by changing their environment.

The first step is to create a part of the house – generally the bedroom – that is an allergy free area. NO pets are allowed in this area!! Place a HEPA air filter in this room. Try to limit the amount of carpeted floors, cloth curtains, fabric furniture and blinds as these collect dust and dander. Frequent and thorough cleaning should be performed to remove dust and dander, including shampooing carpets and furniture and washing pillows and pet beds. Bathing your pet, even your cat, weekly, will control pet dander. Most people with allergies have more than one allergen, and controlling the other allergens may reduce the overall symptoms. Ask your allergist to specify what you are sensitive to and try to eliminate other allergens from your environment. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can also improve symptoms by gradually desensitizing the immune system.
If you are considering acquiring a new pet and know you are pet-allergic, be sure you are ready to handle the consequences that owning a pet will bring to you. There are no breeds that are non-allergenic. Even hairless breeds can cause allergic people to react, although dogs tend to be less allergenic than cats and dogs with soft coats that don’t have seasonal shedding (such as poodles or Bichon Frise’s) can be less irritating.