| It is estimated that 15% of the population is allergic | | | | Finding out that you have a pet allergy does not |
| to their pet. Are you one of them? There are many | | | | mean that you have to give away your pet. Many |
| symptoms of an allergy to a pet. Sneezing, sniffling | | | | people with allergies continue to live comfortable lives |
| and runny eyes are some of the more common | | | | with their pets. About 1/3 of Americans with allergies |
| ones. Rash or itching may be present if physical | | | | live with one or more cats. There are many things |
| contact occurs. Lung congestion and shortness of | | | | you can do to control the dander. It is a good idea to |
| breath may also be present in people who also suffer | | | | vacuum regularly to control the pet dander that is in |
| from asthma. People with asthma are 2 to 3 times | | | | the carpet. It is also wise to invest in a good HEPA |
| more likely to have a pet allergy. | | | | air filter to clean the air of all the airborne toxins. Bath |
| Everyone is different and some people are more | | | | your pet once a week to greatly cut down on the |
| severely allergic than others. People who have | | | | dander that he is shedding, as well. Keep your pet |
| parents with pet allergies are more likely to be allergic | | | | off the bed and out of the bedroom completely. |
| themselves. Early exposure to pets, however, can | | | | Wash your hands after handling your pet. Doing |
| help many people develop a tolerance to the allergy. | | | | these things will greatly reduce the symptoms of |
| Cats and dogs are the most common pets that | | | | allergies. If this is still not enough, you can get regular |
| people are allergic to. This may be due to the fact | | | | allergy shots from your doctor. If the symptoms are |
| that they are the most common pets to have. All | | | | still overwhelming after using all the techniques |
| breeds of cats and dogs can cause irritation. There | | | | mentioned, giving away the pet may be the only end |
| are no safe breeds. Different breeds, however, may | | | | solution. If this is your plan, you should be aware that |
| be more irritating to one individual than another. In | | | | it takes months for the house to be completely rid |
| general, cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs. | | | | of all of the offending allergens. |
| You may also be allergic to mice, guinea pigs, horses | | | | Before you give away your pet, it is a good idea to |
| and many other types of pets. Many people | | | | make sure your pet is the offending allergen in your |
| mistakenly think that the fur is the cause of the | | | | house. You can visit an allergist who will do an allergy |
| allergy. It is actually dander or dead skin cells that | | | | skin test to diagnose your allergies. He will expose |
| cause so much discomfort. Animal saliva and urine are | | | | your skin to various allergens then watch for an |
| also allergens. In addition, other allergens such as dust | | | | allergic reaction. Giving away your pet only to |
| and pollen can build up on fur and aggravate your | | | | continue sneezing anyway would be awful. |
| allergies. | | | | |