What to do about dog and cat allergies?

What triggers dog and cat allergies? Many people mistakenly think that this is the by the (especially the very long one), but in reality the real cause is found in some proteins (allergens) produced by the pet's salivary and sebaceous glands. The proteins that trigger the allergy, depriving a person of the pleasure of cuddling a dog or cat, accumulate in saliva, dead skin flakes, urine, and fur.

Cause

People allergic to cats They can show their symptoms even in places that have long been depopulated by felines, confirming the fact that the allergy is transmitted not by fur but by proteins. In general, in cases of this kind it is preferable keep the cat in only one room of the house, even better in the garden and in any case never in the bedroom.

Symptoms

There are two levels of symptoms, one milder and the other more severe. The first group includes itching of the nose, palate, and throat; repeated sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge; redness, swelling, and watery eyes; and pain and pressure in the face. In some people, symptoms may include skin reactions, especially eczema, especially after a dog or cat has lick their skin. If the allergy is more severe, the symptoms become more severe and include a dry cough, asthma, and shortness of breath, labored breathing, or wheezing.

Diagnosis

For a certain diagnosis you have to do the skin allergy tests, the so-called prick tests, and then blood tests to detect specific IgE. With these tests you can also have a surprise, that is, discover that it is not the dog or cat that causes the allergy but the mites that nest on his fur.

It is estimated that 10-15 percent of the world's population has developed some form of pet allergy, and unfortunately this percentage is growing.

Cure

When faced with a confirmed allergy, diagnosed through tests, there would be nothing else to do but to keep our dog or cat away. But who has the courage to do it? Then we must at least reduce close contact With your pet, begin treatment. This includes antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays. Specific eye drops are available for eye irritation. Don't be fooled by promises of results from hypothetical vaccines: there is no scientific evidence of their effectiveness in the case of dog and cat allergies. And in any case, any medication therapy should be done with a doctor's approval.

Prevention

However, there are also some natural remedies to avoid and at least contain the risk of allergies. We have already talked about the to limit the spaces where the animal moves, for example, by not allowing him to enter the bedroom. Other precautions: wash the animal (and especially his fur) every one or two weeks, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them. Use lint rollers on your clothing to remove any hair; reduce the size of rugs and cushions, which easily attract pet hair and dust; clean the house frequently and mop the floors thoroughly; if you frequently transport your pet in the car, cover the seats with washable material. After playing with your dog or cat, always wash your hands. If you're prone to this type of allergy, change your clothing as well.

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