Pet Allergy Checklist

Source: Earthbath

If you have a pet allergy, take action now to cut down your symptoms. Some simple steps can make all the difference

1. Keep pets out of bedrooms. It’s hard, but never let them sleep on your bed.

2. Clear away clutter. Less stuff makes it easier to clean and get rid of dander, the dead skin cells shed by pets that trigger allergies.

3. Keep your floors bare. Carpets trap dander.

4. Bathe pets regularly. For best results, have someone else do it. A frequent bath can wash away those sneeze-inducing allergens.

5. Ask a family member to change the litter box or clean an animal's bed. They are dander hotspots.

6. VACUUM WEEKLY. USE A VACUUM WITH A HEPA FILTER.

7. Visit with pet-owning friends outside your home. Their clothes will bring in dander. Meet them at a restaurant or somewhere else instead.

8. Cover vents with cheesecloth. It can catch the allergens before they're blown into the air.

9. Use synthetic pillows. Ones that are made out of feathers can make your symptoms worse, depending on your allergy.

Source: WebMD

Cats for People with Allergies

Cat Allergies 

Are you allergic to cats? Do you know that your allergy is actually from the dander (we talked about this in our blog on 5/18) and saliva. And get this, it can also be from proteins in the cat's urine. There's no cure for allergies to cats, but over time to can build up a tolerance to the allergens of your cat. 

Cats For People with Allergies

While anyone can build up a tolerance to any type of cat over time, there are some cat breeds that are better for allergies and easier to build a tolerance to. These breeds are better because they have less dander, shed less, and don't need to be groomed as often. The Russian Blue, Siberian, and Balinese produce less of the protein that allergy sufferers tend to be allergic to.

1. Sphynx

2. Siberian

3. Russian Blue

4. Devon Rex

5. Cornish Rex

6. Oriental

7. Balinese 

Hypoallergenic Pets?

What is a "Hypoallergenic" Pet?

Well, are you ready for the truth about hypoallergenic pets? They don't really exist. (unless you want a scaly or water loving pet) GASP!! We know, we know, the internet and everyone has been feeding you all this information about this breed and that and how they are hypoallergenic. Well, truth be told, they aren't but they are BETTER for people with allergies because they shed less and therefor have less dander. It's not really the hair that's the problem, it's the dander that is attached to it when the hair is shed.

What is dander?

Dander is the dead, dried flakes from your pet's skin and the proteins from their saliva that sticks to the flakes of skin. This is what people are allergic to. The dander sticks to the pet's hair and then the hair sticks to everything but the pet. And if your pet sheds a lot, then the more exposed to the proteins you are and the more allergy symptoms you're going to have. 

The Best Pets for People with Allergies

Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Devon Rex cat, Sphynx cat, Bedlington Terrier, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Maltese, Schnauzers, Xoloitzcuintli, snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, fish, and birds.

Ways to Help with Allergies

There are some things you can do to help your allergies if you have a pet. Brush them regularly, bathe the pet and their bedding once a week to help cut down on the dander, use a HEPA purifier and filters to reduce allergens, and as hard as it may be, don't sleep with your pet. You can also shampoo your carpet regularly, opt for hardwood floors (so the hair doesn't stick to the carpet), don't let your pet lick you (since the protein is in the saliva), get a smaller breed of dog (less dog, less dander), and vacuum the house and furniture often.

Can My Cat have Allergies?

Allergies 

Allergies are never fun.  No one loves the coughing and sneezing and itchy eyes.  One question many pet owners have is if their cats or dogs can also suffer from these allergies.  

The Answer

YES!  Pets can suffer from allergies too just like us.  It is more common for dogs to suffer from allergies than for cats but it's not unheard of for cats to suffer from them as well.  

Common Allergies

• tree, grass, and weed pollens
• food ingredients (e.g. beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy)
• dust and house dust mites
• cigarette smoke
• prescription drugs
• fleas and flea-control products
• dander
• cleaning products
• insecticidal shampoo
• perfumes
• fabrics

Signs

• extensive itching
• red, irritated skin
• obsessive licking
• hair loss
• hot spots
• skin rash or hives

What to do

If possible remove the allergen.  This may be as simple as keeping your cat inside when the pollen count is high, or it could be more complicated because it's hard to determine exactly what it is that's bothering your pet.  If you cannot find out exactly what it is that's bothering your animal or the allergy seems to be causing a lot of discomfort a trip the vet is recommended.