Fur Allergy

Pet fur allergies are a common type of allergy in humans. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, around 15 percent to 30 percent of the people with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs. But it isn't the fur itself that causes the allergy; instead, a protein in pet dander that sticks to the fur causes allergic reactions in people. Pet allergies are easily treatable in most cases.

Symptoms

• Pet fur allergies are detectable by an increase in allergic symptoms when exposed to pet dander. These symptoms include excessive sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose. The allergy sufferer may also cough and wheeze when exposed to pet fur. Red, itchy rashes are sometimes experienced by people with pet allergies. They also may experience itchy, watery eyes, especially if the fur gets into their eyes through rubbing or touching.

Diagnosis

• Doctors usually diagnose allergies based on patient information. If the patient informs the doctor that the symptoms occur only when exposed to animals, the doctor will most likely diagnose the patient as having a pet allergy. The doctor may request that the patient go to a location free of any potential allergens to see if pets are the definite cause of allergies. Many people opt to remove the pet to test the allergy, but this is ineffective because pet dander remains within a household for a while. In some cases, the doctor may perform a skin test or blood test to diagnose an allergy.

Treatment

• Treating allergies to pet fur depends upon the severity of the allergy. Some sufferers require nothing more than an over-the-counter antihistamine to control allergy symptoms. Doctors can prescribe stronger medications for people with stronger symptoms. These can be taken either daily or as needed, as prescribed by the doctor. Those with severe allergies can opt to receive allergy shots to control the problem. Doctors administer allergy shots to reduce the reaction to an allergen, though in some cases the shot can take a while to begin working effectively.

Pet Alternatives

• Having a pet is not entirely out of the question for those with pet allergies. While no pet is completely allergen-free, many dog and cat breeds are reported to trigger allergic reactions far less frequently. The allergy sufferer can look into furless breeds of cats, such as the sphynx. Dogs with low allergy readings include Portuguese water dogs, poodles and Yorkshire terriers. Other pets like turtles, lizards or fish could be an alternative.

Allergy Control

• Those with pet allergies who want to keep a furry pet in their home have a number of options to reduce their allergy symptoms. Bathe the animal once every week to reduce the amount of airborne allergens. Remove carpet from the home, or if carpet is necessary, stick with a low-pile carpet and steam clean often. When cleaning, wear a mask to prevent stirred-up allergens from causing problems. Adding an air filter into the home helps reduce allergens as well, as the filter sucks the allergens out of the air.