Allergic to animals: causes, symptoms and treatment

The contents

Causes allergic to wool

The symptoms of pet allergies

Treatment of allergies to animal hair

Many people have Pets. Often in families you can meet the cats and dogs. And now, you too have decided to get a pet, but was faced with a very vexing problem — allergic to wool. How is it displayed? What to do if you have different symptoms? And how to prevent another seizure allergic reactions? Talk about it in this article.

Causes allergic to wool

According to statistics, 15 percent of people around the world diagnosed with an Allergy to animal dander. Most commonly it affects small children, while it flows in the more severe forms. Most people suffer from unpleasant allergic reactions to the fur of dogs and cats, however, can meet and more rare disease — on the fur of rodents, for example, which is also often kept as Pets. It is interesting that allergies can be formed even for products made of natural wool. Therefore, the appearance of the first symptoms of this factor also should not be excluded.

The doctors believed that the cause of Allergy to wool lies in the hair of animals, but then it became clear that it’s actually not. Most often responsible for the manifestation of an Allergy substances that are in other substances that set Pets. Generally, these include proteins that are contained in urine, feces, secretions of the sebaceous and sweaty glands, the pieces of the epidermis (the top skin). And the wool perfectly absorbs all of these components that is transmitted to humans by contact with the beast.


But which animals are most problematic? It is believed that cats are carriers of quite a strong allergen, which is contained in the saliva of the animal. Widely known is the fact that these wayward Pets are cleanliness, constantly lick themselves, leaving the fur with saliva, which contains enzymes that possess cleansing properties. Contact with a cat, people will not tolerate these allergens.

The same can be said about the waste of life — urine and feces. The remains (even the smallest pieces) can stick to the paws of a cat and then transferred to the person and around the house. A cat owner may not even notice it, considering his favorite very clean. All this makes the cat the most allergenic animals among domestic Pets. Especially for moulting cats. Consider the fact that different breeds may have different allergenicity. It is also known that cats are much alergicznej of the opposite sex.

But dogs do not have such strong qualities. Maybe this is directly related to the fact that the dogs don’t pay attention to their own cleanliness such attention. So their wool is not so much soaked with his own saliva. However, the fact that they regularly happen on the street and there is contact with the environment, also plays a role. From a walk they bring in dirt, feces, bacteria and pollen, which can also cause severe allergies. It is believed that dogs with hard and little shedding fur less allergens (the same applies to cats). Also keep in mind that the smaller the dog, the less risk in terms of allergies.

The symptoms of pet allergies

The most common symptoms to animal hair are similar to those that occur with allergies to volatile substances (dust, pollen, aerosols). First affected are the respiratory system, eyes, then only can form of skin inflammation, e.g. redness, blisters and other symptoms.

The most common symptoms of allergies to animal hair are:

  • Asthma;
  • Watery eyes;
  • Conjunctivitis;
  • Allergic rhinitis;
  • Urticaria.

If not to pay attention to allergies can develop into anaphylactic shock and angioedema. It is noteworthy that the symptoms can occur immediately after a person first talk with animals. Quite often this occurs after a large amount of time.

Treatment of allergies to animal hair

The most important thing you need to do for getting rid of allergies is to eliminate from your life the source of allergic reactions. If you have a reaction to wool blanket or similar product, then no special problems. But if you are allergic to family pet will have to take drastic measures. Ideally you want to pick up the beast the other owners or to give to the animal shelter. However, not all are ready for this, so trying to adapt to new circumstances. Remember that an adult can control the contact with animals and taking anti-Allergy means, but young children have an Allergy to animals is particularly dangerous, so you have to decide on this drastic measure.

It is necessary to reduce the concentration of allergens in the apartment. Be sure to conduct a wet cleaning as often as possible. In any case, do not use the vacuum cleaner, as all the hair and dust would just rise up. Also remove all things that may settle the dust and animal hair from carpets, plush items, sofas with sticky surface, fleecy curtains and so on.

If you decide to leave your animal, then it should be regularly washed using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Also Pets should be fed properly, time to heal, because sick animals number of allergens increases.

After each contact with animals to wash their hands. Avoid contact with saliva on the face, don’t let the dog or cat to sleep in the same place where people sleep.


Also, check food and litter, because they, too, can cause allergies. After a walk with the animal on the street wash it, because it brings a lot of dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens.

If you don’t have an animal, it cannot be excluded that it can build up an Allergy to wool. Be sure to check with your doctor. However, most often you can only understand it after regular contact with a cat or dog because of an allergic reaction are by no means after the first communication.

The method of treatment of allergies to animal hair is the same as other forms. It is based on the use of antihistaminic medication that is designed to neutralize the main biochemical agent responsible for allergic reactions is histamine. You can also use the drugs with corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory ointment, decongestant drugs containing alpha-agonists. They may appoint a doctor. Therefore, the appearance of the first symptoms of allergies should immediately consult with a specialist.