Presented in collaboration with Purina® Pro Plan®
Sharing one’s life with an animal is wonderfully comforting, but can entail discomfort if you are allergic to your furry companion.
According to the Global Asthma Network, around 20% of the world’s population suffers from allergies to cats or dogs, to varying degrees. Furthermore, the Canadian Animal Health Institute reports that 60% of Canadian households live with at least one animal. Many Canadian families are thus affected by allergies. Fortunately, simple measures can help reduce their impact.
What causes allergies to animals?
Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t animal hair that causes allergies, but rather proteins present in animals’ saliva, urine and dander (small particles of dead skin). In addition to settling on your animal’s coat and on your furniture and furnishings, they circulate in the air, thus worsening symptoms.
Some people may experience mild symptoms (sneezing, itching, congestion), while others may have more severe reactions. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to alleviate them. Here are five that we believe are among the most effective.
Measures to alleviate allergy symptoms
The role of grooming in allergy management
Regularly brushing your animal can help remove allergens before they settle in the environment. Brushes with rubber or silicone bristles are more effective than traditional brushes when it comes to removing dead hairs and dander, which prevents the latter from being released into your home environment.
Regular bathing (provided this is appropriate for your furry friend) can also reduce the load of allergens on their coat.
Encouraging family members to wash their hands after petting your animal or handling their litter can also help reduce allergy sufferers’ exposure.
Reducing the allergen load in your home
Frequent cleaning of household surfaces, carpets, upholstery and curtains can be very helpful in reducing allergy symptoms. Regular vacuuming, up to several times a week, can make a big difference, especially in areas where your animal spends the most time. Wiping floors with a damp cloth can also help prevent allergens from simply becoming airborne. Finally, preventing your animal from accessing your bedroom will enable you to sleep in a less allergenic room.
Use specialized filters and vacuum cleaner bags
Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters or bags specially designed to capture allergens can reduce the presence of particles in your home.
HEPA filters are designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers, including common allergens such as animal hair, dander, dust and even some pollens.
Install an air purifier
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters, such as ones found in some vacuum cleaners, can eliminate a large proportion of airborne allergens. Place them in the rooms where you spend most of your time, such as the living room or bedroom.
Find the litter best suited to your circumstances
If you are allergic to cats, you should be aware that some allergens can find their way into litter. A dust-free, non-clay litter can help reduce their dispersion in the air.
Some people are actually allergic to components of cat litter itself, such as clay dust, scents or plant materials (corn, wheat, etc.). To reduce irritation, use a low-dust, unscented litter and change it regularly. Litter made from recycled paper pellets or other hypoallergenic materials can be a good alternative. Try out several kinds to find the one that suits you best. Additionally, wearing an N95 mask when cleaning the litter box will reduce the quantity of dust and allergen particles you inhale.
Consider feeding your cat a specialized diet
Certain brands, such as Purina, have developed diets specially designed to reduce the allergens present in cats’ saliva, which are transferred to their coats when they groom themselves. For example, a diet enriched with a specific protein can neutralize the main allergen (Fel d 1), thus reducing its presence in the environment.
These diets can be a helpful way of alleviating allergy symptoms and thus enabling you to continue cohabiting comfortably with your feline. It is important, however, to ensure that any specialized diet is adapted to your companion’s needs, and that it is incorporated gradually into the cat’s food regimen.
Although there is no specific diet to reduce allergens in dogs, certain dietary measures and a balanced diet can improve the condition of their skin and coat, thus indirectly reducing dander production. For more information, consult your veterinarian or an animal health technician at your local clinic, or the staff at your local pet supply store.
Consult a doctor
Allergies can also be caused by factors other than animals, such as dust mites or pollen. If you have never been tested by an allergy specialist, this could be a useful procedure to determine the precise cause of your allergy.
Once the cause of the allergy has been determined, talk to a healthcare professional about your medical options, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays or immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy, also called “desensitization”, involves gradually exposing people to larger and larger amounts of an allergen so as to reduce their response to it.
The aim of this process is to train the immune system to react less intensely to contact with the allergen, thereby reducing allergy symptoms over the long term. Treatment generally involves regular injections or sublingual (under the tongue) tablets.
This option is often used for severe allergies, but it requires medical monitoring and may take several months or years to be fully effective.
The myth of “hypoallergenic” breeds
It’s important to understand that no dog or cat is totally hypoallergenic. As a general rule, an animal with a curly coat will spread less hair in their environment. Although certain breeds are often touted as producing fewer allergens, there’s no guarantee that they won’t cause allergic reactions.
Keeping families together: start by looking into solutions
As you can see, being allergic to your animal doesn’t have to mean making drastic decisions about your companion. With the right solutions, many people are able to cope with their allergies while continuing to enjoy their unique relationship with an animal. Whether through preventive measures, medical treatment or adjustments to your environment, there are ways to alleviate symptoms and preserve harmony in your home.
