Achoo No More? Finding Pets For Allergy Sufferers
Have you recently been diagnosed as being allergic to dogs or cats? Or perhaps you’ve always been an allergy sufferer and are struggling to find a furbaby that doesn’t trigger your symptoms?
When it comes to finding pets for allergy sufferers, it helps to understand your allergies as well as knowing how to control your symptoms. With some effort and patience, it is possible for a pet allergy sufferer to live comfortably with a four-legged friend.
Pets For Allergy Sufferers
Certain pet breeds are advertised as “hypoallergenic”, but the truth is that such a thing simply does not exist. The culprit in most pet allergy cases is not pet hair, as was previously thought, but rather dander (small bits of skin shed by dogs, cats, rodents, and birds), saliva, and urine.
All warm-blooded animals produce allergens, but some do seem to elicit less of an allergic reaction than others, such as:
- Standard poodle
- Labradoodle
- Portuguese water dog
- Kerry blue terrier
- Schnauzer
- Bichon frise
- Balinese-Javanese cat
- Sphinx cat
- Lizards and snakes (no dander)
Although birds and rodents produce dander, many allergy sufferers find that their symptoms are decreased in the presence of these smaller mammals, possibly due to their smaller size and the fact that they are typically confined to one area of the home.
Managing Your Symptoms
Before you start doing in-depth research on finding the best pets for allergy sufferers, it’s important to have your allergy diagnosed by a medical professional. Your doctor can work with you to help you pinpoint your allergic triggers and to take steps to manage your symptoms.
Many pet allergy sufferers are allergic to more than one thing, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke, etc. The buildup of various triggers in the home can make the symptoms much worse.
Try the following ideas for reducing allergens in your home:
- Use a HEPA air filter to reduce airborne allergens
- Bathe your pet weekly
- Wash pet bedding and blankets weekly
- Vacuum and dust frequently, including fabric curtains and upholstery
- Launder pillows, curtains, and couch covers weekly
- Keep at least one room of your house off-limits to pets
- Don’t allow pets to sleep on your bed or in your bedroom with you at night
- Consult with your doctor regarding medication or other treatments to help mediate your symptoms
Here at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we understand your desire to share your life with a pet, and we are here to help you in any way we can. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.