Pet Allergy Treatment Options

In brief, what is a "pet allergy"?

It is paramount, first, to realize that most of the information gathered on allergies pertaining to pets is centered toward dogs and cats; however all types of animals can cause allergies for individuals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, etc. Regardless of the pet, though, the most common complaint is a stuffy or runny nose occurring when around an animal. Well, there is a protein in the animal's saliva, feces, urine, and dead skin skills that cause people to have nasal and other allergies. For this reason alone, medical doctors suspect that as many as 15% of people who own a pet have an allergy associated with their pets alone. Interestingly, all pet allergies may take two or more years to manifest themselves into symptoms people feel; sadly, once the symptoms do appear, the average time for their disappearance is a good six months, with many lasting longer. For indoor pet owners, this fact means that furniture and carpets frequented by pets are contaminated by their allergens. Pet allergies are a hazard for many individuals, which mean proper treatment options are a must for any individual wanting to both own a pet and live without having to worry about having to deal with allergies.

What treatments are available for people who develop a pet allergy?

1. Avoid the pet that is causing the allergy as much as humanly possible. The best thing someone can do to avoid getting the symptoms of an allergy, according to medical doctors, is to avoid pets that are likely to increase a person's allergic reactions. Perhaps, for example, parents could place their large dog outdoors so that the children are not exposed to any allergens that could cause allergy-like symptoms.
2. Try medications, as recommended and prescribed by a primary care physician. There are many types of medications that a doctor could prescribe to someone with pet allergies, such as:
   • Antihistamines: These medications stop a chemical in one's immune system that is responsible for the pet allergic reaction forming. Some of the name brands include: Claritin, Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Allegra.
   • Corticosteroids: These prescriptions are delivered by means of a nasal spray, which, when used, decreases inflammation and limits symptoms of hay fever. Examples of these drugs include: Flonase and Nasonex.
   • Decongestants: Doctors prescribe these medications in order to make it easier to breathe through the nasal passages. Typically, they come in tablets or sprays, with most working to reduce any pet allergies a person may experience
   • Leukotriene modifiers: These pills block some immune system chemicals from exerting their effects on different parts of the body. An example of this drug is Singular.
3. Immunotherapy: This procedure involves a person receiving a variety of shots over a period of time; this method, then, will allow a person's immune system to not be receptive to the pet's allergens. Typically, this technique works by giving a person one or two weak shots weekly, which contain small amounts of pet allergens (i.e., the proteins forming the allergens in a person). Over time, the dosage is heightened, and the overall treatment lasts three to six months; however, "maintenance shots" are required every three to five weeks for up to five years for all patients choosing immunotherapy. Medical doctors point out that immunotherapy should be used when other treatments do not work effectively.
4. Nasal Lavage: This technique involves a person using a saline (i.e., salty material) rinse on his nasal passes. It works by decreasing many of the symptoms found in a person experiencing pet allergies, such as postnasal drip, congestion, and sneezing. Fortunately, these types of methods do not need to be prescribed by a medical doctor; thus, a person can visit his drug store and buy over-the-counter sprays and devices to treat their nasal problems.
5. Keep the house tidy: As often as possible, individuals are encouraged to keep their homes washed thoroughly, especially their walls and ceilings.
6. Replace furniture, beddings, and carpets often: Cleaning will not get rid of all pet allergens, so it is best that people get household necessities often in order to ensure that a person within the home does not develop an allergy.
7. Use "high-efficiency filters": "High-efficiency particulate air" (HEPA) filters are able to catch all of the floating allergens that are in the air; also, it is recommended that people use air purifiers.
8. Give the pet a bath at least once a week.
9. Point out areas of the house that are "pet-free" areas, like bedrooms, for example.
10. Get help from family members and friends who do not have any pet allergies in cleaning cages or the pets themselves.

Thus, there are methods individuals can use to reduce their pet allergies so that they can simultaneously enjoy owning an animal, while also not having to experience the nasty nasal or other problems that accompany them.