Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are caused by the shedding of minute particles of fur and skin relatively known as pet dander. However some animals produce there allergens in urine or saliva, that may also cause allergies. These particles are so small that they can easily become airborne allowing them to be inhaled. However it is also possible for an allergic reaction to occur when an animal or object containing pet allergens comes in contact with a sensitised patient by simply touching.

The symptoms for are very similar to the symptoms experienced by hay fever sufferers which includes red, itchy or swollen eyes, reddened area on the skin, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, ears that become stuffed-up or itchy, post nasal drip, itching and hoarseness in the throat, coughing and wheezing and frequent bronchitis.

Clean your house regularly to get rid of any pet hair. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system should be used preferably to conventional vacuums as they help to avoid an increase in the airborne levels of mite allergens which come apparent after vacuuming. You may also want to consider treating your carpets (if you prefer this) and your soft furnishings with a powerful steam cleaner as the steam produced from these is capable of denaturing proteins found in allergens causing pet allergy.

If you have a cat try not to use a litter tray. Cats can be trained to only go to toilet outdoors and they usually don't like to go in their own territory so you won't be left with little gifts on your lawn.

Antihistamines counteract the effect of histamine, which is released by the mast cells and basophils in the body's tissues. This causes vasodilation of the blood vessels leading to allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching in the nose, throat, and eyes. Antihistamines in this case help relieve the histamine-induced symptoms mentioned. Examples of Antihistamines are loratadine, cetirizine, chlorphenamine. These all contain the common chemical sodium cromoglicate and may come in the form of tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.