Monday, March 26, 2012

Allergic To Your Dog Or Cat?

By Dana Cain


There is no doubting that pets can contribute to a long and productive life. Especially if you're in golden years and/or living by yourself, this rings true all throughout. You cannot ever question a pet's loyalty to his/her master. When the going gets tough, your pets get going. However, this relationship can become strained, and sometimes even be broken when someone in the household develops an allergy to a beloved pet.

Studies show that approximately 15% of the population suffers from an allergy to a dog or cat, and about one third of those with an allergy to cats choose to live in a household with a cat despite the allergy. And there are others who experience no symptoms until the first year or two with the pet is over.

There are sometimes long term health ramifications of repeated allergy flair up's, especially for children. And if flare-ups occur repeatedly, your kids could be at risk of lung damage, even permanent. See a pediatrician immediately and don't leave out any details of your child's allergy. One of the ways to live happily with an animal you are allergic to is to decrease your exposure to the animal. It would help if you leave your pet outside.

You will have to be very patient and understanding if the pet allergy is mild - there is still a way for the allergy sufferer and the pet to live under one roof. Do not let the animal touch the allergy sufferer's bedroom or bed with a ten foot pole. Be careful when dealing with upholstered furniture, as animal dander is easily transferred to upholstery if you let the pet run wild and free. A room purifier can help you with this by eliminating animal dander. Remove carpets from the home if possible and replace with wood floors. Wash area rugs on a regular basis with warm water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to trap dander. The allergy sufferer should wash his or her face and hands after handling the animal. The animal can be bathed weekly in specially formulated shampoo that removes dander.

But if all else fails, and this would include any over the counter antihistamines that may fail to do the trick, the allergy sufferer may need an allergist's help. Your best defense against allergies is immunotherapy, which is sort of like a vaccine. Eventually this could help your body increase its resistance to certain allergens, through regular doses administered as shots.

These tips can all go a long way in guaranteeing years of happiness and good health with your pet.




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