Allergy to Pets

About this topic

Many people are allergic to pets. It happens when your body reacts to a protein or allergen found in your pets dander, skin flakes, saliva, or urine. Pet hair or fur can also bring in pollen, mold, and outdoor allergens. All of these things can get in the air and stay there for a long time. Your body thinks the protein or allergen is something that may harm you. Then, your body attacks it by mistake. This causes your body to let loose chemicals into your blood. The chemicals can cause problems with many parts of your body. � �
Cats, dogs, and birds may cause allergies. Small animals like, hamsters, rabbits, mice, and guinea pigs can cause them too. So can farm animals like cows, goats, and horses. Some people may have an allergy to chickens, ducks, or geese. � �

What are the causes?

A pet allergy is caused when your immune system treats a harmless substance from a pet as a threat. Then, it lets loose chemicals to keep the "threat " � from harming your body. Instead, the chemicals cause signs of an allergic response. � �

What can make this more likely to happen?

Your family history may raise your risk for a pet allergy. You are at a higher risk for a pet allergy if someone in your family has:
- Allergies
- Asthma
Babies and young children who are not around pets at an early age are more likely to have pet allergies.

What are the main signs?

Skin reaction:
- Itchy skin
- Skin rashes and redness
- Hives
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Swelling of the eyes and nose
Lung reaction:
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
Asthma signs
Problems breathing
Chest pain
Wheezing
Trouble sleeping
Short of breath

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will talk to you about your history. Your doctor will ask about: � �

Any history of allergies in you or your family
Your signs and when they started
If you have other illnesses like asthma, flu, and frequent colds

Your doctor will do an exam and may look for: � �

Skin rashes or redness
Swelling of the eyes, nose, or face
Breathing problems

Your doctor may do special tests to learn more about your allergies. � �

Skin test � � � The doctor will scratch or inject a small amount of pet allergen into your skin. If you are allergic to the allergen, you will see redness or other skin reactions.
Blood tests � � � Your doctor will take a blood sample to check how your immune system responds to pet allergens.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

Care will depend on the type of signs.
Most often, the best treatment is to avoid the pet that is causing the problems as much as possible.
Your doctor may give you drugs to help control the allergy.
Your doctor may also give you allergy shots. These may help to ease signs of asthma and allergies.
You may need drugs right away when you accidentally come into contact with the pet allergen.

What lifestyle changes are needed?

Avoid visiting family and friends with pets.
Take extra effort to avoid pet allergens. Avoid kissing or hugging your pets. Keep pets outside your house.
Even if you do not have pets, allergens may get into the air or passed on to other peoples clothes. Limit contact with those who come in contact with animals.
If you want to have a pet, keep a pet that does not have fur or feathers where allergens can stay. You can have fish or turtles at home.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: � �

Ease signs like swelling and itching
Control allergic reactions
Help with discomfort

Your doctor may give you an emergency shot to control very bad allergic reactions. You may also be given a special shot to carry with you. This would be used if you have some other bad reaction to pets. � �

Will there be any other care needed?

Wear a medical alert ID that tells others you have a pet allergy. Make sure that you carry your emergency drugs all the time. This can help you in emergency cases.
Decide if you will be keeping or getting rid of your pets at home.
When you find a new home for your pet:
- Clean the whole house. Allergens may be any place in your home.
- Wash the ceilings and walls. Clean surfaces and furniture.
- Replace carpets or throw rugs. Remove or replace furniture where pet allergens cannot be removed.
- Replace bedding. Wash or replace sheets, blankets, and other bed covers and pillows.
- Remove all your pets stuff inside your house.
If you are keeping your pet at home:
- Try to keep your pet out of the house. Limit the time you spend with your pet.
- Keep your pet out of your bedroom. Do not let your pet on furniture. Think about keeping your pet out of the main room of your house where you spend time.
- Keep surfaces and furniture clean.
- Wear a dust mask when cleaning. Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter if possible.
- Ventilate your house. Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter at home. This can help remove and lessen pet allergens from the air.
- Ask someone to give your pet a bath each week. Have someone clean the pet's box or cage each week.
- Have someone brush your pet outside.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

There are no sure ways to prevent a pet allergy. � �

Where can I learn more?

Allergist � �
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/pet-allergies/Pages/default.aspx � �
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology � �
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/pet-allergy.aspx � �
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America � �
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=63 � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

Home

Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor123.org