Common Questions about Pet Allergies

MoreFrom HelloLife

• Safely and quickly starts relieving allergy symptoms due to hay fever (allergic rhinitis) including itching, sneezing, coughing, congestion and headache
• Provides safe non-addictive, non-drowsy relief without the negative side effects commonly associated with other allergy symptom relief medications

Learn more about Claritose

What is the cause of pet allergies?

Pet allergies are caused from dander or saliva from a pet. Dander is the tiny particles that an animal sheds from their skin, feathers or hair that cause allergic reactions in some humans. The saliva of an animal can also cause an allergic reaction to a pet for some people. Dander and saliva can stick to virtually anything, causing some people's allergies to be worse than others.

What are the symptoms of pet allergies?

Depending on the severity, most people who are allergic will encounter:

• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes and throat
• Wheezing

What pets cause the most allergic reaction?

Cats are proven to cause the most allergic reactions because when they clean themselves their saliva sticks to their hair and then dries and releases into the air. Approximately 11 million people are most allergic to cats. About 15 percent of people are allergic to other animals than cats.

How are pet allergies determined?

Pet allergies are determined by skin and/or blood tests. They are even tested simply by removing the animal from a pet owner's home for a short period of time to see if a conclusion can be drawn that way. If possible, remove the pet for a longer period of time in which a thorough cleaning is completed, removing hair and dander.

How can I minimize my pet allergies if I have a pet?

• Wash all bedding frequently.
• Keep pets away from furniture that cannot be washed because their dander sticks to soft surfaces such as that.
• Change home filters frequently since dander is easily airborne.
• Limit the number of rooms your pet is allowed in.
• Use HEPA filters to clean the air in your home. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Groom your pet often.
• Wash hands frequently when touching your pet.
• If your allergies are severe enough, keep your pet outside if at all possible. If not possible, find a new home for your pet. It can take several months to completely rid your home of all pet dander after the pet is removed.
• Vitamin supplements given to your pet can help reduce the amount of dander produced and keep their skin healthy.
• You can also take a vitamin supplement that can help the irritation of the dander.

How can I minimize my pet allergies if I do not have a pet?

• Wash hands frequently when around a pet.
• Bring your own pillow when staying with someone who has a pet.
• Avoid all pet exposure if possible.
• Take a vitamin supplement regularly if you know you will be spending a significant amount of time near a pet.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/how-pets-allergies-can-go-hand-in-paw

http://health.discovery.com/centers/allergyasthma/allergy/fur.html

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-allergy/DS00859/DSECTION=9 http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/pets.htm

Photo Credit: snappED_up