Pet Allergies

One second you’re cuddling with your best friend and the next you’re feeling lousy because you have a runny nose and itchy eyes. Pet allergies are a big problem for many pet owners. Some knew they were allergic before they brought the pet home. Others developed the allergy months, or even years, after the puppy or kitten came to stay. But what exactly are pet allergies?  A pet allergy is a reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. When cats and dogs lick themselves, their saliva sticks to their hair or fur. Then if they sit or lean against carpets, furniture, bedding and clothing, the saliva, along with skin cells and urine, can be transferred to those surfaces. In addition, as the saliva dries it can become airborne. Plus, outdoor pets have been known to carry pollen and dust, two other common allergens, in their coats, Cats and dogs aren’t the only pets that can cause allergies. Mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets and rabbits, who live in cages with cedar or sawdust beddings, can kick up dander, saliva or urine that’s mixed in with the chips. And pet birds can trigger allergy attacks since droppings contain bacteria and mold, which some people are allergic to.Whatever the trigger for your pet allergy, once it sets in you will most likely experience sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and itching of the nose, roof of the mouth and/or throat. You may also have itchy, red or watery eyes, a cough, and facial pressure or pain. But not all pet allergies trigger symptoms related to the nasal passages. Some people with pet allergies develop allergic dermatitis, which causes hives and itching.One interesting feature of pet allergies: They can develop even if you have had a pet for years without any symptoms. This is called becoming SENSITIZED. Or they may be triggered only by animals that are NOT your own.  You may develop an immunity to your own pets through long-term exposure and DEsenitization.If you have pet allergies, don’t ignore them. When nasal passages are constantly inflamed, they become vulnerable to bacterial infections. And continuous inflammation of the airways can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing and chest tightness culminating in an asthma attack. Talk to an allergist to find effective treatments for your symptoms.For more information on other airborne allergies and how to diagnose or treat them, check out other videos on this site.