Do you often tell your little daughter or son to get a puppy or a kitten? You probably promise to take care of that animal. But we know that in the end, you have to do it yourself. But there is an even bigger problem. That is, someone in the house has a pet allergy . This is actually a very common situation. So how many families have given up on the idea of having a pet because of this?
What exactly is the allergy to these animals?
Many people think that animal fur is the cause of this allergy. But that's not the truth. The main cause of allergies is not animal fur.
Simply put, our immune system mistakes something that is normally harmless (in this case, an animal protein) for a bigger enemy and starts fighting against it. This fight results in symptoms like hives, itchy eyes, and red, itchy skin.
So where are the proteins that cause this allergy?
- Dead skin cells (Dander): Animals shed tiny, invisible pieces of skin from their skin all the time. This is what we call `(Dander)`. These are the main factors that cause allergies. Just think, even a hairless cat can cause allergies for this reason.
- Saliva: When animals lick their bodies to clean themselves, this saliva gets on their fur. And when they lick us affectionately, this saliva also gets on our skin. The proteins in this saliva are also a strong cause of allergies.
- Urine : The proteins in urine, when dried, can accumulate in the air and cause allergies.
This means that you are not allergic to the animal's fur, but to the saliva and small particles that fall off the skin that are embedded in the fur. These are very light, so they float in the air and enter our bodies when we breathe them in.
Is the story of 'hypoallergenic pets' true?
You've probably heard of "hypoallergenic" dogs and cats. That is, breeds of animals that do not cause allergies. In fact, from a medical perspective, there is no dog or cat that is 100% allergy-free.
The reason is, all animals shed dead skin cells , and all animals produce saliva. However, some breeds shed less hair or produce dander than others. So getting an animal like that can help reduce the effects of allergies a little. But it won't completely eliminate them.
But this doesn't mean you can never have a pet. If you follow the right guidelines, you can live with a pet even if you have an allergy.
8 tips to help you care for a pet with allergies
Okay, so let's see how you can minimize the effects of this allergy and fulfill your desires. Following these tips may be a little difficult, but it's worth it for your health and happiness.
1. ' Test ' before bringing it home:
Before bringing an animal home, there is a good way to see if the animal will affect someone in your family who has allergies. If you like a dog or a cat, go to the house of a friend who has such an animal and spend some time with it. Play with the animal a little, be in that environment and see if any allergic symptoms appear. It is very wise to make a decision that way.
2. Make the bedroom a no-go zone:
This is the most important and must-do thing. We spend about a third of our day in the bedroom. So it is essential to keep that environment free of allergens. No matter how cute your pet is, don't let him sleep in the bed, let alone enter the bedroom.
3. Bathe your pet at least once a week:
Bathing your dog or cat at least once a week can help remove a lot of dander and pet dander, which can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in the air in your home.
4. Say goodbye to carpets and heavy curtains:
Carpets, heavy sofas, and thick curtains are great places for allergens to hide. They are also very difficult to clean. If possible, use easy-to-clean flooring, such as tiles or cement. Instead of carpet, use rugs that are easy to wash.
5. Use a good air purifier (HEPA filter):
A High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter is a device that purifies the air by trapping very small particles in the air, such as pet dander, dust, and pollen. Using a filter like this in the bedroom and living room, where the family spends most of their time, can be a great relief.
6. Keep your pet outside the house:
This can be a difficult thing to do for many pet lovers, but if the allergy is severe, keeping the pet outside the home, in a safe environment, can greatly reduce the accumulation of allergens inside the home.
7. Take your allergy medicine exactly as directed:
If a doctor has diagnosed you with an allergy and prescribed medication, use the medication exactly as directed. These medications only control symptoms, they do not cure the allergy. Therefore, if you stop taking the medication, your symptoms may return. Never take medication at the pharmacy on your own. Always consult your family doctor for advice.
8. Think about other options:
If the allergy is very severe and difficult to control, you may want to consider a non-allergenic animal, such as fish or turtles, instead of furry animals like dogs and cats.
| The cause of the allergy | What can be done? |
|---|---|
| Dander | Fold the animal once a week, use a HEPA filter, and prevent it from entering the bedroom. |
| Animal saliva | Avoid letting the animal lick you, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the animal. |
| Particles that remain in carpets, sofas, and curtains | These should be removed or cleaned frequently. A tile or cement floor is best. |
Take-Home Message
- Animals are not allergic to fur itself, but mainly to the small particles (dander) and saliva that fall off the skin.
- There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic animal, but with proper management, the impact can be reduced.
- Do not allow your pet into the bedroom for any reason. This is very important.
- Bathing your pet once a week and keeping your home clean regularly can greatly reduce allergens.
- If you or someone in your family has allergic symptoms, avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment, and always seek advice from a qualified physician (doctor).
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