Having a dog or cat as a pet is such a joy, isn't it? Playing with them and cuddling them makes you feel refreshed all day long. But sometimes, when you're around these beloved animals, do you constantly sneeze? Do your eyes get red and
itchy ? Does your skin feel like it's on fire? If so, you may have an allergy to pets. Many people think that this allergy occurs when animals' fur touches your skin. But the truth is a little more complicated than that. Let's talk about it today.
How does this allergy actually develop?
Simply put, our body's
immune system is like an army that protects a country. When it sees harmful germs (e.g. bacteria, viruses) entering the body from the outside, this system is activated, fights against them and protects us from diseases. But sometimes our defense system makes a small mistake. The body mistakes something that is actually harmless and harmless (for example, something on your pet's body) for a big enemy. Then, it produces a type of protein called antibodies to fight against that harmless thing. This unwanted reaction is what we call
an 'allergy' .
When it comes to pets , the main cause of allergies is not their fur, but the proteins found in the dead skin cells (dander) trapped between the fur, saliva, sweat , and urine .
Pets that can cause allergies
Dogs and cats are the most well-known, but any animal with fur or feathers can trigger your allergy. Let's look at some of the main examples.
| Animal type | Things that cause allergies |
|---|
| Dogs and cats | The fur contains dead skin cells (dander), proteins from saliva, sweat, and urine. In addition, their fur easily collects things from the outside environment, such as pollen and mold. These can also cause allergies. |
| Small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits | Although these animals are small in size, their fur, dander, and saliva are enough to trigger allergies. Especially the chemicals in the urine of animals like hamsters and rats can be released into the air as they move around in their cages and trigger allergies. |
| Birds | Tiny mites that live on birds' wings are a common allergen. Inhaling the fine dust produced by bird droppings can also cause allergic reactions. |
| Horses | This is a fairly rare condition, but some people, especially young children, can have a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the dust (dander) from horses' skin. |
What are the symptoms of this allergy?
If you have an allergy to a pet, you may experience symptoms immediately after coming into contact with the animal. Or, sometimes, symptoms may not appear for several days. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Redness , itching, and tearing of the eyes
- Cough
- Chest tightness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Skin rash or hives (Hives)
- Itchy skin or worsening eczema
- Feeling pain or pressure in the face
- Blue swelling under the eyes
- Frequent waking up during the night
Very important: If you experience chest pain or severe difficulty breathing , do not ignore it. In such a case, it is essential to go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
Many of these symptoms are common with the common cold. However, if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is more likely that you have an allergy. So it is best to see your
doctor for advice.
Are there any pets that don't cause allergies?
Even if you've heard somewhere that "hairless" or "hypoallergenic" dogs and cats don't cause allergies, that's not entirely true. Because, as we've discussed before, allergies aren't caused by the hair, but by the things that come out of the skin. So even a hairless animal has skin, so dead skin cells (dander) can come out. Even animals with less hair can have these things stuck in their fur. Therefore, if you want a pet that doesn't cause any allergies, you should choose an animal that doesn't have hair or feathers. For example, an animal like a fish, a turtle, or a snake.
What do I do for my allergy?
For your own health, the best thing to do is to stay away from furry or feathered animals. But if you can't bring yourself to let your beloved dog or cat out of the house, there are a few things you can do to manage the symptoms.
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom. It helps to keep your pet away from you for most of the day.
- Don't hug or pet your pet. If you do, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
- Bathe your pet at least once a week. Regular cleaning and grooming can help remove dead skin cells (dander). Have a non-allergic family member help with this task.
- Keep your pet's living space clean. Wash the pet's bedding, blankets, and other items in hot water at least once a week. If it's a pet like a hamster, clean the cage regularly.
- Vacuum your home regularly. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a 'High-Efficiency Particulate Air' (HEPA) filter.
- Reduce dust accumulation. It is better to remove carpets and use tiles or wooden floors. Use plastic or wooden blinds instead of fabric curtains.
- Use an air purifier. If you can keep it running 24 hours a day, it will help remove allergens from the air.
- See an allergist. They can run tests to find out exactly what you're allergic to. Your doctor may prescribe short-term medications like antihistamines. They may also recommend treatments like allergy shots as a long-term solution.
Take-Home Message
- Pet allergies are not caused by the fur itself, but by proteins contained in their dead skin cells (dander), saliva, and urine.
- If symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, skin rashes, and fever persist for more than two weeks, it is important to seek medical advice .
- If you have chest pain or severe difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- If you can't give up your pet, you can control symptoms by keeping it out of the bedroom and cleaning the house and pet frequently.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any medication or choosing a treatment method.
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