Pet Allergies - Know About It

Introduction:

Pet allergies are common, especially in individuals who have other allergies or asthma. A few individuals may be allergic to animals with fur or feathers. Most pet allergies occur when someone comes in contact with dogs and cats. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that about 30 percent of individuals with allergies in the United States develop an allergic reaction to dogs and cats. The probability of being allergic to a cat is twice as likely to a dog. Pet allergy usually occurs in response to proteins found in the skin cells of the animals or the saliva and urine. Pet allergy often kickstarts due to exposure to dead flakes of skin or danders that a pet sheds.

Which Pets Can Trigger an Allergic Reaction?

The immune system in the human body identifies foreign substances and produces proteins called antibodies to act against these foreign agents, thereby preventing the body from falling sick. At times, the immune system could make a mistake and produce antibodies against substances that are not harmful, like a few substances found in one’s pet. This could set off an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can develop from the following pets:

• Dogs and Cats: The pets themselves do not cause an allergic reaction, but certain things get trapped in these animals' hair or fur, which sets off an allergic reaction. Allergies could be caused by saliva, pee, sweat, and dead skin cells (dander) of animals. Pet fur can also entrap mold, pollen, and other common outdoor allergens, which could cause sneezing and watery eyes.

• Birds: Mites dwell in birds' feathers, which act as a common allergen. Also, fine dust present in birds' droppings can trigger an allergic reaction.

• Rabbits and Small Rodents: Though these animals are small, their saliva, hair, and dander could cause an allergic reaction. The chemicals in the urine of rodents like mice, gerbils, and hamsters could set off an allergic reaction. These chemicals can get dispersed in the air when the animal moves around.

• Horses: Allergies from horses are rare, but sometimes, the allergen in danders from horses could result in a life-threatening reaction. Children are more prone to such allergies.

Who Is Prone to Pet Allergies, and Are There Pets That Do Not Cause Any Allergies?

Though anybody can be affected by pet allergies, one is more likely to acquire pet allergies if one’s biological parents have a history of pet allergies. There is a belief that certain breeds of furry pets will cause no allergies and are hypoallergenic. But, studies show that there are no such things as hypoallergenic animals since pet allergies involve more than fur alone. It can be challenging for researchers and healthcare professionals to accurately determine which breeds of animals would cause the least allergies. Usually, animals that do not have feathers or furs are least likely to cause any allergies. Such animals include:

• Fish.

• Amphibians like toads, frogs, and salamanders.

• Reptiles like snakes, lizards, and turtles.

What Is the Impact of Pet Allergies on the Body?

An allergic reaction is caused when the body responds to a specific allergen. During the first encounter with a pet allergen, the body produces IgE (immunoglobulin) antibodies in response to the allergen. Each type of IgE antibody reacts against a particular type of pet allergen or other allergens. These IgE antibodies may be sensitive to either one particular animal or can be sensitive to various types of allergens. The antibodies detect and eliminate these allergens by moving them to an allergy cell called the mast cell, where they bind to a special receptor. This stimulates the mast cells to release histamines which trigger symptoms of allergy.

What Are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?

Pet allergies produce an inflammatory reaction in the nasal passages, skin, or lungs. The symptoms in the lungs and nasal passages are as follows:

• Stuffy and runny nose.

• Sneezing.

• Itchy eyes, nose, throat, or roof of the mouth.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Postnasal drip.

• Facial pressure and pain.

• Frequent, upward rubbing of the nose may be observed in children.

• Red or watery eyes.

• Wheezing when breathing out (exhaling).

• Blue-tinted skin under the eyes.

• Disturbed sleep due to shortness of breath.

Skin symptoms of a pet allergy are as follows:

• Itchy skin.

• Burning sensation.

• Hives or raised red patches.

• Swelling or tenderness.

• Eczema (inflammation of the skin that causes dry and itchy skin).

The symptoms can be minor and manifest after several days in a few individuals; in some, shortness of breath and coughing can develop within 15 to 30 minutes following exposure to the allergen. At times, pet allergies can aggravate the symptoms of asthma or can set off a severe episode of asthma.

How to Diagnose Pet Allergies?

An allergist (an expert in treating allergic conditions) will initially inquire about one’s family history of pet allergies, previous history of any allergies, nature of symptoms, types of animals to which one was exposed, when the symptoms started to appear, and whether any over-the-counter medications were taken to treat the symptoms. Following this, the following tests will be taken:

• Skin Prick (Scratch) Test: The area to be tested usually involves the forearm or upper back. This area is cleaned with alcohol or iodine. Following this, droplets of various possible pet allergens are placed on the skin. The skin is then scratched slightly using a lancet or a thin needle. The droplets will make their way into the skin through these scratches. One shall feel mild discomfort but not bleed while scratching. If one is allergic to any of the allergens, the reaction will appear within 15 minutes of exposure to the allergen.

The reactions include red, gray, or white discoloration of the skin, or round, raised spots called wheals or hives that resemble bug bites. The size of the wheal will be measured and noted by the allergist to determine which allergen triggered the reaction. This test takes less than an hour.

• IgE Test: In this test, a thin needle is used to draw blood from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory, wherein the yellow portion of the blood, called the plasma containing IgE antibodies, is placed in a testing plate coated with allergens. Another chemical that measures the amount of IgE allergen present in response to that allergen is then placed. High levels of IgE antibodies in the blood sample indicate the possibility of pet allergies. It may take around a week or more for the test results to arrive.

How to Treat Pet Allergies?

The following medications may be prescribed to treat pet allergies:

• Antihistamines: Since histamines trigger an allergic reaction, antihistamines minimize the amount of histamine that is produced. This provides relief from sneezing and an itchy and runny nose.

• Decongestants: Decongestants reduce the swelling in the nasal passages, which eases breathing.

• Corticosteroids: Steroid nasal sprays minimize inflammation and provide relief from sneezing and a runny and stuffy nose.

• Immunotherapy: In this method, one is exposed gradually to an allergen in incremental increases, which may minimize sensitivity to that substance over a period of time.

• Leukotriene Modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers may be prescribed if corticosteroids and antihistamines are not ideal. They reduce nasal congestion and inflammation by hindering the action of certain chemicals.

How Can Pet Allergies Be Prevented?

Pet allergies can be prevented in the following ways:

• Pets should not be allowed inside the bedroom.

• Hugging or kissing one’s pet should be avoided. If done, hands should be washed immediately with soap and water.

• The areas where pets are kept should be maintained well by washing the cat and dog beds once a week. If pets like rabbits are kept in a cage, then the cage should be cleaned regularly. A non-allergic family member may offer to do the cleaning.

• Pets should be bathed once a week. Brushing and grooming regularly can keep away danders.

• A vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) should be used to clean the carpets and rugs.

• Wooden or plastic blinds should be used instead of cloth curtains since these can attract danders. Carpets can be replaced with vinyl flooring, tile, or wood which eases the cleaning process.

• It is better to visit a friend who owns a pet outside the home or in a public place since their clothes can contain danders.

• One should change their dress after spending too much time with pets.

Conclusion:

Though many love to have pets, sometimes one can develop allergies to certain substances found in pets. The immune system mistakenly lists these substances as 'harmful' and acts against them by releasing antibodies. However, pet allergies do not spread from one person to another. The symptoms of pet allergies can either appear within 15 minutes of exposure to the allergen or appear after several days. One must consult a physician if they develop symptoms of allergy. Medications are available to treat allergy symptoms and to get rid of inflammation. Avoiding exposure to pets is the best way to avoid pet allergies, but it is not an apt option for those who love pets. Hence, one can avoid developing pet allergies by following certain preventive measures mentioned above.