News
High Pollen Count in Phoenix Area May Exacerbate Pet Allergies
March 03, 2008, 12:4PM MT
By Brandi Bennett
Have watery eyes and a runny nose? Don’t blame Fido and Fluffy!
Have watery eyes and a runny nose? Don’t blame Fido and Fluffy!
By: Daphne Grace, Best Friends Network Volunteer
The Phoenix area is going to have very high pollen counts for the next few days, according to Pollen.com. This may cause more than a few people to look askance at their pets, assuming they are the source of the allergy symptoms.
Don’t jump to conclusions. Your symptoms may be caused by seasonal allergies, or a cold. Your doctor can test you to verify the cause of your symptoms. Many doctors may also jump to conclusions and tell you that the only remedy is to get rid of a pet. Often, it is a combination of allergens that are causing the problem, and controlling one or more of the troublemaking allergens can help alleviate your symptoms.
For example, if your sensitivity to your pet seemed to coincide with when you started meeting co-workers in a smoky atmosphere after work, it is probably the cumulative effect of cigarette smoke and your pet ganging up on your system. Cut back on the smoke and your pet won’t be as problematic. This time of year, pollen sensitivities can combine with pet allergens to bother you, yet in winter you will have no trouble at all.
If you are allergic to animals, you can receive allergy shots, just as you can if you have seasonal allergies. These shots act to desensitize you to the offending allergens, therefore reducing or eliminating your discomfort. You can utilize steroid nasal sprays and oral antihistamines as well.
But unlike hay fever allergens, pet allergens don't go away when the weather changes. You may notice you don't have as many problems once you are aware of your specific combination of sensitivities and you can control your environment. There are many things you can do to lessen allergen exposure and make life with your pet easier.
Allergies to pets are triggered by proteins secreted from glands, and are also present in saliva. A pet who has groomed by licking itself can be covered in allergy-causing proteins, which become a component of pet dander when dry. You can better control your symptoms by controlling the dander. This is also your opportunity to beg off of litterbox duty, as the proteins are present in urine as well, and can become airborne.
Your first step would be to designate a pet-free zone in your home. This may be the second floor of a two-story house, or just your bedroom in a smaller home or apartment. By having an area your pet cannot access, you will have an area to escape allergens if you are having a bad allergy day, and you will be allergen-free while you sleep. If the pet has previously been in the pet-free zone, thoroughly clean the area and wash bedding, curtains, upholstery, and even use a carpet cleaner, such as a spray foam that can be vacuumed. Change the filters in your furnace and/or air conditioning systems, and follow recommendations regarding the timing of future filter replacements. This will give you an area as dander-free as possible to start with.
For the pet zone, vacuum frequently, and invest in HEPA filters. The upholstery and curtains should also be cleaned as often as possible. Make sure the pet's bedding is easily washable.
One of the most effective methods of dander control is bathing the pet, as often as weekly. You may want to check with your vet regarding the frequency and get shampoo suggestions. Although cats may not enjoy the process, they too can get used to frequent bathing. Pet wipes are also available for daily usage to collect dander before it can get into the atmosphere and into your system. If these seem to work, you may be able to bath the pet less frequently.
A supplement for you pet's coat can prevent dry, flaky skin, which can mean less airborne dander.
Be sure to wash your hands after handling your pet, and ask family members to do the same.
It is entirely possible that once other allergens in your environment subside, the allergens produced by your pet won't be as troublesome to your system. At this time you may want to ease up on some of the anti-allergen measures listed above until your symptoms flare up again.
Many people with pet allergies manage their symptoms in order to keep their beloved pet. Many others are aware of their allergies, and get an animal anyway and make adjustments in their lifestyles due to their desire to have the love and companionship a pet provides. You can find an allergist who is familiar with pet allergies and is experienced in helping patients keep their pets and keep their health. A sympathetic physician can make the trial-and-error process of allergen control much easier.
If you are adopting a pet, many shelters allow, and even encourage, "sleepovers" prior to adoption to see if the animal is a good fit for you and your family. If you explain the potential allergy problem, even a shelter without a sleepover policy may allow it to avoid having you return the pet post-adoption if allergy problems turn out to be too big of a hurdle to overcome.
If you are having allergy issues, don't take it out on your pet by pushing them away abruptly or avoiding them altogether. They don't understand why you are suddenly behaving differently, and will try even harder to get your attention.
With some extra time, patience, and even a little luck, you should be able to manage the allergy situation, and go back to having a satisfying, loving relationship with your best friend.
Photo of Reuben by Erica, Best Friends Staff