{"id":3293,"date":"2015-05-29T06:59:59","date_gmt":"2015-05-29T06:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/?page_id=3293"},"modified":"2024-01-15T07:19:05","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T07:19:05","slug":"pets-and-allergies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.zookie.com.au\/caring-for-your-pet\/healthcare-wellbeing\/pets-and-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Pets and allergies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pets are extremely fun to be with, and science has proven that having a pet in your home can improve a person\u2019s well-being and actually lower stress levels. However, not everyone can reap the wonderful benefits associated with having a pet because of their allergies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What causes them?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some people claim they\u2019re allergic to dogs, while others say they\u2019re allergic to cats. However, what these people are really allergic to are not the animals themselves, but the proteins present in the animals\u2019 urine, saliva, and dander.<\/p>\n

Dander are the little bits of skin that animals shed. Before you get all \u201cewwww gross!\u201d, humans shed skin cells too. In fact, this is what dust is mostly made of. However some people\u2019s immune systems react negatively to animal dander. Many types of animals can cause allergic reactions, however the usual culprits are dogs, cats, and rodents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How do I know if I have a pet allergy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Any contact with pet allergens can trigger a reaction. Some symptoms of pet allergies include:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Itchiness in the roof of the mouth, nose, or throat<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Frequent sneezing<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Watery, red, or itchy eyes<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Congestion in the nose<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coughing<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pain and pressure in the face<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Runny nose<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Swelling and slight blueness in the skin under the eyes<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hives (red, raised patches on the skin)<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Itchiness in the skin<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eczema<\/p>\n

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Other things to look out for<\/strong><\/p>\n

Children with pet allergies are not always able to express their discomfort so make sure to watch out for any unusual nose-rubbing, eye-scratching, and sneezing.<\/p>\n

What’s more, individuals suffering from pet allergies and<\/em> asthma might have a harder time with the allergy symptoms. Individuals suffering from these two conditions might feel a tightness or pain in the chest, experience laboured breathing, and hear a wheezing sound when exhaling. This can make it hard for a good night\u2019s sleep because of the effects of allergens on the respiratory system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0What do to if you’re allergic to your pet<\/strong><\/p>\n

Doctors suggest people with pet allergies limit their exposure to the animal and therefore allergens. This doesn\u2019t mean banishing the pet from the household!<\/p>\n

A few steps to ensure you can continue to live with your furry friend without discomfort are to:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Make sure that your home is always clean. Wash the walls, the ceilings, the floors, and vacuum frequently.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Upholstered furniture is a magnet for pet saliva and dander. Make sure to you replace these items, or move them to where your pet can\u2019t reach them.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hypoallergenic and allergen-blocking coverings or cases are available for mattresses and cushions.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replace carpets if vacuuming and shampooing them does not get rid of the allergens.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Replace bedding that has come into contact with pets.<\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Use HEPA (or high efficiency particulate air) filters in your home, which can significantly reduce pet hairs and dander in the airflow.<\/p>\n

It may seem like a lot of work, but by just taking a few of these simple steps, you and your bestie can stay fur-friends forever. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

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Pets are extremely fun to be with, and science has proven that having a pet in your home can improve a person\u2019s well-being and actually lower stress levels. However, not everyone can reap the wonderful benefits associated with having a pet because of their allergies.   What causes them? Some people claim they\u2019re allergic to … <\/p>\n

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