Animal Care & Pets
How to Deal with Pet Allergies when Visiting Someone with a Pet
As much as we love our furry friends, there are some people who are allergic to pets. If you’re one of those people, you may find it difficult to visit friends or family members who have pets. However, there are ways to manage your allergies while still enjoying the company of loved ones and their pets. In this article, we’ll discuss how to deal with pet allergies when visiting someone with a pet.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Before we dive into how to deal with pet allergies, it’s important to understand what causes them. Pet allergens are proteins found in a pet’s skin cells, urine, and saliva. When these allergens are released, they can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common symptoms of pet allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Talk to Your Host
Before you visit someone who has a pet, let them know about your allergy. It’s important that they understand the severity of your allergy so that they can take appropriate measures to minimize your exposure to pet allergens. Ask them if they would be willing to keep their pet in another part of the house during your visit, or if they could clean their home thoroughly before you arrive.
Take Medication
If you know you’re going to be around pets, consider taking allergy medication beforehand. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec can help relieve allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.
Avoid Petting the Pet
As hard as it may be, try to avoid petting the pet. Petting a dog or cat can transfer allergens to your hands, which can then be transferred to your face when you touch it. If you must pet the pet, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing can help minimize your exposure to pet allergens. Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes when visiting someone with a pet. You may also want to bring a hat or scarf to cover your hair.
Ask Your Doctor About Immunotherapy
If you have severe pet allergies, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves exposure to small amounts of the allergen over time in order to build up immunity. Immunotherapy can be administered through injections or sublingual drops.
Conclusion
Dealing with pet allergies when visiting someone with a pet can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By talking to your host, taking medication, avoiding petting the pet, wearing protective clothing, and considering immunotherapy, you can manage your allergies while still enjoying the company of loved ones and their pets.
FAQs:
- Can pet allergies be cured?
- Unfortunately, there is no cure for pet allergies. However, there are ways to manage symptoms, such as taking allergy medication or pursuing immunotherapy.
- Are some dog breeds better for people with allergies?
- While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, some breeds may produce less dander than others. These include Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog.
- Can pet allergens be found in furniture and carpets?
- Yes, pet allergens can linger in furniture and carpets even after the pet has been removed. Consider vacuuming and cleaning furniture regularly to minimize exposure to these allergens.
- Can air purifiers help with pet allergies?
- Yes, air purifiers can help remove pet allergens from the air. Look for a purifier with a HEPA filter, which can capture small particles like pet dander.
- Can pet allergens cause asthma?
- Yes, exposure to pet allergens can trigger asthma symptoms or even cause an asthma attack in some people.
