PET ALLERGIES

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HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO ANIMALS?

Sensitivities to animals is one of the most frequently seen allergies. It is currently estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the population are sensitive to animals. With a population of approximately 250 million in the United States, this means that between 50 to 60 million Americans may be adversely affected when exposed. According to many physicians, these figures may be low estimates. From the standpoint of sheer numbers of susceptible people, says Dr. Michael G. Loar of Littleton, Colorado, allergy may well be the most common illness caused by pets.

Allergies to cats in particular have multiplied alarmingly in the last decade, undoubtedly because there are more cats than ever in homes in many parts of the world. Indeed, since 1987, registrations of cats in the USA have surpassed those of dogs. Veterinarians in the nation say that their feline patients have doubled or even tripled in the last decade. Cat care now comprises nearly 60 percent of many practices.

WHICH ANIMALS CAUSE ALLERGIES?

Any animal with fur or feathers. This would include cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, chinchillas, mice, rats, monkeys, horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and all kinds of birds. Cats, by far, cause the most allergic reactions, followed by dogs and horses.

WHICH ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS DO PETS CAUSE?

Furred or feathered pets can cause many different types of allergic symptoms in humans, however the most common are:

· Red, itchy, watery eyes

· Watery nasal discharge

· Nasal congestion

· Itchy nose

· Sneezing (sometimes ten or more in rapid succession)

· Scratchy palate and throat

· Chronic sore throat

· Coughing spells followed by wheezing and whistling

· Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing

· Itchy skin, hives or welts (produced by touching an animal or being licked by it)

IS IT THE HAIR?

The major cause of allergic reactions to dogs is not the hair or fur, but what's under it: the dander or old skin scales (similar to, only much smaller than dandruff on the human scalp) which dogs constantly shed into the environment. These are extremely tiny, like microns of dust or powder, that allergy sufferers seldom, if ever, know are circulating in the air, clinging to the furniture, draperies and wall coverings. If a dog has been in the family for a long time, its dander will have permeated the entire house. And it is not uncommon to find that allergic symptoms will continue for weeks, and at times months, even after the animal has been removed from the house. Saliva and urine are also potential sources of dog allergens -- one potent allergen has been identified in salivary extracts -- but the primary culprit is the dander.

HOW IS DANDER FORMED?

Dander occurs naturally as the epidermis, or the outer layer of the skin, renews itself. The epidermis of dogs and cats is quite thin; it is made up of many layers of cells which are constantly pushing upward to replace the cells above. As this process takes place about every 21 days, the outer cells die and flake off into the environment as dander. It has been found, incidentally, that the epidermal turnover is more rapid in breeds that are prone to the various forms of dry and oily seborrhea, such as Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Chinese Shar-Pei, Basset Hounds, German Shepherd Dogs, Irish Setters, Afghan Hounds, Doberman Pinschers and Dachshunds. Instead of the normal 21 day cycle, the epidermal turnover of seborrheic dogs is 3 to 4 days. Treating seborrheic breeds with Allerpet once a week is of particular importance to loosen and remove the dander, flakes and scales. Allergic persons will suffer far more from these animals because of the frequency and exceptionally large quantity of dander that is produced.

WHY ARE MORE PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO CATS THAN DOGS?

Cats cause more allergy problems than other animals and sensitivities to them can be extremely serious. Fel d 1, the major allergen of the domestic cat, is produced in the sebaceous glands of the cat’s skin and in cat saliva. Fel d1 is deposited on the fur from sebaceous gland secretions and through saliva (when cats lick themselves clean). Previously, it had been generally accepted that the self-cleaning of the cat was the major source of Fel d 1. A recent study in Marseille, France, at the Hospital de Ste-Marguerite indicated that the largest producer of Fel d 1 by far is the sebaceous glands.

CATS ARE KNOWN TO BE EXTREMELY FASTIDIOUS; WHY DO THEY CAUSE MORE ALLERGIC REACTIONS THAN OTHER PETS?

Cats are notoriously fastidious. They groom themselves repeatedly by licking their fur with their tongues. Such methodical self-grooming is not just a matter of personal hygiene, it is a reflex behavior in normal healthy cats. It is estimated that most normal, healthy cats spend from 30 to 50 percent of their waking time grooming themselves. And it is this natural behavioral instinct that makes cats more allergic than other pets. Each lick of their tongues during the grooming process deposits large amounts of saliva on the fur. The saliva dries on the hair; eventually it flakes off, becomes airborne and triggers the symptoms that characterize allergies to cats. The allergen in cat saliva and sebaceous gland secretions is one of the smallest of all known allergens and after being inhaled, penetrates very deeply into the lungs.

WHAT ABOUT BIRDS AND SMALL FURRY PETS?

Birds can also produce allergic reactions in humans. The principal allergens are derived from their feather dust, which is old dried dander. Some of the larger species of parrots are known to produce greater amounts of feather dust than other birds. Moluccan (or salmon-crested) Cockatoos, Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Greater White-crested Cockatoos, and Umbrella-crested Cockatoos, for instance, may cause more problems for allergy sufferers, since they can produce enough powder to coat most surfaces in the room in which they are caged on an almost daily basis. Urine from small furry pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, mice, ferrets and rabbits contains allergens which also trigger reactions. It appears that proteins present in the urine, particularly of males, are the primary cause of allergies to rodents and other small furry caged pets. Additional allergens from dander and saliva have also been identified. Rabbits are becoming increasingly popular as house pets. Like cats, rabbits are self-cleaners and their saliva probably causes as many allergy related problems as that of cats.

IS IT TRUE THAT CERTAIN BREEDS OF DOGS AND CATS DO NOT CAUSE ALLERGIES BECAUSE THEY DON'T SHED, OR THAT SHORT-HAIRED PETS CAUSE FEWER PROBLEMS THAN PETS WITH LONG HAIR? DON'T BIRDS AND SMALL FURRY PETS CAUSE FEWER REACTIONS?

Shedding or non-shedding, short hair or long hair, it makes no difference. The patterns of allergy response to various breeds of dogs and cats differ; a sensitive person can be more allergic to one breed than another, independent of the animal's hair length or shedding pattern. Some animals seem more tolerable than others because they shed fewer allergens. It has been said that dogs and cats which do not shed -- such as Poodles, Bichons Frises, Bedlington Terriers, Rex cats -- and short - haired and hairless breeds will not cause allergies. Or that birds and small caged animals -- gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits and such -- are acceptable. These statements are not true. Birds preen themselves and flutter their wings, no matter how small they may be, shaking feather dust into the air where it circulates throughout the house. And bird cages that are not cleaned regularly can be the perfect setting for the growth of mold spores, bacteria and other organisms which can heighten allergic sensitivities. The spreading of allergens is less of a problem with small furry pets that are kept in cages, but even they can cause problems. How many allergens these pets spread depends on their size and number, and how often they are handled by various family members. Remember: the hair, fur or feathers have no allergic potential themselves. However, they may be contaminated by dander and by salivary and urinary secretions which dry and later flake off into the environment, becoming airborne and circulating throughout the house.

WHY DO PUPPIES AND KITTENS CAUSE FEWER ALLERGY PROBLEMS?

Young animals, especially puppies and kittens, have less skin to shed and therefore diminished dander. This is why people who purchase young pets often find themselves "suddenly" developing an allergy to the pet as it reaches maturity.

IS ANYTHING AVAILABLE TO HELP ALLERGY SUFFERERS RELIEVE THEIR SENSITIVITIES TO PETS?

Until Allerpet, nothing has been available to use on furred or feathered animals to help allergy sufferers. Allerpet was formulated to solve these problems by cleansing the hair of the antigens that cause their sensitivities, by controlling their dispersal into the environment, and by specially conditioning the hair and skin to reduce future accumulations. Allerpet is easy to use on all animals with fur or feathers. It is sponged onto the hair or sprayed onto the feathers once a week. Allerpet is non-oily and will not leave a sticky residue on the coat or feathers. Since perfume can trigger allergic reactions, Allerpet contains no fragrance. It is safe and non-toxic to pets, regardless of how frequently an animal licks its coat. Anecdotal testing of Allerpet commenced in April of 1985 and continued through June of 1988.

A total of 160 persons were involved in the study. Throughout the study, a consistent 80 to 85 percent of those participating expressed a significant improvement in their ability to tolerate their pets. This high success rate is consistent with many papers that have been published on the subject of aeroallergens over the last few years. In conjunction with Bayer AG of Leverkusen, Germany, the formal testing of Allerpet was completed on January 31, 1994 at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Removal of the allergens from an animal before they have a chance to become airborne is the easiest, quickest, and most certain way to reduce the environmental load of pet-related allergens. This is especially true of cat allergen which is extremely tiny and remains airborne for protracted periods of time.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR DOCTOR SAYS YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO PETS?

Being allergic doesn't mean that you can't have a pet or that you must give up one you already have. Even if your doctor finds that you have an animal-related allergy, don't give up your pet so quickly! Pets, especially dogs and cats, are loved like children. Owners pamper them, let them sleep in their beds, worry about their health, give them unlimited access to areas where the family spends most of their time, and frequently take them along on vacations or social visits. Having to part with a cherished animal can be an emotionally wrenching experience, especially when the pet has given years of devotion and companionship. It's like losing a much-loved family member. The thoughts of what will happen to it can be agonizing and the ensuing emotional trauma can make an allergy even worse. Then there is the special problem of pets and allergic children. A youngster with allergies can disrupt an entire family.
Other non-allergic children often become jealous or resentful because they cannot have a pet, or have to give up one which is loved and wanted. They frequently develop behavior problems in an effort to receive more attention. Some doctors add that giving up a pet literally can be heartbreaking since studies show that pet owners tend to live longer after a heart attack than non-pet owners, presumably because caring for a pet eases stress. Scientists have made dramatic advances in the understanding and management of airborne animal allergens in recent years and, except in the most direct cases, removing a pet from the home is not the only solution anymore.

HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR PET AND CONTROL YOUR ALLERGY?

Studies have shown that even though many doctors advise their patients to find new homes, the majority chooses to suffer with their symptoms rather than give away a beloved companion. Many people can significantly decrease their symptoms by using ALLERPET and making a few adjustments in their lifestyle and environment. As previously mentioned, scientists have made dramatic advances in the understanding and management of airborne animal allergens in recent years. The trend has moved toward coexistence, i.e. working out a plan that enables a person to keep his or her pet while taking certain practical steps to minimize allergens in the environment by a combination of actions including cleansing the animal, reducing dust levels and filtering the air. Allergies are cumulative. In other words, they build up. People also can have varying degrees of sensitivities to different allergens. When someone is allergic to animal dander and saliva, he's probably also allergic to other substances found in and around the house.

Dust, mold, mildew, pollens, flowers, trees, paint, perfume, soaps, cosmetics, and other substances can trigger allergic reactions. Whether a person has symptoms or not depends on how many of these allergens are in his environment at a particular time. Every allergic person has a tolerance level above which an acute reaction takes place. This is often referred to as the "rain barrel" effect. Someone who is allergic to animals, for instance, may have no noticeable symptoms when his total exposure is below his allergy threshold (or the amount of a substance needed to produce a reaction). But collect enough other allergens in the same environment to exceed his allergy threshold limit, his "rain barrel" will overflow and symptoms will pop up. One of the most important goals in controlling allergies to pets is to minimize exposure to other allergens, such as those mentioned above, that trigger attacks. By using Allerpet on a regular basis, and by taking a few preventive measures to remove or decrease other allergens in the home, an allergy sufferer should be able to reduce many of the sensitivities to his pet.

COPING WITH ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO PETS

For people who experience allergic reactions to their pets, understanding why the body's immune system causes the sneezing, watery eyes, and itching provide tips that may lessen or even avoid the discomfort many pet owners feel. According to Dr. Karen Campbell, a small animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine at Urbana, the bad news is that some people are genetically predisposed to develop allergies. Familial atopy, says Dr. Campbell, is the tendency to develop allergies inherited from one's parents. With this condition, antibodies are made that bind to mast cells in the person's airway. When the right stimulus comes along (what scientists call an antigen, or more specifically, an allergen), it binds to the antibody, telling the mast cell to dump its contents, causing the asthmatic attack. A similar process occurs in the skin of some individuals, producing redness and itching.

The reason why people can acquire a new pet and not experience any of these symptoms until much later is due to the time required to produce these antibodies. Dr. Campbell says it can take anywhere from three weeks to three years for the body to build up enough of the exact same antibody so that an allergen can cross-link two identical antigens. This cross-linkage is the signal to mast cells to spill their contents. While all this may seem discouraging, the good news is that some people can develop a lack of reactivity to the allergen following continued exposure, or through allergen immunotherapy (desensitization).
People are not allergic to their pet per se, but to products of their pet. These include dander, hair or skin proteins, fur, saliva, blood, and even urine from rodents. In order to determine what exactly a person is allergic to, Dr. Campbell advises pet owners to see an allergy specialist. These allergists will perform prick, scratch, or intradermal skin tests that examine reactivity to as many as 70-80 possible allergens. Once the person knows what he or she is allergic to, a specific plan of action can prevent the need to get rid of a pet, if the pet is indeed the cause of the reaction. "For people allergic to fur, get a breed of dog that doesn't shed," recommends Dr. Campbell. She lists poodles and Bedlington and Kerry blue terriers as dogs that fit into this category. Minimal shedders include schnauzers and most other types of terriers.
Dander is a common culprit in allergies to dogs. The dogs can be bathed up to twice weekly to try to alleviate the excessive dander production. Be sure to use a medicated pet shampoo prescribed by a veterinarian, she advises, and not an inexpensive alternative which can dry out your pet's skin and worsen the problem. A non-allergic member of the family should brush the dog often, preferably outside. If these activities are impossible because of allergic discomfort, hire a professional to do the tasks for you. Cream rinses can be used if the dog's skin dries out. Fatty acid supplements added to the pet's food may also be helpful in correcting a dry skin problem. Consult your veterinarian about possible fatty acid supplements for your pet. You may find that it is already getting ample amounts of fat in the diet and supplying more can be as harmful to your pet as it is to you.

For dogs who seem to have a problem with hair loss, excessive dander production, or oozing areas of the skin (exposing the dog's blood, another potential allergen), owners need to get the condition checked out before any program to decrease allergens in the environment could have a chance to work. Cats present a unique situation. Being the conscientious groomers that they are, their fur is often covered with saliva, and this can produce allergic symptoms in people as well.

Other potential sources of allergic stimuli are feathers, scales, molds, pollens, tobacco smoke, perfumes, carpet fibers, and house dust mites. Many people are allergic to more than one item. Find out from a physician what your particular allergen is, and if it turns out to be pet- related, try some of Dr. Campbell's suggestions to reduce the allergens in the environment. Using air cleaners or filters is not a bad idea, either. "If you are allergic to six things, get rid of three of them," Dr. Campbell advises, "and you may drop below your allergic threshold, and become symptom-free. "Your physician may also be able to prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms associated with allergies.
Medications that Help You May Harm Pets
As the weather changes, pet owners should be especially careful with cold and flu medications. "The drugs that are found in many over-the-counter preparations to treat cold and flu symptoms in humans can cause problems for dogs and cats," says Dr. Petra Volmer, veterinary toxicologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. The ingredients in these preparations for humans often include a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine, an antihistamine, and a painkiller such as acetaminophen. If these drugs are ingested, dogs and cats may show signs ranging from lethargy to excitement to seizures. Even vapor rub and zinc lozenges can make a pet sick. If a pet eats any amount of a human medication, call your veterinarian and be ready to describe what, when, and how much the pet ate.

It may seem odd that the same drug helpful to a human could make a pet very sick. But, not only are pets much smaller than we are, their bodies work differently. That makes even a small amount of some human medications potentially lethal for pets. "It's important to keep all your medications away from pets, and don't try to medicate animals without first asking a veterinarian," says Dr. Volmer. Cats, especially, have a physiology that is quite different from ours and from many other pets. So don't ever give them medications intended for you or your dog. And be careful that pills you take don't drop in reach of a kitty's playful paw.

Drugs commonly found in the medicine cabinet, such as aspirin and aspirin-free pain relievers containing acetaminophen, can cause problems for pets. Cats are especially sensitive to both these medications." Cats are deficient in an enzyme that is used to detoxify acetaminophen," says Dr. Volmer. "Acetaminophen can cause red blood cells to undergo a change so that they are unable to carry oxygen. "Signs of acetaminophen poisoning include brownish colored mucus membranes, panting, and weakness. Dogs can also be poisoned by acetaminophen and can easily ingest a harmful dose if a medication is left lying around. Even medications prescribed for a pet can cause problems in too high a dose.
"Usually, when dogs get into a package of medication, they don't ingest just one pill," says Dr. Volmer. Dogs can easily crunch through foil packages of cold medicine, pill bottles, and cough syrup, even those in childproof packaging. They also may chew tubes or jars of topical medicines. If you think your pet has a problem that needs medication, it is safest to ask a veterinarian for advice. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a human medication, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP.

THE HOUSE

Dust from cat litter can aggravate allergies. Plain clay litter is less irritating than brands with deodorizers. Try various brands to find the one that produces the least dust. Pour the litter into the pan slowly to keep the dust from permeating the air. Wearing a gauze mask will help when changing litter or cleaning a pet's bedding or cage.
Keep everything as clean and free of dust and dander as possible. Dust all surfaces regularly with a damp cloth and vacuum the floors instead of sweeping. It stirs up less dust. Change vacuum bags frequently. Wear a dust mask and open a screened window to help ventilation.

Avoid heavy carpets, ornately carved or overstuffed furniture, fabric wall coverings, textured wallpapers, dust gathering accessories and rough textured curtains or draperies. The more washable surfaces in your home the better. Choose furniture with smooth wooden surfaces and simple lines, walls that can be washed easily, washable cotton curtains, blinds that wipe clean, and floors of polished hardwood, tile or linoleum.

Air purifiers can dramatically improve the quality of air inside your home. Look for one that contains a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The National Bureau of Standards states that air filtered by a HEPA unit is free of 99.97 percent of all contaminating particles. Air conditioners and humidifiers are very beneficial during the appropriate season, but they also collect mold and can cause problems if they are not cleaned regularly.
Mold grows in damp and humid areas such as basements, bathrooms, closets, and attics. Check the house for damp areas that might conceal molds. Throw out all old or unused newspapers, books, magazines, clothing and articles that are sources of mold and mildew. Allergic persons are often supersensitive to odors that can trigger an attack at any time. Avoid perfumes, colognes and after shave lotions; make-up containing fragrance; bubble bath; scented facial or toilet tissues; deodorizing aerosols; hair sprays; insecticides and cleaning fluids. Scented fabric softeners and laundry detergents are especially irritating.

THE BEDROOM

If you can't "allergy proof" your entire home, then concentrate on the bedroom. Experts say that if you can breathe "pure" air for 8 to 10 hours each night, you can probably tolerate more exposure to allergenic substances during the day.

Encase mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers. Use sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and bedspreads made of 100 percent washable cotton or cotton flannel, free of chemical finishes. Buy special non-allergenic pillows, or those filled with Dacron or polyester, not kapok, down or feathers. Air bedclothes outside in sunny weather. Keep pets away from pillows or anything else that comes into close contact with your nose and mouth.

Make your bedroom as free of allergen catchers as possible: the furniture clean and simple; pictures or hanging decorations at a bare minimum; no magazines, newspapers or clutter under the bed; no flowers or plants; no perfumes, scented cosmetics or stuffed toys. Books are notorious dust catchers. Keep them in glass enclosed cases. Store your clothing in clean closets. Shut the bedroom door when you leave.

HEALTH IN GENERAL

When possible, wash your hands after handling your pet. Try not to touch your face, especially your eyes, until you have. Avoid undue fatigue, emotional upsets, or any kind of stress. These may weaken the immune system to the point of triggering an allergic attack. Don't smoke. If you are the least bit allergic, smoking will make things worse and increase your chances of respiratory and other health problems, as well as lower your tolerance threshold to other substances.

THE PROFESSIONAL GROOMER

The Professional Groomer, whether part of a Veterinary Hospital or independent, can be your best friend when it comes to helping you take care of your pet. Most people think that professional groomers only bathe and trim dogs. They do these things, but these are only a few of the many services that they perform.

The Professional Groomer can help you solve some of your pet related allergy problems by combing or brushing your cat or dog on a regular basis to keep it free of dead hair, by bathing it when necessary, and by cleansing it's coat of allergy producing antigens with Allerpet.

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