Allergies in Your Dog or Cat

Pets definitely help us live longer and healthier lives. This applies particularly to the elderly and those of us who live alone. Pets wonderful companions and followers. They are always there for us. However, this relationship is strained, and sometimes even be broken if someone in the household develops an allergy to a beloved pet.

Studies show that about 15% of the population suffers from allergies and a dog or a cat, and about a third of those who suffer from allergies to cats want to live in households with a cat despite the allergy. Some people with allergies and animals live happily in a year or two before the beginning of allergy.

Sometimes it is long-term health ramifications of repeated allergy flair up, especially for children. Repeated flair-up can cause permanent lung damage to children. This must be carefully and thoroughly discussed with your doctor. One way to live happily and animal is allergic to is to calculate the exposure of animals. Keep the animal, if possible.

If the person has only a slight allergic reaction of the animal there are ways for both of them to live together in harmony, but it must work. The water should not be allowed in the room of allergy or in bed. Keep the animal out of upholstered furniture in the house as dander can be transferred to upholstered furniture. Use a room purifier to remove pet hair airborne. Remove carpets from home if possible and replace it with hardwood floors. Carpet cleaning on a regular basis with warm water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dander. The allergic person must wash his face and hands after handling animals. The animal can be bathed weekly in specially formulated shampoo that removes dandruff.

In some cases where previous methods and use of most antihistamines and decongestants do not help against the allergic person may be necessary to seek the help of an allergist. Immunotherapy may be considered as a vaccine against allergies. Taking into account on a regular basis as shots, immunotherapy helps your body develop a natural tolerance to specific allergens.

With the use of the above methods, you will be able to live a long and healthy life with your pets!