Cures for Pet Allergies

The hair, saliva or urine from pets that we keep in the house may cause allergic reactions that we are not even always aware of. It is the proteins in urine and hair that causes the problem, resulting in itchy eyes and irritated airways.

A symptom of pet allergy can be red, itchy and possibly swollen eyes, an itchy throat and runny nose and possibly a rash. Luckily there are cures for pet allergies available. Most often people are allergic to cats or dogs, but it is also possible to be highly sensitive or allergic to rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters and horses.

Do Pet Allergies Give Rise To Other Complications?

A common pet allergy can, when not treated properly, result in more complications. As the nose and airways are mostly affected when one suffers from an allergic reaction, a pet allergy can develop into an ear infection when the sinuses are not free as a result of a blocked nose.

Other possible complications are:

Sensitive skin
As a rash might occur when experiencing an allergic reaction, the skin might be scratched by the patient to relieve the feeling of itchiness, This might result in damage to the skin and if the skin I not taken care off and moisturised properly, the skin will become hypersensitive.
Insomnia
Sleepless nights due to a blocked nose or painful blocked sinuses, itchy eyes and irritated skin as a result of an allergy will keep you awake. Taking pet allergy medication will relieve the symptoms and this medication could possible be combined with a (herbal) relaxant, to ensure a good nights' rest.

Symptoms of Pet Allergy

Allergic reactions will follow after stroking the fur or feathers of pets that you are allergic to, but touching a bench or sofa that a dog has slept on. or other objects containing pet allergens may also evoke an allergic reaction. A pet allergy test performed by a doctor will clarify what animals you should avoid exactly.

Symptoms of a Pet Allergy are:

Hay fever-like symptoms are signs of pet allergies. Sneezing and a blocked nose and possibly an itchy skin will make you feel highly uncomfortable.
Eye problems, watering and itching eyes or extremely dry eyes could be a symptom of an allergy.
Asthmatic complaints such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and couching.
Children's Eczema, touching a pet or an item that has been near a pet might leave you with an itchy and red skin.

Causes of Pet Allergies

The common cause for most pet allergies is not the hair of the animal that causes the damage but the saliva of the animal. Cats' dandruff is the best known allergen in the pet world. Cats wash themselves, depositing a layer of saliva on the hair in the process. As the saliva dries, dandruff is formed. This dandruff is the main culprit when it comes to pet allergies.

Dogs' dander will cause allergies, along with the feathers and fur from birds and tiny animals such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs.

Diagnosis of Pet Allergies

Keeping a diary and writing down how often and where and when you have (suspected) allergic reactions to your pets may help your doctor determine whether you could be suffering from a pet allergy, and prescribe the suitable pet allergy medication.

A Skin Test

Ways to determine whether you have a pet allergy are:During a skin allergy test the doctor will make a small incision in the skin on your back or arm and place some animal deposits such as pet dander on the skin. If you are allergic, a 'result' will show up fairly quickly. The skin could start to itch or may turn red for example.

A Blood Test

Blood is taken and sent to a laboratory where it will be tested for signs of (pet) allergies. This test is less secure and will not tell you what it is exactly that you are allergic to.

A doctor will already be able to form a basic diagnosis when you explain what your complaints are and when you experience them.

Continue to: Treatment for Pet Allergy

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