Do allergies affect pets' health?
Introduction:
As many owners will affirm, pets are more than animals living in their houses; they are part of the family. For allergy sufferers, this bond often means that it will take more than a stuffy nose and sneezing to separate them from their favorite Fido or cat.
Understanding the Impact of Allergies on Pet Owners and Their Pets
"Explore how allergies can affect your pet's health and well-being. Learn about common allergens, symptoms to watch for, and effective management strategies to keep your pets healthy and comfortable."
Prevalence of Pet Allergies:
An estimated 15 percent of the population is allergic to pets. However, since more than 60 percent of U.S. households have a dog or cat, pet allergy sufferers may frequently come in contact with animals, and sometimes even have pets living in their own homes.
"I work with lots of families who have allergies and choose to live with a pet anyway," said Dr. Jeff Werber, a practicing Los Angeles veterinarian and Emmy Award-winning pet health reporter. "Most people see their pets as beloved members of the family, and parting with them due to allergies isn't an option."
Understanding Pet Allergies:
Though most people think it is hair or feathers that cause allergic reactions, it is actually the saliva and proteins in animals' dander that trigger symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose, and nasal congestion. Studies have found that sufferers consider nasal congestion to be the most bothersome allergy symptom. Bathing and brushing your pets regularly will help remove allergens from their bodies.
"Shampoo is not necessary and can dry out your pet's skin," said Dr. Werber. "Bathing with water alone is fine."
A common myth about dog allergies is that some breeds cause less severe allergic reactions than others. All dogs have dander, which means they all can cause an allergic reaction.
Family Tips:
- Pet-Free Zones: Try keeping your pet in rooms that do not have carpeting or upholstered furniture, such as the kitchen.
- Bed and Sleeping Arrangements: Train your four-legged companion to stay off the bed and sleep in a separate room from where you sleep. Pets' dander and saliva can trigger symptoms all night.
- Outdoor Allergen Management: Minimize the time a pet spends outside on days with high pollen counts. Pets can bring outdoor allergens like pollen from grass and weeds into the home.
- Allergy Forecast: Visit [Nasal Allergies](http://www.nasal-allergies.com) to check the allergy forecast for your area before going out to throw a Frisbee or take a long walk.
- Cleaning: Vacuum floors and upholstered furniture regularly to remove pet dander. Surfaces like hardwood or tile floors are preferred over carpeting for allergy sufferers as dander can easily be removed from them.
- Pet Cage Maintenance: Have a nonallergic person clean your pet's cage, preferably outside.
Controlling Allergy Symptoms:
Instead of enduring symptoms, visit your doctor to discuss your allergies. Your doctor can help properly diagnose your condition and prescribe medications to help treat or even prevent your symptoms.
"If a patient is complaining of itchy eyes and throat, I'd recommend a non-sedating antihistamine. For the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, including congestion, a prescription nasal-inhaled steroid is often recommended," said Dr. Matthew Clarke, Associate Director of the Occupational Health Center at North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills in Forest Hills, New York. Nasal-inhaled steroids, which are available for adults and children, include NASONEX® (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg (calculated on the anhydrous basis).
"I see patients who think they only need to use their medication when they are experiencing symptoms," said Dr. Clarke. "By following a few simple steps at home and using medication daily, year-round, allergy sufferers and their pets can live comfortably together."
NASONEX® is the only once-daily prescription nasal-inhaled steroid approved to help prevent most seasonal nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in adults and children 12 years of age and older when NASONEX is started 2 to 4 weeks before allergy season, and the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved to treat nasal allergy symptoms, including nasal congestion, in patients as young as 2 years of age. Take regularly, as efficacy depends upon regular use. The greatest treatment effect generally comes after 1 to 2 weeks. NASONEX also is the only nasal-inhaled steroid approved for the treatment of nasal polyps in adults 18 years of age and older. Side effects were generally mild and included headache, viral infection, sore throat, nosebleeds, and coughing. Please see the accompanying full prescribing information.
**Keywords:** pet allergies, pet care, allergy symptoms, allergy management, nasal-inhaled steroids, pet dander, NASONEX, pet health tips.
