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Tips for pet allergy relief

You may develop allergy symptoms after getting a new pet. Or you may even find may feel yourself getting pet allergy symptoms even though you have had your cat or dog for several years already. For whatever it is, allergies can cause you ill health. Pet allergy symptoms include watery eyes, itchy skin or/and wheezing. If your symptoms are severe and if medications are not helping, you can choose to give away your pet. But what if you are so attached to your pet that you cannot bear the thought of being without it? If this is the case, you need to decrease the dander to reduce your symptoms and make your home less susceptible to the allergens. Here are some tips for natural pet allergy relief: 1. Keep the pet out of your sleeping area. 2. Keep your pet off your furniture. 3. Bathe your pet at least once a week. 4. Have someone brush your pet daily outside. This can help to decrease the dander that it carries around in the house. 5. Consider making your pet an outside pet, rather than allowing it to live inside. 6. Vacuum carpets everyday and damp dust at least once a week. 7. Wash hands with soap and water after touching and playing with the pet. 8. Get an air purifier for your home that states that it removes airborne pet dander. 9. Choose hard flooring over carpeting. Carpeting traps the allergens, which can trigger off your pet allergy symptoms. 10. Other furnishings trap allergens, as well. These include drapes, curtains, and upholstery. Choose plastic, vinyl, or wood blinds over drapes for your windows. Leather and wood furniture are a great allergy-friendly choice for furniture. Of course, if you already suspect that you have a pet allergy or are sensitive to certain allergies, choose wisely when selecting a pet. Some pets are considered more allergy-friendly than others. For instance, small birds or small dogs carry much less dander than their larger counterparts. Also, short-haired dogs would be a better choice than long-haired dogs. Getting natural pet allergy relief is of prime importance especially if you decide to keep your pet. Drug medications may help but these may be something that you also do not want to depend on as there can be several side effects. The above tips for pet allergy relief can help you reduce your symptoms so that everyone including the pet can live harmoniously together. Getting control of pet dander can improve the quality of life at home and keep everyone happy. An allergy sufferer for many years now, Evelyn Lim is determined to wage a war against her symptoms. She now spends her time researching and writing about her various allergies. For more tips on natural allergy treatment, please visit http://www.Allergy-Attacks.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evelyn_Lim

Pet Allergies can be controlled

It is estimated that 15% of the population is allergic to their pet. Are you one of them? There are many symptoms of an allergy to a pet. Sneezing, sniffling and runny eyes are some of the more common ones. Rash or itching may be present if physical contact occurs. Lung congestion and shortness of breath may also be present in people who also suffer from asthma. People with asthma are 2 to 3 times more likely to have a pet allergy. Everyone is different and some people are more severely allergic than others. People who have parents with pet allergies are more likely to be allergic themselves. Early exposure to pets, however, can help many people develop a tolerance to the allergy. Cats and dogs are the most common pets that people are allergic to. This may be due to the fact that they are the most common pets to have. All breeds of cats and dogs can cause irritation. There are no safe breeds. Different breeds, however, may be more irritating to one individual than another. In general, cats tend to be more allergenic than dogs. You may also be allergic to mice, guinea pigs, horses and many other types of pets. Many people mistakenly think that the fur is the cause of the allergy. It is actually dander or dead skin cells that cause so much discomfort. Animal saliva and urine are also allergens. In addition, other allergens such as dust and pollen can build up on fur and aggravate your allergies. Finding out that you have a pet allergy does not mean that you have to give away your pet. Many people with allergies continue to live comfortable lives with their pets. About 1/3 of Americans with allergies live with one or more cats. There are many things you can do to control the dander. It is a good idea to vacuum regularly to control the pet dander that is in the carpet. It is also wise to invest in a good HEPA air filter to clean the air of all the airborne toxins. Bath your pet once a week to greatly cut down on the dander that he is shedding, as well. Keep your pet off the bed and out of the bedroom completely. Wash your hands after handling your pet. Doing these things will greatly reduce the symptoms of allergies. If this is still not enough, you can get regular allergy shots from your doctor. If the symptoms are still overwhelming after using all the techniques mentioned, giving away the pet may be the only end solution. If this is your plan, you should be aware that it takes months for the house to be completely rid of all of the offending allergens. Before you give away your pet, it is a good idea to make sure your pet is the offending allergen in your house. You can visit an allergist who will do an allergy skin test to diagnose your allergies. He will expose your skin to various allergens then watch for an allergic reaction. Giving away your pet only to continue sneezing anyway would be awful. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Allergies Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Allergy Free Dogs Do They Really Exist?

Is there such a thing as an allergy free dog? To answer this question you first must understand what an allergy is. If you have dog allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. The allergy producing proteins called allergens are produced in the dogs skin. When the dog licks himself or herself this sticky protein in the dead skin cells is deposited on the hair. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, furniture, curtains, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. Pet hair itself does not product allergic reactions in individual, but the dog dander that sticks to the dog hair will. So the answer to the question is there such a thing as an allergy free dog is a resounding no. All dogs will produce this type of allergens and it will be found in the dog's dander, saliva, or urine. The good news is that depending on the severity of the allergy reaction, the care you take in avoiding them, and the type of dog you have you may still own a dog. When searching for hypoallergenic pets your first stop should be the American Kennel Club (AKC). They listed some dog breeds that they considered to be the most suitable for allergic individuals. Consider Poodles, Airedales, and Schnauzers because they shed their skin about every 21 days whereas German Shepard and Irish Setters shed their skin about every three days. Less dander means less contact with the allergy producing allergen. Another considerations are dogs that do not shed their hair very often or have very little hair to shed. Less airborne hair means less chance of you coming into contact with the allergen. You should consider the Poodle, Chinese Crested, Labradoodle (cross between a Labrador and a Poodle), Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, Greyhound and Basenji. The only true pet allergy test is for you to come into contact with the dog. Find a breeder or pet shop owner that will allow you to be with the dog for a day or so. If no allergy symptoms show up then you may have found the type of dog best suited to your allergy problems. Allergies Type I can get worst over time so if you have even a slight allergy reaction during your contact with the breed of dog you are considering you will need to look at another breed. Dogs usually live to be over 10 years of age so the decision you make today will affect you for years to come. Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, and Quercitin. Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A. Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy. Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency. Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system. Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system. Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms. Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Always consult your doctor before using this information. This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice. David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Visit Allergy Treatment Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Cowley