Yes, animal-induced allergens may cause allergic rhinitis.
For instance, pet dander, small skin scales shed by the animals, may trigger perennial or episodic allergic rhinitis. As dander and hair exist in the air, pets living indoors cause more problems. Air borne dander can move within the home through the air-circulation system. Some times wool also contains tiny dander that may trigger allergy.
Some people are allergic to feathers or furs of the animals, while others are allergic to saliva of animals. If your pet licks you, you may be exposed to its saliva. If you touch objects chewed or licked by animals, it may increase chances of touching the saliva. Cats’ saliva, for example, has a protein that causes allergy.
Cats have more allergens than dogs. Wash pets at least once every week to get rid of allergic-substances. You may try dry shampoos that are easy to use to remove allergic substances from the fur and skin of the pets. Although cats and dogs are common source of allergies, ferrets, hamsters, horses and rabbits may also cause allergies.
Remove pets from the home. But if you do not want to do that, thorough cleaning of floors and carpets is necessary. Use vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wash bedding and draperies frequently. Keeping pet food in closed containers will help in reducing cockroaches menace, because these pests are also a source of allergy. Clean humid areas of your home, such as garages, bathrooms and kitchens regularly, because cockroaches love damp places. Cockroaches may affect lung function and trigger asthma. Exterminate the pests. Do not keep food in bedrooms. Store food in closed containers. Use covered dustbins.
Another common allergen is house mice hairs, especially in urban areas. Exterminate the mice and remove dust that may have mouse dander and urine.
To treat pet-induced allergic rhinitis, allergen immunotherapy is useful. However, the best therapy is to avoid pet dander and other animal-induced allergens because it saves money and eliminates chances of side effects of medication. Many times, it is difficult to avoid the allergens.
If you suffer from animal-induced allergies and still love pets, keep the pets outdoor instead of indoors. Do not let them enter into bedrooms. Ensure that pets do not spend time on carpets and furniture covered with cloth. However, some research studies concluded that exposure to pet-specific allergens during early childhood may make children allergy resistant.
