{"id":31685,"date":"2023-01-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-25T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartzdevelop.wpengine.com\/?p=31685"},"modified":"2024-05-30T19:31:17","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T19:31:17","slug":"how-can-those-with-pet-allergies-live-comfortably-with-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/how-can-those-with-pet-allergies-live-comfortably-with-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Those with Pet Allergies Live Comfortably with Their Pets?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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10-20% of human adults are allergic to cats and\/or dogs.<\/p><\/div>\n

It is estimated that around 10-20% of human adults around the world are allergic to cats and\/or dogs, and that number continues to grow. Of that 10-20%, there are three types of people: those that choose not to adopt pets, those that choose to adopt pets considered to be hypoallergenic<\/a> only, and those that adopt pets anyway.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re one of the third type of allergy-having pet lovers, or if you are allergic to pets and considering getting one anyway, how to deal with pet allergies and live comfortably are likely at the front of your mind.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re probably not allergic to the pet itself or even its fur \u2013 you\u2019re more likely to be allergic to pet dander. What is pet dander, exactly? Dander is flakes of dead skin that naturally fall off the dog or cat. Some people can even be allergic to pet saliva. Thinking of getting a hairless cat or dog as a pet to avoid allergies? Think again. Any pet \u2013 as long as it has skin and saliva \u2013 can trigger an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n

It also doesn\u2019t matter how short or long the pet\u2019s coat is. Even two identical dogs of the same breed can trigger different reactions in humans. One Shih Tzu may send you into a sneezing fit; another may be able to cuddle in your lap with no problems. You can be allergic to any animal, regardless of breed, even if they are considered to be hypoallergenic.<\/p>\n

While there are many breeds that tend to irritate those with pet allergies less than others, it is impossible for any dog or cat to truly be hypoallergenic. Breeds considered to be hypoallergenic naturally contain less of the protein found in saliva that sets off human allergies \u2013 but all animals will still have a little of it present. You should not adopt a \u201chypoallergenic\u201d breed such as a Siberian cat or a Poodle thinking that you will not have any allergy symptoms. This just isn\u2019t true.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Pet Allergies<\/h3>\n

Symptoms of pet allergies will differ from person to person and range from mild to severe. However, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, red and itchy eyes, and runny noses are all common allergy symptoms. Those with more severe allergies to dogs and cats may break into hives or have difficulty breathing when around them.<\/p>\n

Treatment for Pet Allergies<\/h3>\n

The best way to avoid your allergy to cats or dogs being triggered, is, obviously, to avoid them. However, this isn\u2019t always possible. And many people with pet allergies still want to be able to have pets. So what can you do?<\/p>\n