Humans have had a reasonably close association with animals for a long time. They have acted as our companions, and there has been a close tie of affection between individuals and their pets. However, at times, there arise problems as some people are allergic to specific animals. This guide will attempt to elaborate on the ways that those men and women can look to lessen the effect of their respective allergies while preserving our connection with the animal we love. This guide has been made while taking into account the various factors that contribute to allergies and devise ways in which our problems can be alleviated.
One thing up front be sure to check out our posts on Pets for Families with Allergies and Guide to Hypoallergenic Cats and Dogs.
What causes allergies?
To better understand the ways we can avoid suffering from the ailment, we need to learn about the cause. All allergies are due to proteins, which in this case in a protein found in the danger of the pet. This is spread through various means including the animal’s urine and saliva. These proteins, which are called allergens, are tiny and can be spread through the air, which makes it very hard for us to avoid them without making an express effort. Some individuals can have acute responses to these allergens, which manifest in severe problems while some may have mild issues. This guide will show how we can manage to have a pet and not fall with asthma every day through the following methods.
1. Create a Pet Free Zone
For owners of a pet that are allergic to the animal, it can help to prohibit movement of the animal within a specified zone inside the house or home that we reside in. This prevents allergens from spreading within that area and allows we respite from the allergy.
It is recommended that the area includes places where we will be expected to sleep or lie down, such as the bedroom. Rest is essential for healthy functioning of the body, and constant allergic reactions will do us no good. The pet-free zone can also be used for other purposes, such as work that demand more focus or require us to spend a large amount of time in one place. This will allow us to be able to do what is necessary without the burden of our allergies to come bursting in on us.
2.Use Air Filters and Purifiers
Allergens are very difficult to spot and can easily find their way into the corners of our house. The use of an air filter or purifier is recommended to restrict the proteins from spreading, preferably a HEPA filter as they are capable of removing even the smallest of allergens from the air around us. The use of filters in the area that the pet is normally found in can drastically reduce the number of allergic reactions we get while they also provide the added benefit of disposing of other pollutants and irritants that may have contributed to breathing problems. However do look out for faulty filters or purifiers, as they may result in a deterioration of the environment. A functioning HEPA filter is all that we need.
3. Take Care of the Pet’s Hygiene
There is no better way of taking care of our allergies than to take care of your pet. Bathing is something that should be done regularly, at least twice a week, to ensure that the excess dander is removed and that any urine or saliva that may have found its way onto our pet is removed.
For individuals that find it very hard to bathe their pets, they can consult a local groomer or pet salon. These establishments will take care of our pet, and we will not have to sacrifice our comfort. There are also multiple products available on the market that claim to reduce the allergens present on pets; however, studies have shown that the most effective way of getting rid of those pesky proteins is by bathing. Given time, our pet will become familiar to bathing, and any problems we may encounter during the first few instances will quickly be ironed out.
4. Prioritize Cleaning
Many people in a bid to rid themselves of their allergies forget the simplest of solutions: keeping the house clean. Vacuuming with a microfilter bag is recommended as it can remove the allergens from the air and from the rugs and carpets on which our pet may travel. Use a strong vacuum as much of the material that carries these allergens is difficult to gather.
Things like hair get stuck, and hence low-grade vacuums will fail to pull them up. The use of impermeable covers which do not allow the allergens to travel into the material of cushions or covers has also been seen to have been a success. Wash clothing and pillows regularly as those can also contain the pet’s dander. Be sure to monitor our pet and where it comes and goes. Sometimes a pet may frequent a specific area which may lead to the accumulation of allergens. These should then be cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Housework may be difficult, but it can pay dividends when it comes to dealing with our allergies.
5. Reduce Physical Contact
Yes, we love our pets, and we would like to play with them, but if it comes at the cost of our health, it is less than desirable. This does not entail that we put our pet into exclusion, rather reduce the amount of time that we spend near the pet and forbid ourselves from touching it unless we love us. We can take care of our pets without giving them hugs every time we see them.
Dander can spread quickly, and it can stick to our clothes and skin, which can become dangerous if we are prone to severe allergic reactions. Also, look to wash straight after an encounter with our pet. We need to remove dander as it comes, and that can only be done by rigorously maintaining our hygiene. The less time we spend with our hands near our pets, the less danger we are exposed to, and ultimately we guarantee our health comes first.
6. Look At Different Medications
There have been great advances in the medical industry, and as a result of that progress, we can see many drugs on the market that limit allergic reactions. These can be specific as in the case of asthma medicine, or they can be aimed at a general category of people as sprays or pills. The regular use of medicine can help we alleviate symptoms and also when it is coupled with the rest of the underlined measures; it can be a great boon to those who suffer from allergic responses.
The medication can also be used immediately after symptoms begin to manifest, which can significantly reduce the severity of the reaction. For people who have animals near them to whom they are allergic, must keep their medicine close at hand at all times. The use of medicine must be regularly monitored and taken in accordance with the prescription of the doctor who issued them or according to the instructions displayed on that particular medicinal drug. If the fair use of medicine is observed, individuals may expect fast results in the alleviation of their symptoms.
7. Allergy Shots
The last course of action is to get ourselves treated by injecting with small amounts of the allergy in a course that is also known as immunotherapy. This is rightly considered the last course of action available as this is a lengthy process that can consume both time and energy. The shots have to be administered regularly with the timespan dependent on the category of treatment on which we are partaking in. The treatment does not completely eradicate the allergy, but it does at times reduce it in a way that no other form of treatment has. The effectiveness of the process is still in question, but if it does work, it can help we live with our pet.
What If These Measures Do Not Work?
If we follow the guide and it does not give substantive results, we may need to think about removing our pet. This may be a hard decision, but it may be necessary. Pets require constant interaction and love, and if we are incapable of giving that due to our allergies, the relationship between the animal and we will deteriorate. We can give the pet to a close acquaintance who will allow us to even visit it from time to time if we wanted to or we can put it up for adoption. This should be the last decision we think of making and requires massive contemplation. Losing a pet is hard, and it can hurt.
Allergies can be a massive problem in living with our pet. However, it should not be considered to be impossible. If we follow the guide and adapt our lifestyle, we may be able to enjoy the company of our beautiful animal and not worry about the allergens.