Limiting pet allergies

The cure for any allergy is to avoid exposure.

Picture: Think Stock

Some allergies are acquired or delayed over a lengthy period of time through repetitive contact while others may develop a sudden or acute hypersensitivity to a creature they have never been in contact with before.

If a family makes the hurtful decision to rehome the pet guaranteed and proven to be the cause of allergy, the human symptoms will not disappear immediately because there will be significant levels of residual substances within the domestic environment. Even after vacuuming, disinfection and cleaning, the allergens may still prevail. Some people go to desperate extremes by reupholstering or replacing the furniture, washing ceilings and walls, replacing carpets and bedding.

One can minimise the extent of the allergy by adopting certain protocols. Restricting the cat or dog outdoors may be of help and possible depending on the pet’s ability to adapt to the new lifestyle and environment. The use of air purifiers indoors may reduce the percentage of airborne allergens. Remove furnishing with material which would have attracted hair, dandruff etc.

Ask someone who is not allergic to your pet to do the cleaning, feeding, walking and all other aspects of necessary animal husbandry. What life is it for the person and the dog to live apart in such a manner?

FILE PICTURE: A Bengal kitten nose to nose with a Yorkshire Terrier during the launch of WODAC at Marks Park in Emmerentia, 9 July 2014. Picture: Neil McCartney

If one cannot handle or cuddle your pet will one be satisfied to coexist in a situation of non-contact and remote observation? Such an arrangement alters the concept of having a pet. Some people opt for keeping the pet and maintain themselves on a combination of cortisone, antihistamine and an immune booster prescribed by their medical practitioner.

There are pets which can be seriously considered for allergic people, although experts suggest that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic companion animal. Dogs which are suitable for allergic people just do not shed sufficient hair to be an issue and produce fewer allergens. People allergic to all furry creatures may have to consider owning a lizard, snake, terrapin, fish or bird.