Pet Allergies
According to research, nearly 70% of households have pets. Unfortunately, many people have animal allergies, especially those with other allergies or asthma. It is common for people to be allergic to pets with fur (dogs and cats are the most obvious). Remember that when you are allergic to a pet, you are not allergic to their hair or fur. You are allergic to the protein in the pet’s dander (dead skin cells), urine, and saliva.
You may wonder about pet allergy symptoms, which include:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- postnasal drip
- hives
- coughing
- swelling and itchy eyes
- nasal congestion
People with a pet allergy may have different sensitivity levels to pet allergens. They may experience minor or severe symptoms. Pet allergens can be found anywhere. They stick to walls, furniture, fabrics, and clothing. Because animal allergens appear in many places, it can be difficult to manage symptoms of severe allergies.
The good news is that treatments are available for those suffering from a pet allergy. If you cannot avoid an animal that you love, there are medicines and steps you can take to control symptoms. Some of the most common treatment methods include:
- antihistamines
- eye drops
- nasal sprays
- nasal rinses
- decongestants
- allergy injections
As you can see, there is much to know about pet allergies. You may be a pet owner with a pet allergy, but the good news is that you can do things to manage your symptoms. To construct a plan, you can speak with your veterinarian and primary care physician.
