Cats and dogs tend to get the greatest amounts of blame in the case of pet allergies. However, you should know that cats and dogs are not the only pet that can cause allergy symptoms. Instead, all animals that have fur can trigger allergic reactions that often need the attention of an allergy specialist.

If you are allergic to something, then your immune system will always be watching out for foreign elements that can trigger a reaction. As soon as the immune system detects any of these foreign bodies, it starts the creation of antibodies for your protection. This is the normal functioning of your immune system.

However, in the case of an allergic reaction, the immune system often makes mistakes. In this case, it creates antibodies to fight against something that is not otherwise harmful to you.

How many types of pet allergies are there?

There are many types of pet allergies. Of course, the most common among these is allergy from cats and dogs. Different things such as pee, dander, sweat, and saliva of pets can result of pet allergies. Sometimes, pet fur can also cause allergies because they have pollen trapped in them from outdoors.

Rabbits and rodents are also common animals that cause pet allergies. Even though they are small, their saliva, hair, and dander can trigger allergic reactions. Sometimes, urine of rodents such as hamsters and mice contain different chemicals that are known allergens. These chemicals can also get into the air when the pet move around in the bed and its cage.

Birds are also considered to be a common cause of pet allergies. Their feathers can be host to mites that are also an allergen. There is also fine dust present in the droppings of birds that can cause allergic reactions.

While it is rare, some people might also be allergic to horses. Their dander can result in life-threatening allergic reactions. Children seem to be at the highest risk of allergies from horses instead of adults, though.

How to manage a pet allergy?

Well, most people will not simply let go of their pet. So, what can they do? Fortunately, managing a pet allergy is not difficult at all. You can do several things that others may call precautions.

First, you may want to keep the pet out of the bedroom. Close contact with the pet must also be avoided. Even if you have made close contact, make sure that you are washing your hands with soap and water right after that to prevent allergic reactions.

It is also necessary to give a bathe to your pet once in a week. By grooming them and brushing, you can remove the dander completely. A professional groomer can be of great help here. Furthermore, you can also vacuum the areas that your pet visits or roams around frequently. This way, you will be able to get rid of any shed hair and other allergens that your pet might be prone to spreading.

Lastly, seeing an allergist and getting treatment for your allergy symptom is a no-brainer. Make sure that you are not just letting your symptoms go without a check-up. Sometimes, pet allergies can be life-threatening. So, you always need to be one-step ahead and get the necessary treatment.

Conclusion

While there are multiple ways of dealing with pet allergies, one should simply not take treatment lightly. An allergist can determine the root cause of your allergies and can give you the required treatment. This will help you manage your allergy symptoms the proper way. Just make sure that you are getting help from the best medical professional in your area.