Allergic reactions to furry pets are typical, particularly for people with other allergy symptoms or asthma. In the U.S., there are three out of ten allergic patients have an allergic reaction to cats and dogs. Cat allergies are two times as high compared to dog allergies. Therefore, keeping the home clean using the best pet hair vacuum is needed to avoid allergens from going airborne or sticking to surfaces that can cause allergic reactions.
Tips on Pets for Children With Asthma
People who are allergic to dogs could be more sensitive to certain types of dogs than others. Other people could be hypersensitive to all dog breeds. Some types of dogs are said to be hypoallergenic, however, there are no real non-allergic dogs or cats.
What Leads to Pet Allergies?
The role of the body’s immune system is to detect and remove foreign bodies like viruses and bacteria. Usually, this reaction safeguards us from harmful diseases. People who are allergic to pets have a very sensitive immune system. They respond to harmless proteins in pet urine, saliva or dandruff. The signs and symptoms that are produced are allergic reactions.
The substance that causes an allergic reaction is an allergen. Pet allergens could accumulate on furniture and various other surfaces. Allergens do not lose strength for quite a long time. Occasionally allergens stay high for months and can stick to surfaces such as furniture and clothing. Pet hair can collect allergens like dandruff, saliva, urine, dust, and pollens.
Signs and Symptoms of Pet Allergies
- Pet allergens will land on the membranes of both the nose and the eyes. Responses include swelling and itching, nasal congestion and irritation of the eyes.
- Scratching or rubbing a pet can cause red areas of the skin. It is very typical for the eyes to itch after touching pets and then touching the eyes. If the allergen level is low or not sensitive, the symptoms appear after a number of days of contact with pets.
- Several airborne allergens are minute that it can enter the lungs. In some people, this direct exposure can trigger serious breathing issues. Super sensitive individuals can result in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath in 15-30 minutes after breathing in allergens.
- At times highly sensitive individuals develop severe rashes on the face, neck and even the chest. Allergens from cats can also cause chronic asthma.
Pet Allergens are Just About Everywhere
Cat and dog allergens are practically everywhere even in houses where there are no pets at all because people can carry these allergens through their clothes. In addition, allergens can enter the air by touching or modifying the animal, when dusting, and vacuuming.
When allergens become airborne, the particles can stay suspended in the air for long periods. What Are the Symptoms of a Pet Allergy? Cat and dog allergens can land on the membranes that line the eyes and nose. Reactions include swelling and itching of the membranes, stuffy nose and inflamed eyes. Once suspended in air, the particles will be suspended in the air for a long time.