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What causes pet allergies
If you have been experiencing common hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, you could be allergic to pets. A pet allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins within an animal’s skin cells, urine or saliva 1
Pet allergies are usually triggered by exposure to the dander a pet sheds. 2 This means that pet allergies come from pets with fur and feathers including domesticated dogs, cats and birds.
What is pet dander?
But, what exactly is pet dander? Pet dander is the tiny flecks of skin on pets that can become air-borne or linger within the home. 3 When pets shed heavily and release their protective layer of fur, the pet dander is released. As this protein is small it can stay airborne for hours which is when pet allergy symptoms are triggered.
There are a range of pet dander allergy symptoms which depend on the level of exposure. Sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, increased eye sensitively and skin rashes are all symptoms of an allergy to pet dander. 4 Pet dander can also cause a skin rash allergy to the face and body. 5 If you or someone you know has an already existing health condition, such as asthma, obtaining these symptoms could be harmful.
How to deal with your pet allergies
The best way to manage an allergy to pet dander is to minimise your exposure to pets in the home. However, if your pet dander allergy symptoms are mild there are some ways to reduce allergens without removing a pet all together. 6 Outlined below are some easy ways to make your home pet allergy friendly.
Bathe your pet regularly to reduce the old skin cells becoming air-borne. If you or a family member is cleaning your pet weekly there is a smaller chance of pet dander settling in the home.
Designate a pet-free zone to ensure pet dander doesn’t become present in all spaces. A good pet-free zone is the bedroom of the person with an allergy to pet dander, ensuring they can sleep and rest without the risk of pet dander.
Use an air-purifier within the home to avoid dander and dust from getting into furniture, wardrobes, clothing and carpets. It is also a great idea to clean these places regularly to reduce the build up of pet dander.
There are many ways to deal with pet allergies in your house, however if needed Telfast Allergy Relief tablets can relief symptoms of sneezing, a runny and itchy nose, sensitive eyes and itchy throat to provide 24-hour relief.
How long do pet allergy symptoms last
If your allergy to pet dander symptoms persist and are severe the pet allergies will stop when the animal is permanently removed from the home. Symptoms may also last for months after this as pet dander can embed in household items for the long-term. 7
So, if you have an allergy to cats or dogs, it might be time to take the next steps to diffuse pet dander symptoms. This could include removing pets from the home or dealing with an allergy to pet dander through Telfast Allergy Relief and home management techniques.
Everything you need to know about mould allergies
A mould allergy is an allergic reaction to the presence of mould spores in the air.
1. Cat and dog allergy. (n.d.). Cat And Dog Allergy | Healthdirect. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cat-and-dog-allergy
2. Pet allergy - Symptoms and causes. (2021, August 4). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192
3. Association, A. L. (n.d.). Pet Dander. Pet Dander | American Lung Association. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/pet-dander#:~:text=Pet%20dander%20and%20other%20pet,and%20out%20of%20the%20home.
4. Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website. (n.d.). ACAAI Public Website. Retrieved January 5, 2023, Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/pet-allergies/
5. Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website. (n.d.). ACAAI Public Website. Retrieved January 5, 2023, Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/pet-allergies/
6. How to live with allergies and pets. (n.d.). The Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-live-allergies-and-pets
7. Hosko, MD, D. M. (2021, October 4). Pet Allergies: Types, Symptoms, Treatment & FAQs | Portland Urgent Care - Portland Urgent Care Blog. Portlandurgentcare.com. Retrieved January 5, 2023, from https://www.portlandurgentcare.com/blog/how-to-help-pet-allergies-how-long-do-they-last
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