Do You Have A Dog or Cat Allergy?

If you start to sneeze, develop teary eyes, a runny nose and a headache every time you get near your cat you might be having an allergic reaction. Cat allergens from the saliva and dander have to be airborne in order for you to breathe them in and then have an allergic reaction. Since they are airborne, they can circulate everywhere in your house and on you. Have yourself tested so you can be sure your symptoms are coming from your cat. Allergists can perform a scratch test on your skin that can reveal 70-80 possible allergens. Allergies to a pet can begin at any age. Many people that have pet allergies may have allergies to other things like molds or pollen. Allergies also tend to run in families.

Runny nose, watery eyes? Sneezing all the time? Do you have a dog allergy? Maybe your best friend is what’s got your allergies going. After all there really is no dog breed that is truly non allergenic because they all produced dander, urine, and saliva.

Some dogs are less likely to cause allergies because they have less dander. There is a misconception that it is the fur that causes the allergies so the heavier the dog sheds the more likely you are to suffer. This is not the case. It is all about the dander. That is what actually causes the dog allergy.

Urine is generally more of a problem with cats than dogs because dogs go outside.

Most people do not want to give up their cat unless they absolutely have to. If the symptoms are mild, you probably will be able to keep your cat. There are ways to decrease the unpleasant symptoms of the allergy.

And all dogs salivate. The pet hair becomes a problem when it collects other common allergens such as dust, pollen, dander causing a dog allergy.

The problem goes even deeper than what you are allergic to. You see people with allergies have an immune system that is super sensitive so it reacts to things that are harmless like pet dander.

Start by not letting your cats sleep with you anymore. In fact, keep them out of your bedroom completely. Wash your bedclothes in a hot water temperature of 140-degrees. This will eliminate any allergens while you are trying to get your symptoms under control.

A dog allergy can cause wheezing, fatigue, coughing, headache, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and in some cases asthma attacks. It can happen as quickly as five minute or be a delayed reaction occurring much later. And some people are allergic to only certain breeds.

There are also skin care products that you can use on your dog to reduce the amount of dander your dog produces.

Try to keep your cat confined to one area of the house until you have been treated and feel better. This might be difficult but it may be the only solution if you have severe allergies. A room you don't use could be a good area to keep your cat in temporarily. Make sure you put toys, food and water in the room. A room with windows with wide panes may be a good idea so they can sit and look outside. Have someone without allergies take your cat outside for a while every day.

And there are some breeds that just by nature produce less dander so they can be a good choice for anyone with a dog allergy.

There are several things you can do to help reduce your dog allergy. For starters you can choose a natural product to help boost your immune system. You might also consider doing a detox to remove toxins from the body. Over the years our bodies build up large amounts of toxins which affect our immune system and can play a role in it short circuiting.

Cats should be bathed regularly to control the quantity of allergens that are released. A good micro fiber cloth will also work. You can rub down their coat to eliminate any obvious dander. There are shampoos for pets that work to reduce the airborne allergens. Always wash your hands after touching your cat. There are medications that can be taken such as antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays. Allergy desensitization shots are another treatment option. The shots make the person immune to the allergies. Small amounts of allergens are injected at first and than slowly increased. Make an appointment with a holistic healthcare practitioner if you want a more natural way to control your symptoms. Nutritional supplements and herbs may decrease an allergic response. Your cat should also eat a healthy diet with omega-3 fatty acids. Cats produce less dander if they are healthy.

A dog allergy is just one of the allergies you might be suffering with that are environmental. Keep the dog dander to a minimal in your home. Run a HEPA filter in each room and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least once a day and don’t forget to vacuum in the vents where hair, dander, and dust gather. Also vacuum the furniture. HEPA filters make a huge difference. Keep the dogs out of the bedroom. If you don’t want to close the door then install a baby gate to keep them out. Consider removing carpets and installing flooring. It reduces all kinds of allergies and is a known asthma reducer in children.

Bathe your dog at least once a week and wash dogging bedding and toys once a week. Spray areas where the dogs spend time with an anti allergen spray which helps deactivate allergens. Keep dust to a minimal.

If for some reason you don't respond to any of the treatments then you might have to give up your pet. Of course, you want them to have a good home. Ask family members or friends if they would take your cat. Rescue groups are also good to call to help you find a place where your pet will receive excellent care... [read more]

You can also receive immunotherapy allergy shots if testing showed a pet allergy to begin with although it’s not as effective as they would like to see it. You can also use over the counter medications to reduce symptoms and of course there are some excellent natural products that are worth trying if you have a dog allergy.

A dog allergy can develop out of nowhere. Or it can be something you have lived with for years that got worse over the years. Whatever the reason you now suffer with a dog allergy you can reduce the effects of that allergy using natural products and these tips.

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