Children and Pet Allergies: Are Furry Friends Affecting Your ...

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39% of U.S. households have at least one dog and 33% have at least one cat. Many pets spend a large amount of their lives indoors which results in significant allergy problems for pet owners.

Ten percent of the U.S. population is allergic to pets, and cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. Oftentimes it is obvious that a child is allergic to dogs or cats, with the child experiencing rapid onset of symptoms shortly after entering an environment where there is an indoor dog or cat. Sometimes the sensitivity to dogs or cats is not as obvious. In cases where it is questionable, allergy testing can be performed to determine whether dog or cat allergy is present and may be playing a role in child?s symptoms.

Individuals allergic to dogs and cats are not actually allergic to the pets, but to a protein produced in the skin. This protein is most commonly contained in dry flakes of skin called pet dander. The pet dander becomes attached to the hair of the animal that is shed around the house and transfers the allergic protein to humans resulting in allergic symptoms. The protein can also be found in the pet?s urine and saliva.

What can I do if my child is allergic to pets?

Recommendations for children with allergies to dogs and cats include environmental control measures and sometimes medication. Getting rid of carpet and area rugs that trap pet dander, the use of a good quality air filter, washing hands after petting the animal, bathing the pet at least once per week, frequent vacuuming and restricting the pet from the bedroom can oftentimes result in significant decrease in allergy symptoms. Certain individuals who have significant allergic sensitivities to dog and cat may need to either have the pets confined to the outdoors completely or find a new home for the pet.? Parents should realize however that removing the pet from the indoor environment will not immediately result in the absence of exposure to pet dander. Even with aggressive cleaning of the home, significant levels of dog and cat dander will remain present for up to 4-6 months following removal of the pet.

Medications that are often helpful for the treatment of allergic symptoms include antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, as well as appropriate asthma and eczema medications. For severe cases, allergy shots may also be recommended.

Visiting a friend with pets

Traveling to visit friends and relatives where there is an indoor pet can present significant problems for children with pet allergies. I advise a phone call prior to the visit to explain the potential problems with the upcoming pet exposure.? You should plan to have the child at the home as little as possible and may want to consider spending the night at a local hotel to prevent your child from developing significant allergic reactions.

Are some pets better than others for children with pet allergies?

While there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog or cat, certain breeds tend to be less allergenic than others, likely because these breeds tend to shed less hair. The actual length of the hair is not a factor for allergies. The American Kennel Club list of hypoallergenic dogs includes the Bedlington terrier, Bichen Frise, Chinese Crested, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Schnauzer, soft-coated Wheaten terrier, and Mexican hairless. Certain cat breeds, specifically Siberian and Russian blue cats, are reported to be less allergenic than other breeds. Also, female cats tend to be less allergenic than male cats with neutered male cats being less allergenic than non-neutered.

What are the worst pets for children with pet allergies?

Dogs with dandruff give off more allergic protein and breeds more likely to suffer from dandruff problems include Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden retrievers, and German Shepherds.

If you are considering adopting or adding a pet to your family and suspect your child may have pet allergies, I suggest taking the child to visit and spend time at a friend?s home who has a similar pet if possible.

Kevin Keller, M.D. is a board certified allergist who treats children and adults at MANA?s Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic and at a clinic in Van Buren. He was voted by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America.

Source: http://www.peekaboonwa.com/?p=275

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