Pet Allergies

An allergic reaction is the result of an overproduction of histamine by the body. Histamine is a natural chemical your body produces in response to foreign organisms. In some cases, your body overproduces histamine in response to an allergen and the symptoms of an allergic reaction occur: itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose.

Common causes of allergies are seasonal, environmental organisms like pollen, which is responsible for hay fever. Another common year-round cause of allergies is household pets. The organisms found in the coats of dogs and cats often cause allergic reactions in some people. In some cases, the allergic reaction can be severe, and especially in the case of asthmatic children it may, unfortunately, be necessary to remove the pet from the household. In other cases, allergies to pets may be controlled.

One of the most important things you can do to control pet allergies is to keep you pet’s coat clean. Many of the allergens associated with a pet are not actually part of the pet’s coat, but rather things from the outside environment (dust and dirt, etc. . . ) that find their way into the pet’s coat. It is thus important to keep the pet’s coat trimmed and clean. If the problem still persists, it is sometimes possible for an allergic person to live with a pet by attempting a separation: keep the pet out of his or her room, and avoid excessive contact with it. Although allergy symptoms may be treated with over the counter antihistamine products, these products should not be taken regularly. If you find yourself having to take antihistamines as a long term solution to a pet allergy you may have to consider getting rid of the pet.

Unfortunately, most pet allergies do not go away. If you’re allergic to your pet, try keeping the house as clean as possible, constantly removing the pet’s hair from the carpet, etc. . . Also try and brush the pet outside before it comes indoors. Obviously, you should avoid too much handling of the pet, and if you get a lot of hair on your clothes they should be changed immediately. Some people have success with allergy shots, but keep in mind a cycle of allergy shots can take years to complete, and there is no guarantee that they will work.

Pet allergies are, alas, amongst the most persistent. As it is inadvisable to take antihistamine medication regularly, all you can do is keep the pet out of your room, keep the house - and your pet - as clean as possible, and hope for the best. If these things don’t solve the problem, the only real solution is often to find a new home for the pet.