Allergies

When you are near your pet...

Allergy is the most widespread chronic condition in the world and sensitivities to animals are some of the most frequently seen allergies. Pet allergies are so prevalent that they affect almost every household. With 6 to 8 percent of the population allergic to pets, the United States alone has between 15 and 20 million people who are adversely affected. If you're allergic to pets, you have plenty of company.

Being allergic doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a pet or that you must give up the one you already have. Learning more about minimizing pet-related allergies and making some minor adjustments to your environment will frequently solve your problem.

Allergies to pets can be exceptionally heartbreaking. Sensitivity frequently develops years after acquiring a pet, by which time a strong emotional attachment has developed. Studies have shown that even though many allergists advise their patients to get rid of their pets, most opt to suffer with their symptoms rather than give away a loved dog or cat after years of companionship.

Most allergy patients are first handled by family physicians or pediatricians who will recommend an allergist if it is felt necessary. In choosing a doctor to treat your allergy, look for someone who will be sensitive to your feelings and will try to do everything possible to help you keep your pet.

Giving it up for adoption should be your last resort.

There Are No Non-allergic Animals
Any animal with fur or feathers can trigger an allergic reaction. These include cats, dogs, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, mice and birds. Of these, cats are by far the worst offenders, followed by rabbits, dogs and horses.

Some animals seem more tolerable than others because they shed fewer allergens, however there are no dogs or cats that do not cause some sort of allergic response. Short hair or long hair does not alter an animal's level of allergens. Within any given breed, or even litter, you may find some animals that you are allergic to and others that you tolerate better.

The spreading of allergens is less of a problem with small, furred animals that are kept in cages, but even they can cause allergy problems. How many allergens these pets spread depends on their size and number, and how often they are handled by various family members.

Allergies Are Cumulative
Allergies are cumulative. They build up. If a person is allergic to animal dander and saliva, they're probably also allergic to other substances found around the house. Dust, molds, mildew, feathers, paint, perfume, soaps, fabric softeners, pesticide sprays and smoke, can all cause allergic reactions.

Whether or not a person has symptoms depends on how many allergens are in the environment at the same time. An individual who is allergic to animals may exhibit no noticeable symptoms when the total exposure is below his allergy threshold level, but when there are enough allergens in the environment to exceed this limit the troubles begin. The goal is to minimize exposure to airborne allergens that exceed tolerance thresholds and trigger attacks.

The Animal Allergens
Dander: Dander is the collection of miniscule and microscopic dead skin cells, scales and flakes that an animal is continually shedding. It is the protein of this debris that causes reactions. Dander tends to be more of a problem with dogs than cats, although it is common to both. Dander imbeds itself in the carpeting, furniture and draperies and remains in the environment to cause reactions.

"Fel d 1", the cat allergen, is the major cause of allergic reactions to cats. During a cat's self-cleaning process, Fel d 1 protein in the saliva is deposited on the fur. Fel d 1 is also produced by sebaceous glands, which are skin glands that produce the oils that keep the skin and hair sleek and shiny. Male cats usually produce more allergen than females.

Proteins in the urine of ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats, as well as dogs and cats, will also trigger allergic reactions.

Birds spread allergens into the air as they flutter, preen themselves and move about.

Controlling Allergies
Wash your hands after handling any animal. Try not to touch your face, especially your eyes and nose until you have done so. Keep some cleansing towelette packets handy for emergencies. Brush and comb your dog or cat regularly, especially those that are permitted outside. This will keep mats and tangles that collect dirt, dander and pollen from forming. Even more importantly, it removes loose hair before it has a chance to circulate throughout the house. Rinsing your pet one to two times weekly with distilled water will wash a great deal of pollen and dander down the drain. Wiping your pet daily with a damp towel also removes dander and loose hair.

Consider having your pet bathed and groomed by a professional groomer, even if it doesn't need clipping, to keep the skin and coat healthy and minimize your own exposure to hair and dander. There are some pet sprays on the market designed to reduce dander and shedding. LoShed and Allerpet are two common brands. Dog, cat and bird formulations are available. They are applied daily at first and then once or twice weekly after that. Many people have found these products to be very helpful. Look for them at your local pet store or veterinary office.

The House
The longer a cat, dog or other pet resides in your home, the more likely it is that large amounts of these allergens will have accumulated. They become deeply imbedded in the carpeting, draperies and furniture. These suggestions should help minimize problems:

• Keep everything as clean and free of dust and dander as possible.
• Dust all surfaces regularly with a damp cloth.
• Vacuum the floors instead of sweeping; it stirs up less dust.
• Change vacuum bags frequently.
• Make your vacuum cleaner more efficient at picking up allergens by using electrostatic filter bags.
• Open a screened window to improve ventilation. Avoid heavy carpets, ornately carved or stuffed furniture, fabric wall coverings, textured wallpapers, dust gathering accessories and rough textured curtains or draperies.
• The more washable surfaces in your home the better.
• Choose furniture with smooth wooden surfaces and simple lines, walls that can be washed easily, washable cotton curtains, blinds that wipe clean, and floors of polished hardwood, tile or linoleum.
• Dust from cat litter can aggravate allergies. Plain clay litter is less irritating than brands with deodorizers. Try various brands to find the one that produces the least dust. Pour the litter into the pan slowly to keep the dust from permeating the air. A gauze face mask will help when changing litter. Look into some of the newer "clumping" litters.
• Air purifiers can dramatically improve the quality of air inside your home. One that contains a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is best for pet allergy sufferers. The National Bureau of Standards states that air filtered by a HEPA unit is free of 99.97% of all contaminating particles.
• Air conditioners and humidifiers are very beneficial during the appropriate season, but they also collect mold and can cause problems if they are not cleaned regularly.
• Mold grows in damp and humid areas such as basements, attics, bathrooms and closets. Check the house for damp areas that may conceal molds. Throw out all old or unused newspapers, books, magazines, clothing and articles that are sources of mold and mildew.
• Allergic persons are often supersensitive to odors that can trigger an attack at any time. Avoid perfumes, colognes and after shave lotions: make-up containing fragrances; bubble bath; scented facial or toilet tissue; deodorizing aerosols; hair sprays; and cleaning fluids. Scented fabric softeners and laundry detergents are especially irritating.

The Bedroom
If you can't "allergy proof" your entire home, then concentrate on the bedroom. Experts say that if you can breathe "pure" air for 8 to 10 hours each night, you can probably tolerate more exposure to allergenic substances during the day.

Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers. Use sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and bedspreads made of 100% washable cotton or cotton flannel, free of chemical finishes. Buy special non-allergenic pillows, or those filled with Dacron or polyester, NOT kapok, down or feathers. Air bedclothes outside in sunny weather. Keep pets away from pillows or anything else that comes into contact with your nose or mouth.

Make your bedroom as free of allergy catchers as possible: the furniture clean and simple; pictures or hanging decorations at a bare minimum; no magazines, newspapers or clutter under the bed; no flowers or plants; no perfumes, scented cosmetics or stuffed toys. Books are notorious dust catchers. Keep them in glass-enclosed cases. Store your clothing in clean closets.

Most importantly, shut the bedroom door when you leave! Don't let your pet sleep with you or spend time in the bedroom, either with you or when you aren't there.

Avoid undue fatigue, emotional upsets and stress. These weaken the immune system to the point of triggering an allergic attack. A healthy diet and lifestyle, and regular exercise and fresh air, will improve your health overall and lessen the severity of allergies. Don't smoke. If you are the least bit allergic, smoking will make things worse and increase your chances of respiratory and other health problems, as well as lower your tolerance threshold.

Cat Allergy Vaccine
There is a new vaccine for people with cat allergies. The vaccine is called ALLERVAX Cat and is being developed by ImmunoLogic Pharmaceutical Corp. Ask your physician or allergist about it. He or she can find an article on this new vaccine in the December, 1996 issue of the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine."

If your allergies are severe or you have more questions, please see your physician. We hope these suggestions help make your allergies more bearable!