Pet allergy, dog, cat allergies
What a disaster it can be to discover that one of the family may be sensitive to a pet, maybe a new kitten, or a puppy. It is a shame to think that this could result in having to get rid of the pet (or the family member, maybe!)
How can we be sure, though, that the pet is the problem. It may have started at the same time the new friend arrived, but there could be other causes........
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Perhaps one of the most obvious, but not one we want to blame, is a child's fear of their place being taken by the new addition to the family, a bit like welcoming a new baby, really. It can take a little while for everyone to settle down and realise that things are just the same as they always were, with an extra friend to share. In the meantime, though, it could be a time when other sensitivities may come to the fore, such a recurrence of excema, or an annoying cough, which may pass as quickly as it came.
Hay fever is another example not immediately blamed. We all know the saying a dog is for life, not just for Christmas, and how true it is, but often we acquire a pet in the Summer months, just because we are out and about more, and it is probably a good time for the family to be together to share in the fun.
So, we have a new puppy, and we are all out in the garden playing with the new arrival, we go for a walk in the countryside, or the park, all possible triggers for hay fever sufferers, but not directly caused by the new dog, just indirectly related.
Can we tell for sure, though, particularly if things are as bad as having to consider whether it will be possible to keep the pet? Yes, there are tests you can do yourself to see whether you are allergic to certain allergens, and this can help you decide whether the dog or cat could be the problem, or whether it is pollen, or some other substance which has to be dealt with.
Yorktest have an excellent Multi Allergy Screening Test which you can buy online and test yourself for sensitivity to 36 of the most common food and inhalent allergens, including animal danders and house dust mite.
Some sensible precautions can be taken to minimise the risk of allergies as far as possible. First, the choice of pet, if there is a history of allergy, if possible consider a short haired dog or cat. It is not only the hair which can cause problems, though, it can be skin or saliva.
This may be helped by regular brushing and bathing of the pet, to get rid of shedding skin particles, and avoiding having the child handle the dog's mouth, for example, then touching his or her face, particularly the eyes, nose and mouth. In particular, allowing the dog to lick the child's face and hands, however cute this looks, should be avoided. For reasons of avoiding allergens, as well as general hygiene, always washing the hands after playing with pets makes a lot of sense.
Meticulous hygiene of the pet's bedding is essential of course, and the pet should never be allowed sleep in the child's bedroom. With sensible precautions, family and pet may well be able to live together happily.