Although we tend to think of long-haired cats and dogs as the type of pets most likely to cause animal allergy symptoms, there is no such thing as a "nonallergenic" animal. Animal dander, not hair specifically, causes the problems, and sensitive persons may react to the urine of a guinea pig or the saliva of a dog or cat. Animal dander is a mix of particles of skin, fur, or hair that is shed or secreted and that becomes airborne.
It may be necessary to remove the pet from your home. Even then, since animal dander and feathers linger in carpets, house dust, and air ducts after the pet is gone, it may take three to six months for the allergens to completely disappear.
A good way to determine whether you are not allergic to your pet is if you continue to have severe allergy symptoms after being away from the animal for two or three weeks.
If getting rid of the animal is unthinkable, these measures can help alleviate the problem:
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Do not allow the pet in your bedroom. (Remember what was stated earlier about the amount of time spent in the bedroom.)
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Keep the animal outside as much as possible Allergy sufferers should not bathe the animal.
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Encourage baby-sitters and others who have contact with animals to wear clothes that have not come into contact with the animals.
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Professional cleaning of air ducts, carpets, and furniture usually is necessary to completely remove animal dander after the animal has been removed.
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There are chemical treatments/ shampoos that you can treat your animal with that can render the dander less allergenic. Allerpet is one well proven brand name. Your veteranarian or pet store can advise you on the products available.
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When your pet dies, don't replace it with a different type of animal. Someone allergic to one kind of animal may develop an allergy to the new animal.
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If you are going to visit someone who has an animal, take antihistamines or asthma medication and/or have your child take it, so that you and/or your child will be able to tolerate limited exposure to the animal. If you are staying overnight, the animal should be temporarily removed, and the room you sleep in should be thoroughly cleaned and the bedding changed before your visit.
Keep in mind that living animals are not the only source of allergens. Clothing made of mohair, alpaca, cashmere, or goat hair can trigger allergic reactions, as can horsehair-stuffed chairs and couches. Feathers and down can do the same. If you are sensitive to feathers, stay away from comforters, sleeping bags, and ski jackets that are filled with down and/or feathers. Use synthetic-filled items instead. Avoid foam rubber since it encourages the growth of mold.
