Print
E-mail
Comment
Pet allergies cause human problem too
 |
There’s nothing like a pet to make life more serene. Pets can provide comfort and happiness in times of stress and troubles. I know, for I have been a cat and dog enthusiast since childhood. I can remember my dog Corky, who was a companion through childhood. And, of course, there was Sophie, a Shepherd mix that was even the topic of some articles after I joined the Elk Grove Citizen.
Today pet owners are becoming increasingly aware that pets can create allergic conditions for their masters. But few of us pet lovers will want to get rid of our pets just because they cause some discomfort. Actually, some of these discomforts caused by pets can be pretty serious. But if you’re like me getting rid of a loving pet is a double No No.
Pet allergy symptoms can be variable, perhaps sneezing, runny nose, and even rashes. Fortunately today something can be done to help alleviate the distress.
First of all is some knowledge. In the past it was usually thought that dog and cat fur were a major carrier of allergies. This is a misconception. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology animal allergy causes are usually the result of proteins that are secreted by oil glands within the animal’s skin. The pet’s saliva also can be a cause of the problem, since it sticks to the pet’s fur during grooming.
We might add here that the academy reported cats can cause more of a problem than Ol’ Fido because they spend more time in the house and they groom themselves more often.
Many pet owners have offered solutions to the animal allergy problem.
The first rule is to brush Fluffy or Fido often. This is something to do that is both pleasurable for both the pet as well as the master.
Also, it has been suggested if you have a dog he or she should be bathed at least once a week. This is a good routine to get used to. Many pets love to be bathed; however, I remember how it sort of traumatized Sophie when she was a pup.
Some very good suggestions are more difficult to keep. They include washing your hands after handling Fluffy or Fido. Another is confine pets to one area of the home. One such suggestion was to make your bedroom off limits. That was always very difficult because our dog and cats used to like the nighttime companionship, and even enjoyed sharing an afternoon nap.
One of the hardest suggestions to follow is to keep your pets outdoors. This was terribly difficult in our case. After all, our pets were members of the family, and we always gave them free access to anyplace in the house. I know we may have been violating an important rule, but that was the way we felt. We tried to make Ol’ Sophie a backyard dog when both my wife and I were away at work and the kids were attending school. But Sophie was not a fulltime outdoor dog, although as a mix she inherited the herding tradition. She contented herself herding us, both inside and outside.
Millions of Americans are allergic to their pets, but we do love those animals. Some of the more practical solutions are excellent ways to diminish the problem of masters getting allergies from their animals. Also, a call to your favorite veterinarian can provide some suggestions of medications that can be used to help eliminate the problem.
Today pet owners are becoming increasingly aware that pets can create allergic conditions for their masters. But few of us pet lovers will want to get rid of our pets just because they cause some discomfort. Actually, some of these discomforts caused by pets can be pretty serious. But if you’re like me getting rid of a loving pet is a double No No.
Pet allergy symptoms can be variable, perhaps sneezing, runny nose, and even rashes. Fortunately today something can be done to help alleviate the distress.
First of all is some knowledge. In the past it was usually thought that dog and cat fur were a major carrier of allergies. This is a misconception. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology animal allergy causes are usually the result of proteins that are secreted by oil glands within the animal’s skin. The pet’s saliva also can be a cause of the problem, since it sticks to the pet’s fur during grooming.
We might add here that the academy reported cats can cause more of a problem than Ol’ Fido because they spend more time in the house and they groom themselves more often.
Many pet owners have offered solutions to the animal allergy problem.
The first rule is to brush Fluffy or Fido often. This is something to do that is both pleasurable for both the pet as well as the master.
Also, it has been suggested if you have a dog he or she should be bathed at least once a week. This is a good routine to get used to. Many pets love to be bathed; however, I remember how it sort of traumatized Sophie when she was a pup.
Some very good suggestions are more difficult to keep. They include washing your hands after handling Fluffy or Fido. Another is confine pets to one area of the home. One such suggestion was to make your bedroom off limits. That was always very difficult because our dog and cats used to like the nighttime companionship, and even enjoyed sharing an afternoon nap.
One of the hardest suggestions to follow is to keep your pets outdoors. This was terribly difficult in our case. After all, our pets were members of the family, and we always gave them free access to anyplace in the house. I know we may have been violating an important rule, but that was the way we felt. We tried to make Ol’ Sophie a backyard dog when both my wife and I were away at work and the kids were attending school. But Sophie was not a fulltime outdoor dog, although as a mix she inherited the herding tradition. She contented herself herding us, both inside and outside.
Millions of Americans are allergic to their pets, but we do love those animals. Some of the more practical solutions are excellent ways to diminish the problem of masters getting allergies from their animals. Also, a call to your favorite veterinarian can provide some suggestions of medications that can be used to help eliminate the problem.
