Personalized Pet Allergy Treatment in New Orleans

It’s very common for allergy sufferers to have pet allergies. Pet allergies are caused by allergenic proteins in animal dander, skin flakes, saliva, and urine. Pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor allergens may also gather on hair or fur, triggering allergic responses to pets. Pets may be responsible for allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) symptoms, skin allergy symptoms (hives), or asthma symptoms.

A common misconception about dogs and cats is that there are hypoallergenic breeds. No pet is 100% hypoallergenic, however pets that do not shed do not release as much dander into the air or onto surfaces in the house, making them less aggravating to allergy sufferers.

If you suspect that you have pet allergies, the first step to finding pet allergy relief is getting tested. Pet allergy testing typically includes a detailed medical history followed by skin testing. Blood testing may be used if skin testing can’t be performed because of a skin condition or another preclusion.

The most effective way to manage and treat pet allergies is to avoid the pets that trigger your symptoms. However, it’s possible to live comfortably with your pets even if you’re allergic. A mix of environmental changes, cleaning habits, and medications can effectively manage pet allergies and keep symptoms in check.

Allergy Proof Your Pets

There are several things you can do to relieve pet allergy symptoms even when you’re sharing a home with the pet that you’re allergic to.

• Keep animals outside if possible, but be mindful that pet dander will still make its way indoors on clothing or whenever the pet comes into the house.
• Bathe your pet frequently.
• Have someone who doesn’t have allergies brush the pet outside regularly.
• Establish pet free zones. Keep pets out of your bedroom and other highly occupied rooms.
• Have someone who doesn’t have allergies clean the pet’s kennel, litter box or cage regularly.
• Remove carpeting and rugs, which can trap pet dander and other allergens.
• Keep pets off of upholstered furniture. Consider replacing upholstered furniture to minimize pet dander accumulation.
• Use a double or micro-filter bag in the vacuum to reduce the amount of pet allergen present in carpeting that leaks back into the room air.
• Use HEPA air cleaners to help remove allergenic particles from the air.
• Do not hug and kiss pets if you’re allergic!

Pet Allergy Medication

Pet allergy medications can help relieve pet allergy symptoms when they occur. Both prescription and over-the-counter pet allergy medications may be part of the treatment regimen for pet allergies, however we recommend discussing any new over-the-counter medications with your allergist, especially if you’ve been taking them for multiple weeks. Prescription medications may provide superior pet allergy relief.

Antihistamines: help to relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies.

Corticosteroids: nasal sprays that reduce inflammation and help control allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Decongestants: shrink swollen tissues in the nasal passage and make it easier to breathe through your nose. Decongestants are available by prescription as oral medication or over-the-counter as nasal spray.

Leukotriene Modifiers: may be prescribed if corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamines are not good options for you.

Nasal Irrigation: neti pots or squeeze bottles can be used to flush thickened mucus and irritants from your sinuses with a saltwater rinse.

Pet Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are usually an option for individuals with pet allergies. Allergy shots can provide long-term allergy relief and keep symptoms under control even when you’re directly exposed to an allergenic pet.

Find a New Home For Your Pet

If all else fails, you may need to find a new home for your pet. There are additional steps you should take to rid your home of pet dander after removing your pet:

• Have someone who doesn’t have allergies clean the entire house, including thorough washing of ceilings and walls.
• Replace or move upholstered furniture. Even with thorough cleaning, it’s difficult to remove all pet allergens from upholstery, which is why they should be replaced or moved to where they won’t bother the allergy sufferers in your home.
• Replace carpets, especially in bedrooms and other highly occupied rooms.
• Replace all bedding, including mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows.
• Use HEPA air purifiers to remove allergenic particles from the air.

Without proactive cleaning, it can take 6 months or longer after the pet is gone for dander to clear.

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