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Pets, Children and Allergies The benefits of having a pet usually outweigh the drawbacks of
pet allergies for many people. Many people, with non-life-threatening allergies,
live with pets despite having allergies to them. A pet can offer opportunities
for socialization and exercise as well as help teach children lifelong lessons
in responsibility, compassion and empathy. Cats and dogs may cause reactions for people who are allergic to animals. Contrary to popular belief, there are no "non-allergenic" breeds of dogs or cats; even hairless breeds may cause symptoms. Fur is not the problem. In reality, allergies are triggered and aggravated by proteins secreted by oil glands. The dander is mixed with the animal’s saliva and these proteins adhere to fur when animals lick themselves. Problematic proteins are also found in urine. Dander is the microscopic particles of skin, fur and hair that animals continually shed. Such proteins and other substances that cause an individual's immune system to react are called allergens. Pets have been shown to boost immunity and decrease the risk of allergies or asthma in several studies. Studies have now shown that children who grow up with animals and are exposed to pets in the first eighteen months of life, either in the home or exposed to them on a farm, are less likely to develop allergies or asthma. These children are also shown to have overall stronger immunity as compared to children who are not exposed to pets. What to do: 1. Create an "allergy free" zone in your home—preferably the allergic person's bedroom—and strictly prohibit the pet's access to it. 2. Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the home, and avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains or blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. 3. Bathe your pet on a weekly basis to reduce the level of allergy-causing dander (shed old skin cells). Cats can get used to being bathed, but it's critical to only use products labeled for them. Check with your veterinarian's staff or a good book on pet care for directions about safe bathing, 4. Don't be quick to blame the family pet for allergies. You
might ask your health care provider to specifically test for allergies to pet
dander. Reduce the overall allergen level in your environment by concentrating
on all of the causes, not just the pet allergy.
5. Additional treatments for allergies to pets include immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays and antihistamine pills. It is important to find a healthcare provider who understands your commitment to living with your pet. A combination of approaches—medical control of symptoms, good housecleaning methods, and immunotherapy—is most likely to succeed in allowing an allergic person to live with pets. References: 1
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/allergies_pets.html,
accessed 2.http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/study_early_exposure_to_pets_may_reduce_allergies.html;
accessed 3.
http://humanesociety.blogspot.com/2009/02/ways-to-beat-allergies-and-keep-your.html;
accessed 4.
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthyPets/; accessed
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