Learning to live with your pet in harmony, even if you are allergic
The Human Society of the United States
Any breed of cat or dog may cause a reaction for people who are allergic to animals. Cats tend to cause more reactions than dogs for allergic people, although some people are more sensitive to dogs than cats. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may cause symptoms. This is because often times people are allergic to the dander, which is the skin, and all animals shed skin cells. Despite these reactions, the benefits of having a pet usually outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies. Allergy sufferers can take these five steps to help reduce the symptoms:
1. Create an "allergy free" zone in your home, preferably the allergic person's bedroom, and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. Consider using impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows.
2. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds.
3. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergy-causing dander by as much as 84 percent. Cats can get used to being bathed, but it's critical to only use products labeled for them; kittens may need a shampoo safe for kittens. Check with your veterinarian for directions about safe bathing.
4. Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. Ask your allergist to specifically test for allergies to pet dander. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one allergen. Reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy.
5. Try treatments. Additional treatments for allergies to pets include immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. It is important to find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches -medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy-is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets.
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