Overcome Animal Allergies to Co Exist with House Pets

then this animal is presumable safe for you to take for a pet. But nevertheless

it is better to discuss the possibility of returning the animal to the

person you purchase it from incase there is a long-term allergy.

Remember: only definitive allergens provoke allergies. That's why a

person who reacts to a dog's spittle may not react to a cat's hair.

Final diagnosis

If after taking an animal home you suffer the symptoms of rhinitis,

conjunctivitis or dermatitis, you should consult a doctor and explore

other possible reasons for these symptoms.

You should first check whether or not your animal suffers from a infectious

or invasive disease which is common for animals and humans. For example,

diseases such as mycoplasmosis, clamidiosis or toxoplasmosis can be disguised

as rhinitis or conjunctivitis.

Nettle rash can be caused by mycotic infection (herpes) or mite-borne

invasion (scab).

Sometimes animals don't show external manifestations. But such animals

are still bearers of diseases and can infect people, especially the owner

of an animal.

There is also a microscopic parasitic tick on the skin of many animals

that is harmless to them. This tick doesn't live on people but if it accidentally

gets on the skin of a person, it may sting and cause a severe itch and

skin irritation.

Often the reason for an allergy is not the animal, but its feed, its

toilet, or toys and other accessories.

If you have a dog...

If a highly allergic person is forced to live with an animal in one

house, it's wise to stick to the following guidelines:

• Avoid extended contact with the animal
• Ask a member of your family to wash the animal more often than usual

  (at least once or twice a week)

• After contact with the animal or its toys and accessories, wash your

  hands thoroughly and even change your clothes

• If possible, do away with things that attract allergens (carpets,

  upholstered furniture and down pillows)

• Clean and organize your room every day. Use air cleaners, vacuums

  with special filters and anti-allergic agents for cleaning

Animal allergy manifestations and symptoms include:

• Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, coryza, itch or stuffiness in nose
• Allergic conjunctivitis: itch, reddening and/or watering eyes
• Bronchial asthma: dry or crepitating cough, , heavy breathing, shortness

  of breath or feeling of suffocation

• Atopic dermatitis or nettle-rash: sever skin rash or itch

Useful communication

Traditional recommendations by allergists regarding the necessity of

a child's isolation from potential allergens are being heavily criticized

lately. Scientific research shows that close contact with animals strengthens

the immune system and makes it indifferent to animal-born allergens. Besides,

interaction with animals has a positive affect on the nervous system and

helps it to relax, thus preventing the development of bronchial asthma,

neurodermatitis and other diseases.

According to statistics

• 15.5 percent of children that grow up without animals around them

  suffer from allergies

• The chances of allergies decreases to 12 percent if there is an animal

  at home

• Only eight percent of children who have two or more animals suffer

  allergic symptoms