Allergens found on the fur, skin, fluids or droppings from any animal might cause allergies. Unlike what most people think, it is not the pet that triggers an allergic reaction.
Inhaling the fur from a pet can be a trigger. Also, breathing in dander or dead skin from your pet results in a reaction such as sneezing. Other reactions come from dust mites found in your pet’s sleeping area such as a cage or kennel. Your pet can also drop mites on carpets, mats, seats and your bed.
Chemicals found in the urine, saliva or droppings from a pet could cause allergic reactions in some people. The reaction occurs when these chemicals contaminate the air, and they are inhaled. They also trigger a reaction if they get into contact with your skin or absorbed into the body. You get these chemicals from the saliva left on the skin when a pet cleans itself. The fur can also get wet with urine.
1. Sneezing
It is the body’s natural way of getting rid of inhaled foreign bodies. These foreign bodies act as an irritant, and the brain reacts by sending a message to expel them. They can be harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals or physical objects. Fur and dust from pets cause a person to sneeze when breathed in. Some chemicals from the body fluids and dropping from a pet get into the nose and cause a trigger.
A sneeze triggered by an allergen happens when one least expects it. This can happen when one gets into a room, when you get into your car, or after playing with a pet. The body expels up to 100,000 germs in a single sneeze. These germs can travel at a speed of 100 miles an hour and can land very far. To avoid contaminating the air, one is advised to cover the nose and mouth as soon as the sneezing feeling is detected.
If the condition persists, you may require medication. Mild cases can be treated with an antihistamine. If the sneezing is frequent, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication. The best treatment, however, is to identify and avoid the trigger. Severe and frequent attacks may mean finding another home for your pet.
2. Runny Nose
A runny nose happens when the nose discharges excessive mucus. It is one symptom of a pet allergy. It can also be a sign of a cold or flu. The inflammation and irritation of the nose tissues cause leakage of fluids into the nose, resulting in a runny nose.
There are various ways of treating a runny nose at home. Taking many warm fluids, resting and using a saline spray are some effective home remedies. Some people also use steam. Some put medicinal herbs such as eucalyptus leaves in a basin of hot water to steam in. It is advisable to see a doctor if the condition persists.
3. Congestion
Pet allergy can manifest in nasal congestion. Congestion occurs when the nasal membranes swell from the pressure exerted on them by inflamed blood vessels. It can be mild or a life-threatening condition.
Congestion affects other body functions such as speech, hearing, and sleep. In sleep, it can be the cause of heavy snoring and sleep apnea.
Common treatment involves decongestants and antihistamine. If it is established that the congestion is due to a pet allergy, the pet owner may consider limiting interactions with the pet or keeping the pet outdoors. The affected person should also avoid going where the pet sleeps or letting the pet on the bed.
4. Wheezing
It occurs when a part of the airway is obstructed, or the air duct leading to the lungs is blocked. A foreign object or an inflammation can block the airway. Allergies, asthma, and infections are common causes of this allergy.
The common symptoms of wheezing include a whistling sound and difficulty in breathing, especially when breathing out. The chest may also feel tight. A stethoscope can detect the obstructed part.
A Bronchodilator gives relief from this problem by opening up or dilating the airway. This clears excess mucus from the airway to ease breathing. The inflammation is treated using prescription medicine.
5. Shortness of Breath
Another symptom of pet allergy is shortness of breath. It occurs in a combination of other signs such as pain in the chest, wheezing, coughing, dizziness and pleurisy. Other factors can also cause it. Heart disease, diseases of the lungs and exposure to an environment of low oxygen are associated with shortness of breath.
To get relief from shortness of breath, get a fan to blow on your face and pace yourself up. Losing weight can be a long-term remedy for this condition.
You should see a doctor immediately if your shortness of breath occurs even when you lie down. Also, consult a doctor if it comes with fever and body chills, wheezing, and swollen feet and ankles.
6. Puffy Eyes
Allergic reactions are the most common causes of puffy eyes. Also known as periorbital puffiness, it results from an accumulation of fluid under the eyelid. This happens when there is an inflammation in the eye area, which may be because of an infection or trauma. Pet allergy can lead to this inflammation and swelling of the eyes.
Some home remedies for puffy eyes are increased intake of fluids, placing ice cubes on the swollen part and running cold water over the face. Getting enough sleep and resting also cure eye puffiness. If the puffiness is from pet allergens, avoid getting into contact with fluids and droppings from the pet. Remember to wash your hands after touching your pet.
7. Watery Eyes
Pet allergy can be manifested by watery eyes or epiphora. It can also result from blockage of the tear ducts, cold, trachoma and thyroid disorder. It occurs when tears produced in the eye fail to drain normally through the tear duct. They flow out through the eye making the eyes watery.
Watery eyes usually heal without medication. A patient should see a doctor if the watery eye is affecting vision and the area around the eye is swollen. In addition, if the eyes are red and feel like there are objects in them, one should see a doctor. To reduce chances of an eye pet allergy, avoid direct contact with the pet. Also, wash hands after handling a pet.
8. Coughing
Toxins and irritating substances in the air trigger coughing. Pets can be carriers of these toxins and irritants. Mucus dropping from the nose to the throat causes an irritation that triggers a persistent cough. When a person has an allergic cough, the throat has a tickling feeling.
Pet allergy coughs are common during the day. They produce a thin or no mucus at all. An allergy cough is treated by clearing the mucus from the nasal area. This is done using steam, saline spray or decongestants.
9. Itching
When the skin gets into contact with allergens, it reacts by itching. This condition also goes by the name contact dermatitis. It occurs when allergens release toxins that cause the skin to swell. Some people feel itchy after being licked by a dog or playing with a cat. It can also occur soon after cleaning a pet or touching its body fluids and droppings.
The easiest remedy for this problem is to identify and avoid the trigger. A cold compress relieves the itching. If it persists, using an anti-itch cream, antihistamine or corticosteroid in severe cases is recommended.
10. Skin rash
A skin rash is one of the signs of an inflamed skin because of contact dermatitis. The swollen skin may be bumpy or scaly and may itch. Some people get rashes after handling a pet. A lick from a dog can leave a rash on the licked part.
A pet allergy skin rash is localized to the skin part that touched the allergen. It is different from other rashes that may spread over the body. These are especially rashes from ingested allergens. A skin rash from contact dermatitis is treated with calamine lotion. To relieve severe itching, apply hydrocortisone to the skin rash. An antihistamine can be taken orally if the itch on the rash persists.
