DO YOU HAVE A PET ALLERGY?
They say dogs are a man’s best friend. But if you have a dog allergy, you may beg to differ! The most common pet allergies are those from a dog allergy or cat allergy, as of course they are the most common pets.
Most people experience pet allergies upon exposure to the animal, but some reactions can happen without direct contact, such as shed hair, skin or saliva left on household surfaces.
Allergens from pets can remain in rugs and furniture for 4-6 weeks after contact, and allergenic proteins can stay floating around in the air for much longer.
Pet ownership has recently shot up, resulting in many people discovering to their surprise that their new furry friend may be causing them to be sneezing and flaring up. One study found that 30 percent of people with asthma can have a severe attack upon contact with a cat. (healthline.com).
When we talk about a pet allergy, it’s handy to firstly have a good understanding of what an allergy is.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to a substance, which causes your body’s immune system to overreact. This results in allergy symptoms, such as inflammation, swelling and itching at the site of contact. The most common allergens include: pollen, dust mites, mould spores, foods, insects, latex and chemicals.
Although people typically associate allergies with a food allergy, pet allergens are also a major cause of allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergy is a term used when seasons, such as spring, produce excess allergens like pollen, which can then be further circulated into the air by seasonal winds.
The first step in managing an allergy is to identify what triggers it. Once this is done, you can learn how to avoid these triggers. For example, people with an allergy for pollen should always wear a mask when outdoors when pollen counts are high.
Common allergy symptoms of a dog allergy or cat allergy include:
How do I know if my pet triggers my allergies?
You should always consult a professional before trying to treat yourself. However, there are some things you can look out for when diagnosing yourself. Common symptoms include:
- itchy skin, watery or swollen eyes
- itchy nose, runny nose
- sneezing
- nasal congestion
- rash on face, neck or chest
- wheezing/shortness of breath (respiratory symptoms / asthma symptoms)
Pet allergies can also trigger symptoms in those withhay fever,asthmaandeczema.
WHAT CAUSES PET ALLERGIES?
Though animal allergies are often sparked by the lubricating oil (sebum) produced by the sebaceous gland, those with dog allergy and cat allergy can react to several other components, including:
- Animal dander (dead skin cells)
- Hair
- Saliva (either from direct licking or fur licking)
- Faeces/urine
- Dust, dust mites and pollens (picked up on the fur)
Reactions to animals can take up to two years to develop, so even if you’ve been around a pet for a while, you can still start to get symptoms seemingly out of the blue.
Interestingly, some studies have shown that being exposed to pets at a young age can reduce the chances of developing pet allergies later in life.
Dog allergy vs cat allergies
Dog dander is one of the most common triggers for pet allergies. Dog dander contains high levels of protein and fat, and also small amounts of bacteria, fungi and other microbes. These trigger the immune system to produce IgE antibodies, which then attach themselves to mast cells and basophils. When they contact these cells, they release histamines and other inflammatory agents that result in the symptoms of allergy.
Cat dander is less likely than dog dander to trigger an allergy, but it still contains similar proteins and fats, along with bacteria, fungus and other microbes. It also has higher concentrations of uric acid and urea, both responsible for causing irritation and itchiness.
NATURAL ALLERGY TREATMENT FOR DOG ALLERGY AND CAT ALLERGY
Luckily for those affected with pet allergies, there are some treatment options and strategies that you can employ to reduce symptoms.
If you suspect your pet is the cause of your allergy symptoms, then experimenting with the below and seeing if it helps reduce the symptoms is a sure-fire way to know for sure if your furry friend is indeed the culprit of your sneezing and sniffling.
Natural Ways To Reduce Pet Allergies Around The House Include;
1. If your child suffers from a possible pet allergy, keep them at a distance for a term to see if the symptoms improve.
2. Clean the pet regularly. Make sure the pet does not have access to areas where it could pick up dirt and debris. For example, avoid taking our pet out for walks during pollen season, as their fur will
3. Use air purifiers and air conditioning. Using an air purifier can help filter out particles such as pollen and dander.
4. Animal allergens are sticky. So you must remove the animal’s favourite furniture, remove wall-to-wall carpet, and scrub the walls and woodwork. Keep surfaces throughout the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best. Avoid carpeting, as dander and pollen can easily become trapped.
5. Dog dander and cat dander should be regularly cleaned up from surfaces with frequent cleaning. This will also help clean up other possible indoor allergens, such as house dust mites.
6. Take note where you’ve placed the pet’s litter box, as this can exacerbate symptoms.
7. Try to limit its access to bedrooms. We spend 8 hours plus in these rooms sleeping, so it makes sense. Dogs and cats shed hair, and it can become airborne, so you don’t want these particles floating around while you sleep.
Using Positive Association Technique (PAT) to identify and manage pet allergy symptoms
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland, we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help identify which substances you may be reacting to.
Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address your reactions using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT) as a natural allergy treatment for dog allergy and cat allergy.
PAT is a non-invasive, holistic therapy, which:
- Draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- Aims to retrain your body
- May reduce your reactions in dog allergy and cat allergy
The individual triggers (dander, hair, sebum, etc) are combined into the one treatment, but each animal needs to be addressed separately.
Some pet allergy cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements, herbs and lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Please note PAT cannot “cure” pet allergies – we aim to reduce your reactions and help manage pet allergy-related symptoms. We do not intend to raise unrealistic expectations. If symptoms persist, consult your health care professional.
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