Pet allergy is a common problem nowadays for pet owners. It is triggered by the proteins found in the pet’s saliva, skin cells, or urine. Allergy reactions include common hay fever, difficulty breathing, frequent sneezing, etc. An animal that contains a lot of furs can also be a source of pet allergy. Even though any animal can make us allergic to them, dogs and cats are the principal contributors to such conditions.

Pet allergy symptoms
Most pet allergy symptoms are visible as they contribute to our breathing. If you are allergic to any pet, especially those with fur, you may experience the following:

Conditions related to the inflammation of the nasal passage
When your passage gets swollen due to the pet, you will experience conditions like consistent sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, itchy nose and upper portion of your mouth, swollen skin under the eyes, etc.

Conditions related to asthma
If you already have asthma and get exposed to a pet, you will experience difficulty breathing, sudden pressure on the chest or feeling of tightness, frequent sleeplessness due to shortness of breath, etc.

A condition related to the skin
Sometimes, pet allergy symptoms can be observed on the skin too. This condition related to the skin is known as allergic dermatitis. When you come in direct contact with a pet, you may develop skin allergic reactions like itchy skin, eczema, and swollen red patches on the skin.

Pet allergy causes
You can have an allergic reaction when your immune system responds to foreign substances like pet skin, mold, and pollen. Your body produces proteins known as an antibody to protect you against health conditions. If you get exposed to pets, the lungs and nasal airways become swollen.

Cats and dogs
Cats and dogs are undoubtedly significant contributors to pet allergies. As much as 62% of the country’s households have pets, and almost 161 million are dogs and cats. Allergens from these animals include dander, saliva, urine, and fur. Dander is a vital problem among these allergens, contributing to most pet allergies. The dander is significantly small and can remain in the air long.

Rodents and rabbits
The rodents like mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, etc., can also contribute to your allergy. The dust from the dander or the bottom of the cages may also act as airborne allergens. If you have a rabbit as your pet, you can be allergic to their saliva, hair, or skin flakes.

Other animals
Even though you might be allergic to animals containing fur, fish and reptiles may have allergens too.

Treatment options for pet allergies
If you have developed the symptoms, you must consult a doctor immediately. At this point, the doctor will ensure the type of allergy and causes through some tests like a skin prick test and blood test. These tests are essential for the best treatment options for pet allergies. Once your allergy condition is decided, the doctor will prescribe adequate treatments to contain the allergy as much as possible.

While the treatment is essential, you must take appropriate steps to ensure your condition doesn’t deteriorate. You can do this by minimizing your exposure to pets and often cleaning the furniture and clothes. The cost of a pet allergy can also be decreased by following these rules and regularly consulting with a veterinarian.