Cat and Dog Allergy

Controlling Animal Dander (Cat and Dog)

Cat and dog allergies are produced by a protein (allergen) that is secreted by glands in the skin. Contrary to popular belief, people are not allergic to the hair of the animal but to a protein found in saliva, dander (dead skin flakes), or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on very small invisible particles, which can land on the lining of the eyes or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs. A cat or dog produces a certain amount of allergens per week and this amount can vary from animal to animal. All breeds are capable of triggering symptoms - there are no "hypoallergenic" breeds of cats or dogs. People with severe allergies can even experience reactions in public places if dander has been transported on the pet owner's clothing. Usually, symptoms will occur quickly, sometimes within minutes after exposure to the animal. For some people, symptoms may build and become most severe eight to twelve hours after they have had contact with the animal.

Treatment of Cat and Dog Allergy

Environmental Controls

If you are allergic to your pet, removing it from the home is the most effective way to allergy proof. If this is not a viable option, at a minimum you should keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms where people with allergies spend a great deal of time. Some studies have demonstrated that bathing dogs or cats on a weekly basis may reduce the amount of allergens that are shed in the home. Kitty litter, which contains large amounts of allergen, should be housed away from the allergic individual. Since animal allergens are light weight and airborne an air filter such as a HEPA filter or electrostatic air filter by help. Both types can be purchased as a model designed to filter a single room, or as models designed to be incorporated into your heating and air conditions ducts. Vacuuming is not effective in decreasing animal allergens because it does not clean the lower levels of the rug. In fact, it can stir up allergen particles, which can also move right through the vacuum. Using a HEPA vacuum filter or double bags may help. As with dust mites, the best solution is to have a hardwood, linoleum or tile floor. Replace bedding and carpeting that has animal dander in it. It can take weeks or months for fabrics to come clean of allergens, and animal allergens may persist for a year or more after the animal has been removed.

Medication

Your doctor will discuss with you the various kinds of medications that can be used to control your allergy. Medications can be taken to either prevent symptoms when you are exposed or to treat symptoms that occur during unavoidable or unexpected exposure. One concern about the use of medications is that it may permit you to stay much longer in an unhealthy environment. Even a very effective medication may not adequately suppress severe allergic symptoms if the exposure is prolonged.

Immunotherapy - Allergy Shots

This is a form of therapy that has a beneficial effect over a period of many months in a certain percentage of patients. The goal of immunotherapy is to modify the disease (allergy) so that the sensitivity is lessened over time, rather than just controlling or preventing symptoms as is the goal with medication. The success rate of immunotherapy is probably greater if you do not have constant exposure to the animal in your environment. It works better to protect you against constant exposure to the animal in your environment. It works better to protect you against unavoidable intermittent exposure, than to reduce the chronic symptoms produced by living with an animal. Your doctor will discuss the pro's and con's of immunotherapy with you before it is started.