Pet Allergy Facts - Symptoms of the Allergic Reaction

You know that being around cats and dogs makes you feel miserable. Your throat is scratchy; your head pounds and you can't stop sneezing. But what is it about these adorable little creatures that set your immune system into overdrive?

Here are a few facts you may not be aware of regarding pet allergies:

Fur is not the problem. In reality, proteins secreted by oil glands and shed with dander trigger pet allergies. These proteins are most often found in a pet's saliva, and is transferred to their skin and hair when they lick themselves (which is quite often, it isn't their fur that's the trouble - it's their spit!

When the allergens land on the lining of the eyes and nose, and/or are inhaled into the lungs, allergic symptoms result.

How severe your allergic reaction depends on your own immune system. Some people only experience minor aggravations like a runny nose or sneezing, while others can become quite miserable and even suffer dangerous respiratory ailments due to their pet allergies.

Symptoms don't always show up right away. Some people may experience an allergic reaction as long as 12 hours after being around an animal, which can often make it difficult to determine what indeed caused the reaction in the first place.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats. There are, however, breeds that shed less, which may account for the lessoning of some symptoms in many people. Typically, allergic folks are more sensitive to and display more severe reactions to cats than to dogs.

Individuals who are allergic to animals can suffer symptoms whether or not an animal is present. Allergens can linger for months after a pet is taken out of the environment. To alleviate these symptoms, a complete cleaning of all upholstery, rugs and bedding is essential after a pet is removed form the home.

If you are a pet lover who wants to keep you dog or cat in your home, it is essential to find an allergy specialist who is committed to finding ways in which to treat your symptoms, despite your pet's presence. It is possible to coexist with a pet despite your dander allergies, but it will require a lot of work to keep the areas in your home clean and dander-free. This may require continuous cleaning and even making some area's pet-free to ensure some places where you can go and breathe easy without the fear of an allergic reaction.

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Hypo Allergenic Pets

Allergies and Asthma are a common concern for families today considering pets, my family included. However, there are some animals available that are hypo-allergenic. This DOES NOT mean that that they are non-allergenic. Hypo-allergenic simply means that they produce fewer allergens, and people with slight to medium strength allergies may be fine with these pets. People with severe asthma and allergies may still have allergic reactions when around pets. In this case, you are better off looking for a pet that is entirely hairless, as there is little to no dander involved.

If you know you are allergic to pets, but not sure on the specific animals or the strength of your allergies, I would recommend getting an allergy test. That way you will know for sure what animals you are allergic to, and this will help you learn what to avoid. If you want to learn the strength of your allergies, although it may not be enjoyable if you aren't an animal lover at heart, I have found the easiest way to determine the strength of your allergies is to meet with these pets directly. If you have chosen this method, remember to bring plenty of Kleenex, and keep an allergy medication on hand just in case.

Make sure not to jump into the test too quickly. Do not approach the pet right away, allow them to approach you. You need to know whether you can stand to be in the same house as the pet before you actually handle him/her. If after sitting in the same area as the pet for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour you are still comfortable, then try handling the pet. Cuddle, play, or brush the pet to see how well you react to the animal's dander. If you are okay with handling the pet, than that breed may be okay for you. Remember that each pet within the breed is different, if you are okay with one cat, you may not be with another. When purchasing a pet you need to spend some time with him/her first to determine how allergic you are to him/her specifically.

Hypo-Allergenic Dogs -- Hairless Breeds

If you have your heart set on a dog, and your allergies are moderate, there are several breeds available that may be ideal for you. There are hairless breeds of dogs that should be the easiest to deal with. They look slightly different from a coated dog, however will still provide the same love and affection to the family. Some breeds of hairless dogs include:

Chinese Crested (this breed can be coated or hairless)

American Hairless Terrier

Mexican Hairless dogs (this breed can vary in size from 10 to 50lbs)

Peruvian Hairless dogs

These dogs may require special care, as they are more susceptible to acne or sunburn. Their skin can become dried out fairly easily, however this can be treated with a moisturizing cream. Although this seems to be extra effort, these dogs are known for being clean and easy to wash, and they are also less likely to catch fleas and other parasites than coated dogs.

Hypo-Allergenic Dogs -- Coated Breeds

There are both large and small breeds of coated hypo-allergenic dogs. The smaller hypo-allergenic dogs are extremely energetic, active and intelligent. Because they are intelligent, they are known to get bored easily and can find more creative ways to entertaining themselves. Some common breeds of smaller dogs include:

Shih Tzu

Poodle and Poodle Hybrids (shih-poo, malti-poo, terripoo, poogle, etc.)

Terriers (Jack Russell, Kerry Blue, Silky, Soft-Coated Wheaten, etc.)

Lhasa Apso
Beagle

Bichon (Frise, Maltese, Bolognese)

Schnauzer

All of these dogs are single coated, therefore produce less allergens. If you are considering one of these breeds, be sure to test yourself around them. I personally have a poodle hybrid (shih-poo) and yet can't be around Terriers or Beagles. Also remember that each dog is different and a terrier that a friend or family member has may be different to deal with.

Hypo-Allergenic Cats

Hypo-allergenic cats do not exist, however there are hairless cats. Hairless cats are very rare, with the most common type of hairless cat being the Sphynx (or Canadian Hairless). These hairless cats are very expensive, however, can be excellent pets. They need to be bathed weekly as they don't have hair to absorb their natural oils. Other than that, if socialized properly they can be as loving and affectionate as an everyday cat.

Although there are no hypo-allergenic cats, people can adjust to regular cats, as every cat has a different dander. If you find a cat whose dander you can deal with. They may be an acceptable pet.

Alternatively, if you are a cat lover and want to have a regular kitten, there are medications that an owner can take to adjust to the dander. These medications must be administered by a doctor, and are generally an injection. For more information on the medications available, speak to your family doctor.

Other Hypo-Allergenic Pets

Each pet has different allergen triggers, therefore you can solve allergy problems with other animals...

Please visit our website for more information on Hypo-Allergenic Pets.

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