Pet allergies: How to live with them?

What are allergies?

Allergies are an exaggerated response of the body’s immune system due to interaction with certain substances, called allergens. Some of the most common and well-known allergens are pollen from certain plants or trees and mosquito or insect venom, but some foods, medicines or certain chemicals can also cause allergies.

When it comes to pets, especially dogs and cats, although it’s commonly believed that fur is what causes allergies, it’s in fact certain proteins known as epithelia, which can be found in the sebaceous glands of the skin, as well as in saliva and urine.

Main symptoms of allergies to animals

The most common animal allergy is triggered by these epithelia, which become airborne when pets shed their skin or it flakes for any reason.

The main symptoms are usually similar to those of a pollen allergy, i.e. nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and throat and sometimes difficulty breathing. If the allergy is caused by contact with their skin or saliva, symptoms may also include forms of dermatitis, redness or itching in the area of the body that has touched the animal.

Tips for living with
your pet if you suffer from allergies
 

If you’re allergic to animals, don’t give up, because living with them is possible. Below, we share some tips on how to live with your pet and avoid allergy symptoms as much as possible:

• Keep the house as well ventilated as possible.
• Avoid carpets and rugs that accumulate dust and pet hair.
• If possible, keep some area of the house off-limits to your pet.
• Brush daily.
• Wash your pet as often as possible, while respecting the pH and caring for their skin and coat. To determine the optimal bathing frequency, you should consult your veterinarian.
• Avoid contact with the animal and, if you do, wash your hands and face as soon as possible.
• Consultation with an allergist for possible treatment.
   

Are you allergic and don’t have a pet yet? These are ideal pets: 

The best options for people with allergies are hairless animals or small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or shrews, as they tend to cause fewer allergic reactions. But if you prefer to have a dog or cat, here are some hypoallergenic breeds.

Five dog breeds that are suitable for allergies people with

Poodle
Schnauzer
Maltese
Yorkshire Terrier
Shih Tzu

Five cat breeds that don't cause allergies

Sphynx
Oriental Shorthair
Siberian
Balinese
Javanese