How to Deal With Pet Allergies: A Practical Guide for Indian Pet Lovers

Pets are wonderful companions that can bring joy, comfort, and love to our lives. However, for some people, pets can also trigger allergic reactions that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, coughing, and wheezing. Pet allergies are caused by the proteins found in pet dander, saliva, urine, or fur, which can become airborne and enter our respiratory system or contact our skin. According to a study, about 20% of Indians suffer from some form of allergy, and pet allergy is one of the most common types.

If you are one of the millions of Indians who love pets but also have pet allergies, you may wonder how you can cope with this situation. Is it possible to keep your pet and also manage your allergy? What are the best ways to reduce your exposure to pet allergens and prevent or treat your symptoms? How can you protect your health and your pet’s well-being?

In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and more. We will share some tips and advice on how to deal with pet allergies, based on the latest research and expert recommendations.

Identify Your Pet Allergy

The first step to deal with pet allergies is to identify if you have one and what triggers it. Not all pets cause allergies, and not all people react to the same pet allergens. Some people may be allergic to dogs but not cats, or vice versa. Some people may be allergic to specific breeds or species of pets, such as long-haired cats or rabbits. Some people may be allergic to more than one type of pet.

To identify your pet allergy, you should consult with an allergist, who is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies. An allergist can perform various tests, such as skin prick tests, blood tests, or challenge tests, to determine if you are allergic to pets and which ones. An allergist can also help you understand the severity of your allergy and the best treatment options for you.
You can also try to observe your symptoms and their relation to your exposure to pets. For example, you can keep a diary of when and where you experience allergic reactions, and what pets you were in contact with. You can also try to avoid or limit your contact with pets for a period of time and see if your symptoms improve. However, these methods are not very reliable and may not give you accurate results. Therefore, it is always better to seek professional help from an allergist to confirm your pet allergy.

Reduce Your Exposure to Pet Allergens

The most effective way to deal with pet allergies is to reduce your exposure to pet allergens as much as possible. This means avoiding or minimizing contact with pets that cause you allergies, and keeping your environment clean and free of pet allergens. Here are some of the ways you can reduce your exposure to pet allergens:

If you do not have a pet, do not get one that you are allergic to. This may sound obvious, but many people ignore their allergies and adopt pets that they love but cannot tolerate. This can lead to serious health problems and emotional distress for both the owner and the pet. If you want to get a pet, choose one that you are not allergic to, or that is less likely to cause allergies, such as a short-haired or hairless cat or dog, a fish, or a reptile.

If you already have a pet that you are allergic to, consider finding a new home for it. This may be a very difficult and painful decision, but it may be the best option for your health and your pet’s happiness. Keeping a pet that you are allergic to can worsen your symptoms and increase your risk of developing asthma or other complications. It can also affect your quality of life and your relationship with your pet. If you cannot bear to part with your pet, you should at least keep it out of your bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.

If you cannot or do not want to give up your pet, you should take measures to reduce the amount of pet allergens in your home. You can do this by:

Bathing and grooming your pet regularly, preferably by someone who is not allergic to it. This can help remove the excess dander, saliva, and fur from your pet’s coat and skin. You can also use special shampoos or wipes that are designed to reduce pet allergens.

However, bathing and grooming your pet may not be enough to eliminate your allergy, as some pet allergens can remain in the air or on surfaces for a long time.

Vacuuming and dusting your home frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and a damp cloth. This can help remove the pet allergens that accumulate on your floors, carpets, furniture, curtains, and other surfaces. You should also wash your bedding, pillows, and blankets regularly in hot water, and use allergen-proof covers for your mattress and pillows.

Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home, especially in your bedroom. This can help filter out the pet allergens that are suspended in the air and improve the air quality in your home. You should also keep your windows closed and use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity and prevent the growth of mold and dust mites, which can also trigger allergies.

Avoiding or limiting the use of carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and other items that can trap pet allergens. You can also use washable or disposable covers for your furniture and cushions, and remove them when you have visitors who are allergic to pets.
Washing your hands and changing your clothes after touching or playing with your pet. This can help prevent the transfer of pet allergens to your face, eyes, nose, or mouth, which can cause allergic reactions. You should also avoid kissing or hugging your pet, or letting it lick your face, as this can expose you to its saliva, which is a potent allergen.

Treat Your Pet Allergy Symptoms

Even if you reduce your exposure to pet allergens, you may still experience some symptoms of pet allergy, especially if you have a severe or persistent allergy. In that case, you should seek medical treatment to relieve your symptoms and prevent any complications. There are various medications and therapies that can help you treat your pet allergy symptoms.