Fighting Like Cats & Dogs with Pet Allergies?

Is your family pet creating an irritating living environment? According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma&Immunology, approximately 42 million Americans suffer from some sort of pet allergy. A recent article on CNN.com http://tinyurl.com/d634fp discusses why 10 million people own pets even though they are allergic to them. Not a suprise, as most people consider their pets members of the family.

Pet allergy symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and rashes, all which can range from moderate to severe. Allergy-suffering pet owners are calling out for a solution, as getting rid of Fluffy or Fido does not seem to be an option. According to a recent survey, 75 percent of allergy suffering pet owners would never consider getting rid of their pet and 83 percent would never do it.

Previous misconceptions have caused pet owners to believe the fur of cats and dogs provoked allergies. However, recent research has shown that allergy symptoms are the result of proteins secreted by oil glands in the animal’s skin. These also are produced in the animal’s saliva, which sticks to the fur when the pet grooms itself. Once these proteins dry, they can float into the air and cause allergic reactions. Cats are more likely to cause allergic reactions, since they groom themselves and spend more time in the house than dogs.

Experts offer several suggestions to help combat allergies from pets:
• Make your bedroom off-limits
• Confine them to one area of the home
• Keep the pet outdoors
• Bathe the pet once a week
• Brush your pet
• Wash your hands after handling the pet