Dog and Cat Allergy Facts That Will Leave You Frozen

Allergy to dogs and cats and other pets are also very common. Irritation to the throat or feeling suffocated is the most common allergic reaction that can be seen in the person allergic to animals. The most common allergic reaction, which is Hay fever, is caused by pollens and dust which end up in your nose and throat. During seasonal changes, trees and plants release pollens in the environment. Symptoms of Hay fever are frequent sneezing, clogged nose or a running nose. Also, itchiness in the eyes, nose, and throat are also seen in certain cases.

Many people suffer from pet allergies and pets themselves can be allergic to a myriad of things. Understanding more about these allergies and their causes can help us to reduce allergic reactions in both us and our pets.

A very relevant piece of information for pet owners to know is that, unlike humans who generally just get red eyes, runny noses and sneezing attacks, cats and dogs with allergies and hay fever may well get unbearably itchy.

The following are 5 pet allergy facts that may well surprise you
 
Think you are allergic to cats fur? Think again: People that are allergic to cats are not allergic to the cat fur-they are allergic to an allergen known as Fel D1. Fel D1 is found in the saliva of cats and kittens and is released onto the cat's fur and skin when the cat grooms itself. The Fel D1 becomes an airborne threat as it travels on the dried skin, saliva and secretions that fall off the cat through petting, jumping and general shaking.

Bathing your pet in cool water can help soothe itchy skin: A five to ten-minute cool water bath can help, but warm water must never be used as this can exacerbate the condition. Bathing a pet also reduces the dander (dried skin) secretions associated with many pets to human allergic reactions.

Allergic to pets? Pets can be allergic to people: Human dander (dried skin) can contain allergens that promote allergic reactions in pets. This does not mean that you have to part company with your pet as your vet can give your pet oral drops or an allergy shot that contain tiny amounts of the problem allergen and this, in turn, can retrain your pet's body to ignore the allergen.

Another reason for a good flea prevention routine: When a cat or dog suffers a flea bite some may develop a reaction to an element contained in flea saliva that causes a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis. This condition often leads to hot spots, especially in dogs and a thorough flea treatment routine that involves the cat or dog and its entire surrounding environment can go a long way in preventing this condition.

Cat litter-there is a difference: Cat litter brands contain various fragrances and dust and can promote allergic reactions in both cats and dogs. Consider changing your brand of cat litter should a particular brand promote a reaction in your pets.