Having a pet and allergies at the same time sounds like an idea for a real disaster. But it shouldn’t have to be this way. Understanding what causes pet allergies and how to avoid them will allow you to live a happy, free of allergy symptoms life while enjoying your furry companion just like any other pet owner. It’s not the animal hair causing the allergy This statement might come as a shock to you because this is one thing you must have heard a thousand times. Many people believe it is the animal hair that causes humans to sneeze and experience all kinds of nasty symptoms when handling their beloved pets. Well, that’s not true, or, at least, not entirely true. It is because of a specific protein that exists in the dander from pet hair that is responsible for the unpleasant symptoms you have to deal with. Other proteins that are also the main culprits for your allergic reactions can be found in the pet’s urine and saliva. Because small fragments of these substances can quickly become airborne, you will find it hard to fight allergies. Runny nose and eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other allergy symptoms appear when you inhale these small particles of allergy-inducing proteins. Establish the source of your allergy It appears that people are susceptible to allergies due to their genetic makeup. In other words, if your parents or grandparents suffer from allergies, you might have a higher chance of experiencing them, as well. Pets could be your main trigger, due to the proteins mentioned earlier, present in their dander, urine, and saliva. However, it is a good idea to visit a specialized health professional and establish the source of your allergies. If it’s something else from your environment, you should know so that you can fight it properly. What to do if you’re allergic, but you want to keep your pet The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do if you suffer from allergies, but you still want to keep your pet. Finding the best gerbil cage for your budget, in case you own such furry creatures, is a good idea because it will keep the animal within a delimitated area of the house. However, if you own a roaming pet, like a cat or a dog, keeping him or her in a cage is not such a good idea. Here are some other things you can do as a pet owner with allergies:
- Don’t let your pets enter your bedroom
Ideally, you should have multiple areas in your home that are entirely free of pets. But, if that’s not possible, at least keep your pets away from your bedroom. When you sleep, you’re the most vulnerable to inhale the allergy-inducing protein from the pet’s dandruff, as you breathe more deeply than when awake.
- Vacuum frequently and get a HEPA filter
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are popular right now because they can eliminate most of the pollutants from the air you are breathing. Another good idea would be to do house cleaning often. This way, you will ensure that the air in your home is as clean as possible.
- Wash your hands often
It may serve to bathe your pet, but that might not be a solution that you would want to use frequently, especially if you have cats. Instead of having your furry friends go through the ordeal more often than recommended, consider washing your hands as often as you can. This way, you may eliminate getting allergens from the pets you like to caress to your face and nose. Conclusion Having allergies and pets at the same time is possible in many situations. Try these quick tips for fewer symptoms! Potential title: Staying Healthy Around Your Pet: Quick Tips For Combating Allergies Tagline: Are you an animal lover with allergies? Try these quick tips for combating allergies to stay healthy and happy around your pets.
