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Allergy Relief / Allergy Test / Test for allergies before buying hairy pets
Test for allergies before buying hairy pets
Donna Gray
Nothing completes a family more than a pet. Dogs, cats, birds, or reptiles can add a certain personality to a home, but can also cause the human residents to suffer allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
For families finding a balance between housing a furry friend and managing their health, it's a good idea to do some research.
Dr. Joel Doctor, an allergy specialist with the Calgary Health Region, says allergies to pets have been around for a long time, but have increased in number and severity over the past two decades.
"As an observation, this seems to be the case mostly in western societies rather than non-industrialized nations," he says. "Some of it can be attributed to lifestyle and environmental factors, but allergy development is typically a genetic predisposition."
Allergies to pets often come in reaction to several factors including direct contact with the fur, saliva, dander or glands that excrete oil (such as from the scalp or mouth area). The range of symptoms can be as simple as a stuffy nose, watery eyes, or most troublesome of all, an asthma attack.
"For instance, cat fur and dander will hide in rugs or stick onto walls," he says. "When those particles are disturbed, they become airborne and create a reaction. There is some evidence that if young kids grow up in a home that has animals, it may be actually be protective. Each person reacts differently. "
Doctor suggests that before investing in any fur-based animal, it's best to test for any potential problems. Once the severity of the allergy is determined and it is deemed safe to proceed, then research is needed to determine the breed of dog or cat that will fit into the home.
"If there is an allergy, the animal doesn't necessarily have to be moved, but if it's causing asthma, I'd recommend removing it," he adds. "Allergies tend to be breed-specific, so expose yourself to certain breeds to see if there is reaction. If there isn't, prolonged exposure might produce allergies later on.
Doctor also suggests keeping the animal out of the bedroom, use HEPA filter on the furnace or in a room, clean reservoirs where hair and dander collect, and vacuum regularly.
For years, the Bullen family longed for a pet that didn't swim underwater, burrow in cedar shavings, or shed its skin. Heather grew up with pets all her life and craved the affection of a dog, while husband Chris and oldest son Steve, who have mild to moderate asthma and allergies, have never handled a dog without becoming short of breath.
The solution came after a five-month-long search on the Internet and chats with breeders and other dog owners.
"The biggest thing was finding a dog that had low-to-no dander content, the type of hair, and the size of the dog," she says. "We use a shampoo and leave-in conditioner with aloe and oatmeal, and we feed him dog food that keeps his coat healthy."
After contacting a breeder for Cairn Terriers in the city, she brought a male puppy home to test the waters. Jack eventually won over the group, and caused no reactions in the family, other than excitement and fun.
"Everyone was conscious of the fact that it might not work, but we all fell in love with him right away," she says. "Chris was the most apprehensive and kept himself on the sidelines, and Jack loves him more than any of us."
Lynda Berar, breeder of miniature schnauzers in Calgary, says her breed has worked well with most allergy-sensitive families, but suggests a trial visit as a way to determine if there is potential for problems.
"I ask people to come out, visit for an hour, touch, play, spend time with the dogs. If they react, it happens in my house rather than in their home, where traces of the dog hair or dander can stick around."
The breeder visit also cuts down on deep emotional attachment by the family and the pet.
"If you have children in the family, they'll be upset if it doesn't work out," she says. "If one visit isn't enough, I don't mind if they come back two or three times. If it does trigger a reaction, I would take it back. Any breeder should do this, if they are reputable."
Charlie Mitchell, owner of Forever Yours Cattery in Grande Cache, Alta., breeds Russian hairless cats, a popular breed with many Calgarians. A mutant gene and strict breeding practices maintains a practically hair-free coat.
She says about 60 per cent of her buyers purchase the bald-esque feline out of allergy sensitivities, but also, for the bragging rights of having a unique pet.
"I've probably had four or five e-mails in the past two months about allergies," she says. "These cats don't have any real hair, but dander and dried saliva can still be a problem, so we suggest owners bathe them weekly."
Allergies aside, with any pet comes great responsibility, including adjusting to the personality of pure-bred dogs and cats.
"These cats are more demanding than a small dog at times," she says. "They are sensitive to cold, of course, and they are very affectionate. I believe every child should grow up with a pet. It's great to know there are breeds out there that offer that opportunity. All it takes is a little homework, exposure and patience."
From http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/neighbour
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
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