Pet allergy is a common condition, especially for those people who have asthma or allergies and pets who have fur. In the US, at least 3 in every 10 individuals have pet allergies. Out of all common household pets, most pet parents tend to be allergic to cats, and they are at least twice as common as dog allergies.
Can You Get a Hypoallergenic Pet?
People who are allergic to their dogs tend to have more allergic reactions to some breeds as opposed to others. There are also some who are sensitive to all breeds of dogs. For this reason, people started asking questions like, “Which dog is hypoallergenic?”, or “Do hypoallergenic pets exist?”
As wonderful as it sounds, unfortunately, no such pet exists.
Why Am I Allergic to Pets?
Our immune system is naturally assigned with the task to locate foreign substances, which includes bacteria and viruses. Ideally, this reaction protects our body from dangerous diseases. However, if you are allergic to pets, your immune system may be over-sensitive.
As a result, your immune system starts reacting to pet danders, saliva, or urine. All of these (and more) allergens begin to collect over furniture and common surfaces and cling onto them without losing their strength for long periods of time. Often, these allergens may even stick at high areas for several months such as walls, clothing in closets, etc.
Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Common symptoms and signs that you are allergic to pets include:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery, itchy or red eyes
- Itch roof of mouth, throat, or nose
- Facial or sinus pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Awakening frequently
- Blue or swollen skin under the eyes
- Frequently rubbing your nose upwards (in children).
If your allergies contribute to asthma, you might experience:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Audible wheezing or whistling sounds while exhaling
- Shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, wheezing or coughing
If you have any of these symptoms, you should avoid adopting a pet. However, if these symptoms are being experienced by another household member, make sure to bring your furry pal to Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa for professional bathing, grooming and medical services.
Pampered Pets Veterinary Clinic and Spa groups together a team of highly trained and passionate animal lovers and they have plenty of experience servicing communities in Edmond, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.
