Pet Allergies 3/9/14

Our recent skin prick test has shown that our son is now allergic to dog and cat hair.  Here is what we have since learned:

 

Allergies to pets, particularly domestic household pets such as dogs and cats, are common triggers for asthma and hayfever. The source of cat allergen is in the sebaceous glands in the cats skin. When they lick themselves, the allergen which is sticky, sticks to hair, dust etc. Even after removing the cat, the cat allergen can be present throughout the home for up to 6 months and potentially in the cats bedding for up to 4 years. (Scary thought) This allergen has also been known to be measurable in the homes of non pet owners.

 

Dogs

The main source of allergen in dogs is saliva and is spread via hair and skin particles that have been shed. So if you are allergic steer clear of slobbery dogs like the one from Turner and Hooch.

 

Other animals

Although not as common. horses, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and bird allergies are also just as important. Transmission of these allergens on clothes may trigger hay fever or Asthma.

 

Pet allergy symptoms generally (but not always) occur quickly after exposure to the animal.

 

What can I do to control my childs pet allergy?

• Leave the pet outside and not in the house
• when removing a pet from the home, ensure that bedding is removed from the home also
• Do not smoke. Exposure to smoke worsens allergic symptoms. Can also make a number of allergies more likely to develop

The following might be difficult but worth a try

• remove carpet or other reservoirs for allergens in the bedroom
• wash your pet regularly (weekly recommended)
• Keep the pet out of the bedroom of the allergic person
• Keep the pet to one area (easier said than done)
• Use high efficiency air cleaners

Where it is hard to avoid exposure, ongoing anti inflammatory therapy is an option to help control the symptoms.

 

Things we now need to adapt in our household. 

 

 

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