Allergic to animals? Five ways to cope.

If you, your partner or your child have recently been diagnosed with an allergy to dogs, cats, or other furry creatures, you might have a number of questions. For example, can you visit people who own pets? And, if you already own a beloved animal, what to do now? Do you have to give your pet away because of the allergy?

There are no easy answers to these questions, as they depend on the severity of the allergies and the allergic individual's specific case. If he or she is severely allergic and/or has asthma triggered by the animals, it is unfortunately the case that complete avoidance of animal dander is the safest option. This could mean that your dog might indeed require a new home, and that the allergic individual should avoid visiting people who own pets.

For some severely allergic individuals, particularly those with allergic asthma, an antihistamine may simply not be sufficient to stop an allergic reaction to animal dander. Nor is simple vacuuming or removal of an animal to another room sufficient. This is because animal dander sticks to almost every surface in a home, and even a small amount of pet dander contains enough of the allergen to trigger severe reactions in some individuals. When in doubt, of course, ask an allergist.

All of this said, there are still a few things you can do to help the animal allergy sufferer. I've learned them by dealing with my own allergies to dogs and cats. If they help you even a little bit, I'll be pleased. (And please feel free to e-mail and let me know.)

If the allergist has diagnosed a very mild allergy, and informs you that it is fine to keep an existing pet in your home with certain precautions, a combination of the following strategies may be helpful in reducing the allergy sufferers exposure to allergenic pet dander:

1. Do not allow the pet into the allergy sufferer's bedroom at any time. Better yet, if possible, keep the pet outdoors if weather permits. Another possible alternative is having designated rooms for the pet, and limiting the allergic individual's access to those rooms.

2. Buy a true HEPA vacuum cleaner. Other allergen filters may not be as effective as those of HEPA vacuum cleaners. Vacuum daily, or at least, every second day. If you have the budget for it, buy a large HEPA air purifier for other rooms in the house. These HEPA filters clean the air at least several times per hour. I own two of them myself, and they really help.

3. Wash your pet regularly with an animal allergen reducing soap solution. These are sold by various manufacturers, and are considered safe to use on your pet. (Washing a cat safely while getting it to stay still is quite another matter, and is well beyond my ability to advise!) :)

4. Be sure that the pet allergy sufferer does not change the kitty litter and is not responsible for walking or grooming the pet.

5. If you don't own a pet, but have no choice but to visit -- or be visited by -- someone who does, consider the following. A pet-owning visitor will almost certainly be covered in invisible animal dander, so simply be sure to vacuum well (incuding chairs or sofas) after he or she leaves. Visiting a pet-owning home is trickier, as there is simply more of the allergenic dander present. If an allergist has determined that the allergy is mild, he or he may recommend a prophylactic pre-dosing with an antihistamine before the visit. A better option might be meeting outside, on a patio or in the backyard of their home. Again, if the allergy is very severe, the best option of all is complete avoidance of locations where animals live -- however difficult or inconvenient this may be.

My own animal allergies are fairly severe, and I personally choose to avoid animals, even though I love them. There are, of course, non-furry animals on the market. Who knows? Perhaps I'll buy a snake or a lizard someday.

© 2009 Allergytimes.com. All rights reserved. This article is provided for general informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace medical advice. When in doubt, please consult with a licensed allergist.