About Pet Allergies

Steve Johnson asked:


When it comes to allergies there are all kinds of cause and all kinds of symptoms. Do you suffer from a single allergy symptom? Or many symptoms? There are some common symptoms seen among most:

1. Sneezing with either a runny nose or clogged nose

2. Coughing

3. Postnasal drip

4. Itchy eyes and/or nose

5. Sore throat or itchy throat

6. Watery eyes

7. Conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the membrane the lines the eyelid which causes swelling of the eyes.

You need to know what the most common airborne allergens are and find out the main allergy symptom or symptoms.

1. Pollen Allergy - this is an allergy that strikes every spring, summer, and fall as tine particles are released from the various trees, weeds, and grasses. These particles are pollen and the main allergy symptom they cause is hay fever. Pollen is the most common allergy out there. With a host of people suffering at different levels. There are many excellent natural products that can help you a lot. If you can determine what is causing your allergy you will be in much better shape. It is the makeup of the pollen that causes the allergy symptom known as hay fever.

2. Molds - Mold spores can pop up anywhere and dealing with it requires that you get down and dirty. It will take some elbow grease and some persistence. If there is mold it can result in an ugly allergy symptom that affects the respiratory system. Mold will grow many places.

If mold is a problem you need to lower the humidity in the house and add fans for ventilation. Remove any visible mold. To clean mold use a product like Captan’s Powder or Orthocine.

3. Dust Mites - you might be surprised to discover that dust mites can produce an allergy symptom like asthma. Dust mites are a microscopic organism that lives in the dust. They are not a single substance. Instead they are a combination of fiber, fabrics, animal dander, food particles, and the list goes on and on. These little creatures are virtually impossible to get rid of so you will want to control your allergy symptom. Of course using hepa filters and dusting and vacuuming regularly will really help.

4. Animals - Pets are one of the most common reasons for developing an allergy symptom like runny watery eyes. Of course there are many different allergies that can be caused by the dander from your pet. There is actually a higher rate of allergies with cats. Pet allergies can actually take up to two years to develop. The allergy symptom can be one or many and it can be no more than an annoyance through to very serious

Whatever your allergy symptom trying to discover the cause is worth your effort because you may be able to eliminate the cause or you may be able to find a natural product that can help you.

An allergy symptom is your clue that your immune system is malfunctioning. It’s time you worked to straighten it out with herbal remedies..



Tommy

amanda_joy asked:


My dad is allergic to almost anything with fur, and i really want a hamster. So i was wondering if there where any small pets that are good for people with allergies . Oh and if hamsters are then what kind is the best.

Marjorie

Ronnie Wilson asked:


Do you suffer from allergies? If you do, you may always be on the lookout for ways to seek relief. Although there are a number of natural ways that allergy sufferers are able to treat or manage their symptoms, many turn to medicine. Whether it be prescription medications or over-the-counter medications, many find themselves wondering which ones are the best.

When it comes to determining which allergy medications are the best, there are a number of important points that must first be taken into consideration. One of those points is the type of allergies. For example, different individuals suffer from different allergies. Some suffer from pet allergies, some suffer from mold allergies, some suffer from food allergies, and so forth. Some medications are better for those with certain allergies, as more targeted treatment is provided. One of the best approaches to take is to speak with a professional healthcare provider or do the research online.

Insurance is another factor that should be taken into consideration. Many individuals like to research and compare prescription medications and over-the-counter medications for allergies. With that being said, some individuals do not have the opportunity to try both. For example, if you do not have health insurance, you may be unable to afford the cost of a healthcare visit, as well as the cost of prescription medicine. If you are one of those individuals, you are encouraged to spend most of your time focusing on over-the-counter allergy medications. The good news, however, is that many medicines that were once only available with a prescription are now available without a prescription.

As for what allergy medications are the best, you will find that it all depends, as previously stated. A great way to get started is to speak with a healthcare provider. If you have health insurance, you are advised to schedule a visit with your doctor. In addition to getting a prescription, your doctor may be able to help you with other ways to manage or treat your allergy symptoms. Chances are if your doctor prescribes an allergy medication to you, that medicine is likely to work. If medicine is not prescribed, it is still a good idea to ask your doctor about over-the-counter products, namely which ones work the best.

If you must rely on over-the-counter allergy medicines or if you choose to do so, you may want to do a little bit of research first. There are a number of websites online that allow internet users to rate and review products. Walgreens and DrugStore.com are just a few of the online pharmacy websites that allow the rating and reviewing of products. You are encouraged to review these ratings, as well as read any reviews that accompany them. Of course, individuals respond differently to different over-the-counter products, but you can get a good idea as to whether you should buy the allergy relief product that you wanted to buy or if you should just save your money.

In addition to speaking with a healthcare provider or using the internet to research allergy medications, it is also a good idea to speak to those that you know. You may be surprised just how many individuals there are that suffer from allergies. There is a good chance that some of your friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers suffer from allergies. If they do, inquire as to how they treat those symptoms. If they have tried multiple prescriptions or multiple over-the-counter allergy relief medications, which ones did they like or dislike and why? Were there side effects? These are all important questions that you will want to ask.

As a recap, there are a number of prescription medications and over-the-counter products that are known for their great results. With that being said, everyone reacts different to medications, especially where side effects are concerned. For that reason, you should develop a treatment plan with a professional healthcare provider or rely on trial and error with over-the-counter products.



Ronnie

twinsmommieplus1 asked:


My 6 month baby boy has had nasal congestion for over a month. Been to the doc on three separte times. They say that it just signus dripage and not a thing that they can do. He eats fine, happy , no sneezing , no fever. They said that it might be allergies and nothing they can do until he is a year old. I just can see letting be like this for another 6 months. We do have a dog and 3 cats. This is the first time since he been home with the congestion .Has anyone else experiance this with their child???

Thanks so much
Dawn

Sean

John Mac asked:


Allergies are caused by allergens which contain protein, which is found in all living organisms, and it is this protein which causes allergies. If your body reacts to a substance in an adverse way then you are said to be allergic to that substance.

Four of the most common allergies are; dust mites, nuts, pollen and animal (pet).

An allergic reaction happens when you come in contact with an allergen through your skin, the lining of your lungs, mouth, gullet, stomach or intestines. Allergic reactions can cause a range of symptoms, some mild, some serious and very occasionally fatal.

If the allergen is airborne then the allergic reaction will occur in the eyes, nose & lungs. If the allergen is swallowed, the allergic reaction will occur in the mouth, stomach & intestines. When in contact with an allergen your body produces chemicals (antibodies) to fight off the allergen. Sometimes enough chemicals are released to cause a reaction throughout the body such as hives, decreased blood pressure, shock or loss of consciousness. This severe type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock which may be life threatening.

In the US 20% of adults and children suffer from allergies. In the UK approx 1 in 4 people suffer from allergies at some point in their lives. In Australia there has been a dramatic increase in allergies recently with an estimated 40% now suffering from some form of allergy.

The best & easiest way to prevent allergies is to avoid contact with the allergen - the substance which triggers your allergy. There are many OTC (over the counter) treatment for allergies the most common being:

Antihistamines; These treat allergies by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which is a chemical released by the body when in contact with the allergen. Antihistamines can be taken in pill, cream or liquid form. You can also take eye or nasal drops.

Decongestants; Relieve symptoms of allergies such as blocked noses, often caused by hay fever, dust & pet allergies. They can be taken as pills, capsules, liquid form or nasal spray.

Nasal Sprays & Eye drops; these help relieve symptoms of allergies such as sore itchy eyes & irritation & swelling of the nose. Some treatments are only suitable for adults so check before purchasing remedies for children.



Jay

R. G. Kirk asked:


As traveling with pets becomes increasingly more frequent a practice, the number of pets injured while away from home is steadily escalating. When a cat or dog is unfamiliar with its surroundings, the animal may be more prone to various types of injuries, especially if the animal is particularly curious and overly inquisitive. Common pet travel injuries and illnesses include: insect stings, motion sickness, pet allergies, cuts, scrapes, and swallowing foreign objects. More serious injuries such as poisoning, infection, and broken bones may also occur.

Pet travel will become a much safer and more rewarding experience once pet owners are better equipped to handle emergency situations. Both knowledge of first aid, and the equipment available to facilitate such care are essential to ensure the best possible outcome for an injured pet. It is best to keep in mind the goals of administering pet first aid: first, to prevent further injury, and second, to minimize discomfort until the animal can be safely transported to a veterinarian.

These objectives determine much of what should be included inside a pet first aid kit. A dog or cat with a preexisting condition or illness may require the presence of additional items. The pet owner should decide what tools, medicines, and equipment to add depending upon their pet’s specific needs. All items should be stored in a waterproof container that can be closed securely.

Sample items in a pet first aid kit may include:

- Pet information card with pet’s current health information, veterinarian’s address and telephone number. Also include poison control hotline number.

- Latex gloves, cotton swabs, and hand wipes

- Rectal thermometer, and lubricating jelly pack

- Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, oral syringe

- Triple antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream

- Sterile eye flush, eyedropper

- Old necktie (for making a muzzle)

- Bandaging materials (gauze squares and bandage tape)

- Clean towel

- Spare collar and leash

- Pet first aid booklet

Remember to package spillable items in leak-proof plastic bags, and rotate items so that medications and ointments do not expire. Store the pet first aid kit safely away from children and pets.

In a perfect world there would be no use for a pet first aid kit, but do not procrastinate. Having the necessary tools and equipment on hand during a critical situation can make a difference in the health and safety of your pet.



Leslie

Mike Mathews asked:


Many people are allergic to the family pet and research has shown that people are allergic to cats about twice as frequently as dogs. Getting rid of the beloved family pet is usually not an option. Therefore we have to learn how to live with our allergies by learning how to manage them. Most people think that allergies are caused by cat or dog hair but that is not really the problem. Allergic reactions are caused by proteins called allergens that come from oil glands in the skin and are shed as dander allergens. Allergens are also found in the saliva and urine of cats and dogs. Allergens are very pervasive and cling to clothes, furniture fabric and shoes. Cat allergens have been found in houses many months after the cat has departed and have also been found many houses of people that never owned a cat. Dander allergens are really dead skin cells that can be transferred to your pet’s fur when they clean and lick themselves. A major problem for individuals predisposed to allergies occurs when they inhale airborne pet dander allergens. Allergic reactions result when minute particles of dander fool our immune systems into thinking that the dander is an invading antibody. Our immune system releases histamines to fight the “dander” antibody which results in the familiar sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itching eyes and difficult breathing. The first exposure to an allergen doesn’t usually trigger symptoms and it takes multiple exposures over a period of weeks or months to produce full blown reactions. So how do we cope or manage the situation so that we can live with our cat or dog?

We can first find out if we are really allergic to the family pet, or something else like dust, pollen or mold, by visiting an allergist physician and getting tested for various allergens. If your allergic reactions are severe then the allergist may recommend allergy shots to desensitize your reaction to dander allergens. Next you can try and allergen proof your home by getting rid of your carpets and replacing your curtains with vertical blinds. Easily washed surfaces can eliminate a lot of dander allergens. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting then have it steam cleaned fairly often. If possible install air cleaners and air filters and vacuum often with a vacuum cleaner with a high allergen containment rating. Restrict your pet’s access to your bed and bedroom and try to keep pets off the chairs and sofa that you regularly use. Try to minimize the dander allergens on your pets by washing them weekly with a special moisturizing allergy shampoo. Obviously, it is easier to do with a dog than a cat. Wash your hands frequently when playing with or grooming your pet. Try spraying your pet’s coat with an anti-allergy spray that helps eliminate allergens. Try to groom your pet frequently as the combing and brushing will help stimulate a healthy skin. Try and do the grooming outside your house and if possible get someone else to do the grooming. If it isn’t possible then wear rubber gloves and a mask to reduce your exposure to the dander. Finally, if you are getting a new cat or dog, you may want to try and get a breed that produces less dander. All pets produce some dander - even the so-called hypoallergenic pure-bred and hybrid designer breeds. Smaller pets produce less dander than larger pets. Light-colored and short haired cats seem to produce less dander. In dogs, many of the non-shedding or low-shedding breeds may also produce less dander. See the Dog Allergies section of www.dog-breed-facts.com/dog-allergies.html for a list of dog breeds that should produce less dander.



Louise

Ann Marier asked:


Air purifiers for allergies are great solutions to some of the serious problems. These purifiers are not going to solve all allergy problems, but the air purifiers will solve some difficult problems. Some allergies are provoked by injections or topical applications of certain substances, and air purifiers for allergies are not going to solve these problems.

There are other allergy problems that are caused because the allergens are present in the air, and air purifiers for allergies can solve these problems satisfactorily. There are certain allergies that cause people serious problems in their homes and with their families. Air purifiers can make a big difference to these people.

Some people have pet allergies, and they also have pets that are dear to them or their family members. Often the pet allergies are caused because the dander from the pets fills the air. These people get the allergic reactions when the pets are in the home. These people do not want to get rid of their dear pets. An air purifier for allergies can clean the air in the home. This should eliminate the problem of the allergic reactions of some family member. An air purifier for allergies will allow the person with allergies to live in comfort while the pet is in the home.

Air Purifiers For Allergies Allow For A More Comfortable Life

Although pets can be problems to people with allergies, there are other allergens that move through the air to cause people discomfort. Often pollen in the air triggers an allergic reaction. People with allergies will feel awful because of this pollen. At times during the year, there will be little pollen in the air to trigger allergic symptoms. At other times, the pollen will make these people miserable. Air purifiers for allergies will make a significant difference for these people. They will keep the atmosphere in a home free from these allergens.

These air purifiers are relatively inexpensive and readily available to help people with allergies. These air purifiers are specifically designed to help people with allergies and will clear the air of all pollutants. The air purifiers have special filters that are made to rid the air of allergens. These machines have been improved so they work quietly in the home.



Leon

James Conrad asked:


Normal 0

Over 2/3 of all homes have pets. Yet, official estimates of those who are allergic to animals reach as high as 10%. So there’s a lot of potential for allergies. But rest assured, there are several effective strategies for dealing with those facts.

Allergic rhinitis, skin rash or other symptoms are the result of contact chiefly with animal dander. Dander is the collection of tiny skin cells shed by cats and dogs. They are picked up on the hands by petting and come into contact with the nose, mouth and eyes from eating and other common activities.

In a small number of cases, the culprit is the protein that is contained in the animal’s saliva. Dogs and cats lick their fur, which deposits those potential allergens on to the hair. We pet them and pick it up.

Those allergens can also become airborne. That means that proximity, not just contact, is enough to move the substance close enough to cause problems.

There are other possible sources, much less common. Bird waste carries proteins that can cause a reaction. Mold from fish tanks and other water sources are a possibility. But these are a small percentage of the total.

So, what must you do?

We love our pets. Getting rid of them just isn’t acceptable for most of us, even when the result is a runny nose or watery eyes. Keeping them outside all the time is not the preferred solution for many. We like to keep them close. But there are still several good ways to minimize the problem.

Bathing dogs once a month can help reduce dander, if the proper shampoo is used. Otherwise, you may increase the amount of dander. Use a shed control or oatmeal-based skin care shampoo to keep the skin and coat healthy.

Cats don’t usually tolerate baths, so other preventive measures are called for. These are effective for those with dogs, too.

Keeping an ultra clean house is the best form of (at least partial) prevention. Keeping the quantity of dander low on surfaces and in the air helps. Many allergies are mild and build up as the ‘dosage’ of allergen increases.

A good vacuum cleaner with an effective HEPA filter can remove a lot of dander from the carpet, furniture and drapes. As it picks up the skin cells, it also removes hair that might be coated with saliva.

Since dander and hair particles can and do become airborne, wiping down the walls from time to time is also beneficial. At the same time, a good cleansing of the bathroom and kitchen will pick up mold growing in moist areas. There are some studies that suggest that one type of allergy can amplify the effects of another.

Cleanse yourself as well. Wash your hands and face after grooming or petting your animal. Keeping allergen levels down on your body helps reduce the odds of a reaction. For the truly sensitive, a good mask worn while grooming can help.

Keep your hands away from the nose and mouth. We all eat finger food, sandwiches and other types that bring the hand to the mouth. But avoid picking your teeth with a fingernail. Don’t insert your finger in your nostrils. These are instances of direct transmission. That also helps keep cold viruses, bacteria and other disease causing bugs at bay.

You may do everything possible to minimize the quantity and contact with pet dander and saliva. Yet, it’s still likely to have allergic reactions. Medication can help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, corticosteroids and other medications when used properly can ease symptoms. If they persist, see a specialist.



Ana

schabj3 asked:


Does anybody have any recommendations on the best way to clean carpets that have been affected by cats? My fiancee is allergic to cats and we are buying a home from a cat owner. We want to have the place professionally cleaned but don’t know the best cleaning service to get for this matter. Any recommendations?

Glenda