Allergies don’t just come in the form of pollen, grass, dust or
food. Some of our favorite four-legged friends can also cause us to sneeze,
wheeze, itch and cough! But, the reasons behind pet allergies are commonly
mistaken. Today we want to talk about three pet allergy myths and get to the
bottom of what’s fact and what’s fiction when it comes to being allergic to
your furry friend.
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| Kali the Dachshund |
People are allergic to pet’s fur, not hair
We’ve all heard the phrase, “A dog is a man’s best friend,” but
what if the man suffers from pet allergies? Many people blame pet hair,
assuming it’s the cause of their allergic reaction, but that is false. What
causes someone to have an allergic reaction to a pet, isn't the hair or fur,
but the pet’s dander.
Dander is the protein secreted in the pet’s saliva and oil glands
that it sheds as dead skin cells. These same proteins can also be found in the
animal’s urine and feces. Because dander is so small, it can become airborne as
your four-legged friend runs throughout the house, finding its way onto
furniture, pillows, rugs, and people.
Another myth is that pets with hair, as opposed to fur, are
hypoallergenic. False! This belief is in fact wrong, as hair and fur differ
only in texture and length. Pet allergies have to do with a pet’s diet (as
it relates to the influx in a pet’s saliva and oil glands) and how they are
groomed (longhaired vs. shorthaired).
One solution for pet lovers is to choose a shorthaired pet over a
longhaired one. Shorthaired pets are less likely than longhaired pets to cause
sniffing or sneezing. This is because longhaired pets tend to collect more
dander and other airborne allergens like pollen, dust and mold spores as they
run wild.
Some breeds of animals are “hypoallergenic”
Because dander sheds as dead skin cells and all dogs and cats
have skin, contrary to belief, there are no non-allergenic breeds of animals.
Yes, shorthaired pets have less hair to shed, so they tend to produce less
dander, but the idea that there are breeds of non-allergenic dogs or cats is
completely false. The only pets proven to be hypoallergenic have
scaly skin—like snakes and iguanas.
Regardless of fur or hair, there is no such thing as
non-allergic dogs. If you are allergic to one dog, all dogs can cause a
reaction, no matter if they have hair or fur. However, there are breeds that
shed less than others, which are considered hypoallergenic, for example Poodles
or Yorkies.
Many people opt for a hairless cat or dog believing it’s
allergy-free, but this is also false. Remember, the allergens that pets produce
are related to their skin and saliva, so the pet’s hair isn't a major factor in
the allergy equation.
Pets Don’t Have Allergies
Believe it or not, this is false. Humans aren't the only ones who
suffer from allergies. Pets have them too! Dogs can be allergic to their
environment or have food allergies, but instead of sniffing and sneezing like
humans, they itch a lot. Here are some signs a dog may have allergies:
- Frequently scratching (and doesn't have fleas)
- Licking its paws
- Red, irritated skin
If you ever notice any of these symptoms, then there is a good
chance your pet may have allergies. It can be difficult to determine whether a
dog has food or environmental allergies so pay attention to when the symptoms
occur. If the symptoms only occur in a specific season, it could be
environmental. If the symptoms usually occur after the dog eats then it could
be food allergies. The next step would be to visit a veterinarian to learn the
different ways to treat the allergies. This could include allergy shots,
changing the dogs diet or giving the dog antihistamines.
Dogs aren't alone. Cats also have food and environmental
allergies too. Just like dogs, cats itch a lot, especially around the face.
It’s important to pay attention to this because cats can become so itchy, they
can hurt themselves from excessive scratching. Cats can also have asthma-like
conditions that can be life threatening.
Now that we’ve debunked some of the popular myths about pet
allergies, hopefully you can breathe a little easier (literally?). The most
effective way to avoid pet allergies is to avoid pets altogether. But the good
news is that there are other alternatives if you want to keep your pet. Talk to
your allergist about potential allergy shots or other ways to minimize pet
allergy symptoms.
