Facts About Allergies Season
It is a new season. The most fun of all for the allergy sufferer. More than 79 million American homes have pets of the canine and feline varieties. And pets can be a problem for adults and children with allergies. There are some facts that will inform about what really causes allergies and all the things that go on in the world of dog and cat allergens which you may not know. The 7 facts you probably did not know are as follows:
1- Pet hair is not the cause of your allergies. There is a protein in the cat or dog saliva, urine, and dead skin cells, aka dander, that come from our furry besties as they shed. A pet’s hair can also hold onto allergens, such as pollen, grass, the hair of other pets, and mold from the outside. This makes the problems that much worse.
2- In the United States approximately 30% of the population have allergies. Cats are responsible for twice as many allergies as dogs.
3- Cat allergies are the most clingy of all the allergens. A female cat is your best bet if you have allergies; male cats produce more of the proteins that cause reactions in humans.
4- Turn about is fair play and you could be making your dog or cat just as miserable as he or she makes you with regard to allergies! The dander from a human, aka your gross dead skin cells, can cause allergic reactions in animals. If you see evidence of allergies, take your pet to the vet for an exam.
5- Do not be fooled by the hype, please – there is no such thing as an hypoallergenic pet! Allergic dander from dogs and cats is neither as a result of hair/fur texture nor hair/fur length. It is from the dead skin cells.
6- There are a few medical journals that have published articles claiming that children raised with pets during the first year of life may be less likely to develop allergies than their counterparts living in pet-free environments. Please do your own research in this area as there are varying opinions.
7- Pet allergens are like Gorilla Glue. They stick to anything and everything. They can also linger in the air for months. Dust, clean, vacuum, turn on a HEPA-filter, and clean some more.
Getting a cat or dog if you know have allergies is a risky prospect. You can always, of course, get rid of the animal causing the problem, but this is a heartbreaking decision for you, your children, and believe it or not, soul-crushing for the cat or dog. If you know you are at risk, take all the precautions you can and consult an allergist. If you do not find out until you get your car or dog, find a good allergist right away. And do everything he or she says to do because your pet’s life might depend upon you getting your allergies under control.
