Pet Allergy Treatment

Allergic reactions occur when your body recognizes a substance called an allergen as "foreign". This causes your immune system to kick into gear and release chemicals to fight against the allergen. Pet allergy is a condition that many people face when living with their beloved pawed friends. Symptoms of this allergy usually occur when you are exposed to allergens in their dander, saliva or urine. This is typical of those who say, "I love my cat, but I sneeze every time I pet it". The most common symptoms include itchy, red and watery eyes; stuffy, runny and sneezing nose; and sometimes itchy throat and coughing. More sensitive individuals may experience skin reactions such as rashes, wheals and itching.

These allergic reactions may be more pronounced when you are around your pet, but remember that animal dander and other allergens can spread throughout the house, so symptoms can be persistent. In some people, pet allergies can trigger asthma symptoms, in which case you may experience more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing.

Understanding pet allergies can sometimes be a case of thinking, "I only get allergies in the spring, it's definitely not the animals," but in fact the symptoms and timing can provide clues to the source of the allergy. For example, if you experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose or sneezing when you are around your cat or dog, this could be a pet allergy. It can also be an allergic reaction if you experience skin reactions such as redness or rashes after spending time with your pet.

Pet allergies can sometimes be confused with other allergies, especially house dust and pollen allergies. However, if these symptoms only occur when you are around your pet and they go away when you are away from your pet, this is a strong indication that you have a pet allergy.  Some people may also experience similar symptoms when they spend time with animals in another household. This indicates that animal allergens may remain on clothing and furniture.

If you suspect that you have a pet allergy, the best way to find out is to get an allergy test. These tests can help you identify which allergens you are sensitive to. Also, telling your doctor in detail about your symptoms and when they occur is an important step in reaching the correct diagnosis.

If you have an allergic reaction to your pet, you can treat your symptoms at home. Over-the-counter medicines called antihistamines can reduce your symptoms. These medicines block the effects of histamine chemicals in your immune system that tell your body to fight against an allergen.

Decongestants are another type of medicine that can help temporarily relieve pressure in your sinuses and help you breathe better. Nasal congestion can also be treated by rinsing your nose with saline or sterile water. 

It is recommended to keep your pet away from certain areas of the house, especially the bedroom. It is also important to clean your pet's coat frequently and ventilate the house regularly. Air purifiers and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can reduce the amount of allergens in the house by filtering allergens out of the air.

Antihistamines and allergy nasal sprays are very effective for relieving symptoms. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms and make your daily life more comfortable. Another important point is to take care of your pet's cleanliness. Regular bathing and brushing can prevent the spread of allergens. It can also help to wear a mask and, if possible, do it outdoors. Change the filters in your air conditioning and heating systems regularly to improve air quality. Pet allergens can build up on your clothes, especially if you cuddle your pet. Change your clothes after spending time with your pet. Keeping your pet clean and well-groomed can reduce the amount of dandruff in your environment.

Yes, pet allergies can develop later in life. Allergies can develop at any age and this is also true for pet allergies. Many factors can play a role in the development of allergies, such as a person's allergic predisposition, environmental factors and genetic factors.

Some people may coexist with pets without any problems at one stage of their lives and start to have allergic reactions at another. This change may be due to the changing sensitivity of the immune system over time. For example, it's possible that your body may become more sensitive to allergens when you come back into contact with pets after a long period away from them.

Also, different species of animals, or even different individuals of the same species, can carry different allergens. So even if you have never had a problem with a cat or dog before, you may have an allergic reaction to another animal.

If you notice allergic symptoms with pets, it is best to consult an allergist. Experts will help you to identify the source of the allergy and recommend appropriate treatment methods.  Even if pet allergies develop later in life, with the right precautions and treatments, it is possible to manage the condition and live a healthy coexistence with your pets.