Pet Allergy

Proteins from saliva, urine or, saliva of domestic pets, household pets cause pet allergy. This attacks the eyes and the air tracts. Hay fever, asthma, nettle rash, atopic dermatitis are typical manifestations of pet allergies

These allergens are difficult to avoid. Even if you do not have household pets, visits to friends or meeting people who have pets may transmit this allergen. Whenever people are exposed to groups they are more prone to be affected in bulk. Schools, colleges, movie theaters etc are typical examples. While dogs and cats are the commonest source, hamsters, birds cows, horses and rats are also known to be common sources of pet allergies.

Why are humans allergic to pets?

Histamine is produced by the body whenever pet allergens or proteins enter our system. It causes irritation and swelling. Genetic deficiencies make one prone to this and it may be hereditary.
Children who suffer from asthmatic bronchitis with cats have a high risk of developing other pet allergies as they grow older. Moving into a house where there were pets may expose one to  pet allergy especially when modern apartments are so well insulated that the level of allergen left by the previous owners may take months to drop. The first step when there is a possible pet allergy is to keep a distance from pets for at least two weeks and monitor if the allergic level has dropped before exploring other options for the reaction.

Symptoms pet allergy?

When touching the coat of a pet or feathers of birds or breathing close to a pet while cuddling the following noticeable reactions may happen.

• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis).
• Sneezing and a running or blocked nose.
• Itching and watery eyes.
• Children asthma. Coughing and wheezing
• Itchy skin disease with red patches-children's eczema.
• An itchy reddish rash  nettle rash.