If you are suffering from common pet dander allergies, this article guides you on everything you should know about them. When around your pet and you begin to develop allergies, they can either be mild or severe. If they become severe, you are to see a medical professional immediately.
Pet Dander is a common reason why people with a very sensitive immune system have an allergic reaction when around their pets.
Before further talking about the common allergies to pet dander, let’s stop and understand what dander means. This post will help you understand your pet dander allergy and how to beat it.
What is Dander?
Dander means the material shed by mammals with fur, feathers, or hair. Sometimes, dander can be visible to the human eye. Although most of the time, we cannot see them. They are so small that they are hard to detect under a microscope.
Dander is transported through the air and, as a result, gets into our nostrils. This can cause a severe allergic reaction which is known as allergic rhinitis.
Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) is a type of nasal allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to the allergens in the air. It is common amongst those with an over-sensitive immune system.
How do you get rid of dog dander?
You cannot eliminate dog/pet dander in your home, but it is possible to reduce it. There are various ways to do this, and they include:
- Developing good hygiene. Your home should always be clean, as this is the most effective way to reduce pet dander.
- It would help if you had an air purifier. This is a must if you are serious about reducing dander. The air purifier would help you filter out dander but not those stuck on surfaces. We highly recommend you get this air purifier from Amazon.
- Regularly bathing your dog. In a previous post, we discussed this and said you should bathe your dog at least three (3) times a week.
- If you use rugs and carpets, you should reconsider and discard them. Dander sticks to rugs/carpets and might be hard to remove. If you have no intentions of discarding your rugs and carpets, make sure you vacuum as often as possible.
What is the purpose of dander?
Dander comes after shedding, and this is a natural process for pets. The purpose of dander is to make way for new fur to grow, which is essential to their skin health.
How long does pet dander stay on clothes?
Dander can stay on clothes or soft materials for up to six months. The best way to get rid of them is simple: washing them with water.
How do you test for pet dander allergy?
First, you would need to be sure you have a pet dander allergy; you would have to show symptoms similar to those outlined below. If they are severe, you need to consult a medical professional. You would take an allergy skin test or a blood test, depending on your doctor’s advice.
Most Common Dog Allergy Symptoms
Are one (1) in three (3) US residents allergic to their pets? The most common allergies to pet dander include:
- Nasal congestion
- Chest tightening/ chest pain
- Wheezing and coughing
- Swollen/bloated skin
- Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, or throat
- Difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath
There are also skin allergies that could result in skin inflammation. This type of allergic reaction is known as allergic dermatitis, and symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Skin hives
- Eczema
How to Treat Common Allergies to Pet Dander
To treat common allergies to pet dander, you should always maintain good hygiene for yourself and your dog. Some of the treatments your doctor might recommend in case your allergies are severe or painful include:
- Allergies medications include Antihistamines, decongestants tablets, nasal sprays, or leukotriene modifiers.
- Undergoing immunotherapy. This is a process whereby your immune system is trained not to react to a particular allergen by you taking a series of allergy shots.
- Lastly, nasal irrigation.
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