About Pet Allergies

Joseph Sabol asked:


If you suffer from any type of allergy, you know how miserable it can make you feel. Our pets can suffer from allergies too, and it can make them just as miserable. Allergies occur when the bodies immune system overreacts to a substance. Unlike people, pets don’t suffer from sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. They are more likely to suffer from itchy skin and hair loss.

There are four ways pets can be exposed to allergens. A common allergy for cats and dogs is from flea bites. It does not take an infestation, one flea bite can cause a reaction. Your will notice your pet scratching, licking and chewing at his skin as well as patches of hair loss. When you treat your pet for fleas, it is important that you also treat your home as well.

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by a substance touching the skin. Some things that might cause an allergy are, grass, wool, plastic, and chemicals from lawn care or carpet cleaning. Contact dermatitis is the least common cause of allergies in dogs and cats, but it can be the easiest to prevent.

Just as they do in people, inhalants can cause difficulty in breathing for pets. Inhalant allergies are known as Atopy and are the most common cause of allergies in dogs.  Your dog or cat will also likely suffer from the itchy and irritated skin. This particular allergy can be seasonal because it can be caused by mold spores and pollen. Other sources for inhalant allergies are dust and smoke.

Veterinarians have several methods of treating your pets allergy symptoms. The vet may prescribe an antihistamine, the same as the ones you would use. Your vet could also prescribe a steroid treatment. This could be given as a pill or topically. Steroids have more of a chance of side effects, including  increased thirst and urination. Just as is the case with people, steroids are not usually a long term treatment. Another option to treat allergies in your dog or cat, is desensitization. Over a period of time, your furry family member is given an injection under the skin of the allergy causing substance. This will build up the animals resistance to the substance.

The most difficult allergy to diagnose in dogs and cats is from food. The main symptom of a food allergy is itchy skin and the problems that result from constant scratching. If none of the other causes of allergies can be confirmed, you will need to work with your vet to figure out which ingredient in your pets food is causing the problem. The most common foods that cause allergies are beef, soy, chicken, milk, corn, wheat and eggs. Unfortunately, these are the main ingredients in most commercial dog foods. You will have to change your pets food to a special formula which your veterinarian can recommend, or you will have to prepare a homemade diet. This allows you to control everything your dog or cat eats. Whichever feeding method you choose while you are trying to find the culprit, your pet can have no other food at all, including treats. It takes up to 12 weeks to determine if the diet change has eliminated the problem.

Recent research has shown that certain dietary components can help dogs and cats in the treatment of allergies. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to be good for the skin and coat, but now it has been determined that these fatty acids can work in the skin to help reduce the histamines released in response to allergies. It takes several weeks or even months to notice a significant change, but Omega 3 fatty acids are very safe. Another dietary component that helps with dry, itchy skin is Biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin. You can find these dietary supplements in an all natural, human grade pet vitamin.

We don’t like to see our four-legged family members suffer with allergies. A visit with your veterinarian can help eliminate the problem so your pet will be happier and healthier.



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Karen Corey asked:


ng>The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Many families today have some sort of pet in their household and they are often considered one of the family. They are a source of enjoyment, amusement, companionship and love. Most animals thrive in a family and household environment.

It is said that almost half of all UK homes have a pet and research has shown that pets are good for our health. One obvious health benefit is that of exercise. Whether it be walking a dog or playing (energetically!) with a cat it is a great way to have fun and burn a few calories at the same time.

Scientific research has shown that contact with animals can have physiological and psychological benefits which include reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and aiding in recovery after a life-threatening illness. This includes other pets besides cats and dogs, such as gerbils, rabbits, birds and fish.

Pets can improve your mood and allieviate some of the symptoms of depression. For anyone who loves animals it is hard to stay in a bad mood when you look into a dog’s loving eyes or if your cat is rubbing against you. Dogs and cats seem to sense when you are sad or down and will do things to brighten your mood. Just watching a pet clown around and play will lighten your mood.

Studies have shown that pet ownership can be a better stabiliser of blood pressure than many drugs. ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure but they aren’t as effective on controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. It was found that people who had cats or dogs were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rates as those who didn’t have pets.

A pet will stave off loneliness and provide unconditional love. They can offer you companionship and give you something to hold and cuddle. You can tell them anything and your secrets will be safe. They are good listeners and won’t judge you; just love you.

Studies have shown that when elderly people are visited by pets they feel less lonely and isolated. Some people felt less stress and loneliness when being visited by pets than when spending time with other people. This is due to the fact that a dog or cat won’t put any social pressure on you, they will just sit and be a comfort to you.

Yet more research has indicated that looking after a pet can help a child develop better social skills. Studies have shown that children between birth and six who had a pet in their home have better social skills, better speech, co-ordination, confidence and are less likely to suffer allergies.

Pets can be a benefit in the workplace also. Research has shown that they can enhance work productivity. The research also showed that businesses that had a pet created a more productive environment and improved physical and emotional health.

A pet can give you unconditional love and support. Pets don’t talk back or argue. They won’t talk behind your back or leave you for someone else. Pets often form strong bonds with their owners and will be loyal to the end. They can help calm a person down naturally without the use of medication. Just by petting an animal or playing you can relieve tension and calm your nerves.

There are numerous health benefits of having a dog or cat as a pet. Pets may also help to build healthy immune systems. Studies have shown that kids have a lower risk of acquiring asthma and pet allergies if there is already a pet in their family. A dog or cat can actually help the human body build a healthier immune system.

You might want to consider buying pet insurance on your family pet in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get pet insurance on your four-legged family members.



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misplacedsociety asked:


I have mild cat allergies and a friend told me about a simple solution that didn’t involve medication. I forgot what it was though. Does anyone have any natural remedies to allergies?

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Marisa H asked:


Hey Everyone,
I live in a City where if you can find a place to rent that you can afford and its clean… you take it!
So I started renting this place last week and the previous renters owned a cat. Now I’m allergic to cats (my throat closes and my nose runs) but I don’t have anyother choices of place to rent.
What should I do?
Get allergy shots? Get the place cleaned?

Any advice would be greatly apprciated!

Thanks

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Sweet Tooth asked:


I am thinking of starting acupuncture for my environmental allergies (pet dander, pollen, dust) and asthma. Has anyone had success with this? I would to love to hear someone’s personal experience with it. Thanks!

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Ramone Stevenson asked:


Recent studies show that 15% to 20% of the population is allergies to either their dog or cat. But for 25% of those people they choose to continue to keep pets and suffer through the allergies. In fact studies show even when told by their doctor to give up their dog only one out of five choose to do so while the rest live with their dog allergy.

When surveyed many of those suffering from a dog allergy felt that their companionship their pet provided far outweighed the allergy itself. For those that choose this route learning to manage their allergy is very important.

The biggest mistake made is to blame the fur when actually the allergy is caused by the protein that is secreted by the oil glands and then shed with their dander which is microscopic particles of skin, hair, and fur. Since animals continuously shed this dander is always present and a person can develop a dog allergy when the immune system mistakes this allergen as the enemy.

These allergens can be transmitted through the air or they can be transmitted through touch. When the allergens land on your nose, eyes, or are inhaled into the lungs the allergy symptoms begin. Contact with your skin can cause hives. For most a dog allergy is an annoyance but for some it can life threatening causing severe asthma attacks that block the air ways. The severity will vary from one person to another.

Just as severity can vary from person to person so can how long it takes for the symptoms to occur. They can develop instantly upon exposure or they can take hours to develop.

Another big misconception is that there is such a thing as a non-allergenic dog breed. For example many believe that dogs with fur that is tightly woven such as poodles have no shedding so therefore there is no allergen dander but this is not true. You can still have a dog allergy

What is true when it comes to a dog allergy there are some dog breeds that seem to both some people less. Size often has a lot to do with because the smaller the dog the less dander that is likely to be released. For example a large breed such as a Shepherd would have a lot more dander than a toy breed like the poodle.

Sensitive people are actually more likely to have a cat allergy than a dog allergy. When a person is allergic to animals they can even suffer when the animal is not present because the allergens or dander still reside in the house. And it does take more than a vacuum to clear a house of the dander.

For pet lovers who discover suddenly they have developed a dog allergy it can be devastating and giving up a beloved pet is simply not an option.

One method of reducing allergens and then perhaps the dog allergy is to groom your pets often. It’s bet if you can do this outside or in a room that has no carpeting, and a hepa air purifier. Wear a dust mask while your grooming. You need to wash your hands after handling

Placing hepa air purifiers throughout your house can reduce the amount of dander. Bathing your pet once a week will reduce allergens by more than 80% and if you suffer from a dog allergy this can be the difference between suffering and not suffering. That said some breeds don’t do well with bathing that often so watch for symptoms of dry skin and reduce bathing accordingly.

A dog allergy doesn’t have to be the end of the road for you and your dog. It may take you a while to determine the best way to manage your allergy but when you do both you and your best friend will be very happy.



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Loy Bond asked:


Pet dander allergy is possibly the most common form of allergy to pets, although some people are also allergic to pets urine or even saliva. In fact, pet dander allergy is by far the most common cause of allergies to pets –not dog or cat hair, as we often think!

Why the Big Fuss?

Well, if you consider that in the US  alone, nearly eighty percent of households have at least one pet, pet dander allergy is probably more prevalent than we even realize. Considering that it’s estimated that around ten percent of people are likely to have a pet allergy, chances are at least someone in your circle of family and friends will have a pet dander allergy, and knowing what it is, and how to prevent a reaction, is certainly helpful.

What is Dander?

Dander, the cause of pet dander allergy, is actually the dried skin and saliva that is on your pet. When dogs and cats lick themselves, they leave saliva behind, and this, when dried, and combined with dry skin flakes, is the cause of pet dander allergy.

What About Hair?

Well, research has shown that it’s usually not the hair itself that causes an allergic reaction, although pet hair can trap pollens, dust and other allergens. In most cases, it’s pet dander allergy that you’re suffering if you get the sniffles every time kitty or pooch is in the room.

What To Do?

If the pet dander allergy is very severe, you may have no choice but to rehome the pet, however, even then, dander can remain in your home for up to six months! Another way to deal with this, if the pet dander allergy is less severe, is to make sure the pet stays out of the allergy sufferers room.

Pets should also stay off upholstered furniture, where dander may collect, and aggravate pet dander allergies, and they should be kept out of close physical contact with the pet dander allergy sufferer.

If your pet is a cat, and you have a pet dander allergy sufferer in the house, keep the litter box far away from them, preferably outside, and when you play with your pets, or groom them, do it outside, and remove your clothes to wash them before joining the pet dander allergy sufferer anywhere.

If you yourself are a pet dander allergy sufferer, always use a dust mask when brushing or grooming your pet, or ask someone else to do it for you. A HEPA air filter or vacuum cleaner can also help remove pet dander from the environment.

Last, but not least, whether you have a cat or a dog, make sure they are bathed regularly. Washing the dander off them will help alleviate the symptoms, and triggers, of pet dander allergy, and make living with pets easier for the pet dander allergy sufferer.

It can be difficult to live with a pet dander allergy, and a pet or pets, in the same house, however, it can be done, and in all but the most severe cases, you should be fine!



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Christian asked:


I’ve been having allergies like itchy eyes and runny nose lately, and it seems like I’ve got this slight wheezing along with a little mucus in the back of the throat around the same time the itchy eyes and runny nose came along. Could this just be a symptom of allergies and not a serious condition like asthma? The wheezing isn’t affecting my breathing at all. I’m running miles and can keep my breath and dont have any other troubles with breathing.

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R. Adam Shore asked:


Poor Annie.

For the first 12 years of her life she was as normal as most dogs. That is to say she spent her days in search of the doggy basics: food, walk, play time and loving. Not to mention the never ending hunt for the single best place to pee or poop.

Then about a year ago Annie began to develop dog allergies. At first we thought she had fleas. We diligently applied Frontline, gave her flea baths and combed and brushed her but this did not relieve her itching for long. Over time she developed red and scaling sores on her belly and especially on the butt near her tail.

Her licking and scratching went on every day and, worse, into the night. It was not uncommon to be awakened by the sound of her licking. She, and I, needed relief.

We visited the vet and she informed us that dog allergies occur in over 40% of the dogs that seeks vet treatment for itching and scratching. She explained that these allergies are caused by any number of food or airborne allergens.

The first issue was to get her licking and scratching under control.

To do this involved a three step approach. The first step was a medicated bath that helped sooth the skin. Step two was to start Annie on a course of antibiotics to kill the sores that had formed on her body. Finally, to control the scratching, a 10 day steroid dose was prescribed. In terms of side effects the main issue was the steroids that caused her to drink a ton more water than normal and to be hungry all of the time. Fortunately she did not start to exhibit personality changes brought on by mood swings caused by the steroids.

Within 3 days Annie was feeling much better. She was better but the cause of her dog allergies was not yet understood.

Was it in her food? Was it in our home? Was she allergic to our cat?

The search for answers is a long process much like getting to the bottom of a human allergy problem. There are many approaches to take but we chose to focus on the food related possibilities. The first step was to eliminate all the store bought food from her diet. But wait, this can have unforeseen side effects. You see as bad as dog food is, given the fact that it contains simply unknown parts of unknown animals, there has been enough testing to know that from a nutritional standpoint it does provide the right blend of nutrients to keep our normally healthy dogs healthy. So by feeding a diet of homemade food we effectively removed the potential allergen but compromised her health. An alternative solution was to move to a vegetarian based dog food and get the animal impurities out of her system.

The follow up step was to do lots of research, as even the best vet in town does not have the time to dedicate to understanding the issue as much as the dogs owner. The internet contains a huge database of information on dog allergies as written by drug companies, veterinarians, pet owners, and complied into many useful sites.

Don’t let your best friend suffer. Start by getting some help for your dog today and then do your homework. Making your dog feel better will make you feel better.



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Leigh Lee asked:


when did your child develope symptoms, and what were they? My daughter is 2.5 and am wondering if it’s allergies…the warmer weather and all, sinuses or our cats.

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