Pet allergies usually occur when the immune system gets activated upon exposure to pet dander—the dead skin cells shed by pets. Dander from dogs and cats is light-toned and can stick to skin, clothing, hair, and other surfaces. If you are allergic, you may develop symptoms like coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, sneezing, and running nose. It is best to visit a doctor and use a pet allergy treatment if the signs do not subside.

How are pet allergies diagnosed?
You can know if you have a pet allergy if the symptoms flare around animals. But the best way to confirm if you are allergic is to visit an allergist. An allergist is a person who can diagnose allergies and recommend a pet allergy treatment depending on the symptoms and the severity of your condition.

In most cases, the allergist may recommend a skin prick or blood test. Skin-prick tests are done at the doctor’s office. During the procedure, the patient’s skin is pricked with tiny amounts of different allergens, and their body response is observed. On the other hand, blood tests identify if a person’s blood contains a specific protein triggered by pet dander exposure. Both tests are easy to conduct and do not take much time.

How are pet allergies treated?
Many treatments easily available on the market help relieve allergy symptoms. However, it is essential to understand that not all of them can help soothe a pet allergy. Some potential pet allergy treatment options that can help relieve discomfort are decongestants, anti-inflammatory sprays, and antihistamines. Before buying any of these, read the package label to determine what ingredients the formula uses:

Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays
In most cases, nasal sprays are considered the first choice of treatment. They work by lowering inflammation, a kind of swelling that results from an allergic reaction. These sprays have potent ingredients and can treat the symptoms to provide relief. You may use one when the discomforts affect your nose and cause reactions like itching, sneezing, or runny nose.

Decongestants
During an allergic reaction, the blood vessels in the body open up, releasing white blood cells to fight the invading allergen. As a result, the blood vessels swell and can cause a stuffy nose. Decongestants cause the blood vessels to shrink and help clear the sinuses, relieving a stuffy nose. They are available as nasal sprays and in other forms. Avoid using a decongestant if you have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems. If unsure, consult a doctor before using such pet allergy treatments.

Antihistamines
When the body encounters an allergen, a compound called histamine is released. It causes symptoms like teary eyes, runny nose, and itching. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine to help relieve allergy symptoms. They are perhaps the most popular for treating allergies.

While you can use pet allergy treatment every day, it is better to consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage. The dosage might differ depending on the treatment option used. For instance, while nasal sprays and newer-generation antihistamines may be used regularly, decongestants should only be used when needed. Also, nasal decongestants may be used for up to three days at a time, while oral decongestants may be used for up to seven days. Get in touch with a doctor to determine what treatment is good for your body and what might harm you. Using the wrong option or following an incorrect dosage can lead to other complications.

How to prevent pet allergies?
The best way to prevent an allergic episode is to avoid going close to pets. If possible, keep their movement restricted to specific rooms, away from furniture and carpets. In addition, do not forget to wash your hands and feet regularly and vacuum the house to prevent pet dander from settling on surfaces. If you do not have the time to vacuum regularly, consider using a HEPA air filter to eliminate the tiny particles from the indoor air. Finally, when bringing home a new pet, look for animal breeds that are less likely to cause allergies that inconvenience you and those around you.

Those allergic to pets can be exposed to allergens at school, work, and home. If you are allergic, use a suitable pet allergy treatment. But before you start anything new, speak to a doctor to ensure it is safe. Some options can lead to side effects that are hard to manage. While using the treatment, minimize your exposure to pets so that your symptoms do not get triggered or worsen.