Introduction
"Specialist doctors estimate that up to a third of people with allergies are sensitive to pets, birds and other animals." Pet allergy can be one of the hardest allergies to deal with because it involves an emotional attachment to the pet. If there are allergic people in the family we do not recommend that you introduce a new pet. Living with the disappointment of not having a pet is preferable to having to remove the pet or living for many years with the consequences of having a pet in an allergic household. What causes pet allergy?
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the hair of cats and dogs that cause a problem, but a protein allergen that is in the sweat and saliva. Because it is small and very light, it can remain airborne for up to many hours. In cats the potent allergen is Fel d 1 and in dogs the potent allergen is Can f 1. Cats produce by far the most allergen. "Dogs produce less allergen than cats, and it seems to be less potent" but again it is small and light-weight and can remain airborne for many hours. The production of allergens increases as the pet matures so that kittens and puppies may be tolerated but mature cats and dogs may not. With smaller pets such as hamsters and mice the allergen is normally present in the urine and becomes airborne. Reptiles shed skin scales that contain allergen and these again can become airborne. Symptoms of pet allergy
Any animal with fur or feathers can cause breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing, streaming and puffy eyes, hives and skin irritation, eczema and asthma. What to do if you are allergic to your pet
Ideally the pet should be removed but, for obvious reasons, many people are very reluctant to do this. If you decide to take this route then even after the pet has been moved to a new home the allergen can remain on soft furnishings, in sofas and bedding and even on shelves and walls. Ideally the house should be thoroughly cleaned and anything that can be washed should be washed; this should include duvets and pillows if the cat has been sleeping on your bed (always check that these are washable). A high efficiency vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter should be used to vacuum floors, sofas and beds. If parting with your pet is just unbearable then other more stringent measures need to be taken.
- The pet should be kept out of the bedroom if at all possible, or confined to one part of the house. A surfactant based lotion can be rubbed onto the pet weekly to reduce the allergens on the coat of the animal. The Petal Cleanse we sell is ideal for this purpose.
- Vigorous cleaning strategies should include vacuuming with a high efficiency vacuum cleaner and damp dusting. Wash any washable fabric cushions and pillows and keep carpets and furnishings to a minimum.
- Ventilate the house as much as possible.
Use an air cleaner either with a HEPA filter or one of the other high quality air cleaners available. This will remove the allergen from the air and help to maintain lower levels of allergen in the environment. Visit our Air Purifiers here. When near the pet or when cleaning (as this can release the allergen from carpets etc into the air) a mask can help. - The wearable air purifier is also something that could be considered, as this will reduce the allergen that is inhaled.
Disclaimer
Information included in this website is intended for information purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for consultation with a medical practitioner. | 
