If spending time with your dog or cat leaves you sneezing, congested or rubbing your eyes, you may be dealing with a pet allergy. Pet allergy testing and treatments can help you identify potential triggers and find treatment options. At TexasAllergyMD, Dr. Mireku, a board-certified allergist, can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether pet dander or another environmental allergen may be contributing to them. To discover the most common causes of pet allergies, keep reading.
The Most Common Causes of Pet Allergens
Pet allergies can be frustrating, especially when you’re not exactly sure what’s causing your symptoms. Identifying the source of the problem is the first step towards finding relief. While many people automatically blame pet hair, there are several sources that can trigger allergic reactions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pet allergy triggers and the symptoms they cause.
Pet Dander
Dander is one of the top causes of pet allergies. It consists of small flakes of dead skin, and as the particles are shed, they can circulate through the air, collect on surfaces and even attach to clothing, making them hard to avoid. For people with pet allergies, exposure to dander can trigger an immune response. This reaction can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes.
Dander can linger long after a pet has left the room, so regular cleaning is important to keep it under control. Washing pet bedding regularly, vacuuming furniture and floors frequently, and using a HEPA air purifier can help reduce the amount of dander in your home, as well as your allergic reactions. When symptoms persist, pet allergy testing can determine which allergens are causing your reactions.
Pet Saliva
Pet saliva is another common cause of allergy symptoms. Cat and dog saliva contain proteins that can be transferred onto fur and skin when the pet licks their coat. These allergens can also transfer to furniture, bedding and other household surfaces. Direct contact with the proteins in pet saliva can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
To reduce exposure, be sure to wash your hands after petting your animals and avoid letting them lick your face. Additionally, be sure to clean surfaces that your pet frequently touches. Vacuuming upholstered furniture and carpeting can also help limit allergen buildup.
Pet Urine
Pet urine also contains proteins that can cause allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to proteins found in pet urine, you may notice reactions after cleaning out your cat’s litter boxes, handling soiled pet bedding, or coming into contact with areas where your pet urinates. If you experience symptoms whenever you spend time with your dog, dog allergy testing can confirm if pet allergies are to blame.
Regularly cleaning these areas is crucial, and to help limit exposure, be sure to wear gloves and maintain proper ventilation when doing so.
Pollen Carried by Pets
Although pets don’t produce pollen, they can certainly carry it indoors on their coats and paws after spending time outdoors. When pets come back inside they can track these allergens into your home, and contact with such allergens can cause uncomfortable symptoms for sensitive individuals.
To reduce the amount of pollen your pet brings indoors, wipe their feet after walks and regularly clean any surfaces they touch. Additionally, washing your hands when pollen counts are at their highest can also help limit exposure.
Find Relief From Pet Allergies in North Texas
When you’re ready to take control of pet allergies and enjoy spending time with your furry friends again, contact TexasAllergyMD. Dr. Mireku helps patients throughout North Texas identify their triggers and determine the most effective treatment options. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment today.
