WASHINGTON (May 10, 2006) -- Allergies are one of the most common reasons given by people who relinquish their cats and dogs to animal shelters, says The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Other pet owners would rather live uncomfortably with their symptoms than face the heartache of giving up a member of the family. Studies show that only one of five people with allergies actually gave up their pet when advised to do so by their physician. The HSUS understands the heartache of giving up a pet and reports that there are alternatives for people with allergies to enable them to live more comfortably with their symptoms and their pets.
According to Nancy Peterson, Issues Specialist for The HSUS, “It is common for people to conclude – without even being tested for specific allergies – that their pet is to blame. Other sufferers are advised to give up their pet regardless of whether their symptoms are simply annoying or truly life threatening. For many people, their pet is more important than the elimination of allergy symptoms and with the exception of those who are severely sensitive to animal dander – the minority of sufferers according to most studies -- pet owners can live sensibly with their allergy.”
A new brochure entitled “Your Allergies & Your Pet,” available free from The HSUS, explains how animal dander, saliva, and urine trigger allergic reactions and offers advice on reducing symptoms without having to say good-bye to your animal. It also counters the common recommendation to keep pets outdoors, which actually increases the concentration of allergens.
People with allergies often have more than one “trigger” and suffer from a cumulative effect. If your allergist has done skin and blood tests to determine your sensitivities and your pet causes symptoms that make you miserable, but are not life threatening, a combination of approaches can work including medication, specific housecleaning methods and tools, and immunotherapy . Here are some tips from The HSUS:
¨ Create an allergy-free area in the home, preferably bedrooms, where pets have no access.
¨ Wash hands after touching any animal and before touching your eyes or face.
¨ Vacuum daily to remove shedding hair. Wear a simple dust mask when you vacuum, and use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficient particulate air) filter.
¨ Use furnace filters that trap pet dander. Change filters regularly to maximize efficiency.
¨ Discuss household changes and symptom-relieving medications with your allergist.
¨ Discuss treatments for your pet that may reduce your allergic reaction with your veterinarian.
¨ Use impermeable covers for mattress and pillows because allergen particles brought into the room on clothes and other objects can penetrate and accumulate in them.
¨ Replace heavy curtains and drapes with fabrics you can easily wash regularly.
¨ Replace carpeting, furniture and drapes and clean walls to help reduce the dander level more quickly.
“This information should be a breath of fresh air for pet owners with allergies who want to keep their animals,” says Peterson. However, if your allergies are indeed life threatening and you must find a new home for your pet, visit http://www.petsforlife.org or http://www.hsus.org for helpful information.
The new brochure “Your Allergies & Your Pet” is available online at http://www.hsus.org/allergybrochure or by sending a SASE to: HSUS, Allergy Brochure PR, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037.
Media Contact: Rodi Rosensweig, 203-270-8929, rrosensweig@hsus.org
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
www.hsus.org
Promoting the Protection of All Animals
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - May 10, 2006