What are the common symptoms of pet allergies. How can you manage pet allergy symptoms effectively. What treatments are available for dog and cat allergies. Is it possible to have hypoallergenic pets. How do pet allergies impact daily life and indoor environments.

Understanding Pet Allergies: Causes and Triggers

Pet allergies are immune system reactions to proteins found in animal dander, saliva, and urine. These allergies can cause discomfort and health issues for many individuals. While cats and dogs are the most common culprits, any furry animal can potentially trigger an allergic response.

The primary allergens in cats are proteins found in their saliva, dander (dead skin cells), and urine. These proteins are called Fel d 1 and are produced in cats’ sebaceous glands. For dogs, the main allergen is Can f 1, which is also found in their saliva and dander.

Why are some people allergic to pets?

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies these harmless proteins as threats. This triggers the production of antibodies, leading to the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

• Genetic predisposition
• Previous exposure to allergens
• Environmental factors
• Immune system sensitivity

Common Symptoms of Pet Allergies

Pet allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on an individual’s sensitivity and the level of exposure to allergens. These symptoms may develop immediately upon contact with an animal or after prolonged exposure.

Respiratory Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Eye-related Symptoms

• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Swollen eyelids

Skin Reactions

• Hives
• Eczema
• Itchy skin
• Redness

Are pet allergy symptoms always immediate? No, symptoms can develop within minutes of exposure or take hours to manifest. Some individuals may experience delayed reactions, with symptoms appearing up to 8-12 hours after contact with an animal.

Diagnosing Pet Allergies: Methods and Considerations

Accurate diagnosis of pet allergies is crucial for effective management and treatment. Allergists employ various methods to determine if a person is allergic to pets and to what extent.

Diagnostic Tools for Pet Allergies

1. Skin Prick Test: A small amount of pet allergen is placed on the skin, which is then pricked. A positive reaction indicates an allergy.
2. Blood Tests: Specific IgE (sIgE) blood tests measure the antibodies produced in response to specific allergens.
3. Intradermal Testing: Similar to skin prick tests but involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin.
4. Component Resolved Diagnostics (CRD): A more advanced blood test that identifies specific molecular components of allergens.

Can pet allergies be confused with other conditions? Yes, symptoms of pet allergies can mimic those of other respiratory conditions like the common cold, asthma, or other environmental allergies. This is why professional diagnosis is important.

Managing Pet Allergies in Daily Life

Living with pet allergies doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your furry friends. There are various strategies to minimize exposure and reduce symptoms, allowing many people to coexist with pets.

Environmental Control Measures

• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home
• Regularly clean and vacuum carpets, furniture, and curtains
• Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture
• Bathe pets weekly to reduce allergen levels
• Use allergen-proof bedding covers
• Increase ventilation in your home

How effective are air purifiers in reducing pet allergens? HEPA air purifiers can be highly effective in removing airborne pet allergens, potentially reducing symptoms by up to 30-50% when used consistently in combination with other environmental control measures.

Personal Hygiene Practices

• Wash hands thoroughly after petting animals
• Change clothes after prolonged exposure to pets
• Avoid touching your face when around animals
• Use a nasal rinse to flush out allergens

Treatment Options for Pet Allergies

While avoiding allergens is the most effective way to prevent symptoms, various treatment options are available for managing pet allergies when avoidance is not possible or desired.

Medications for Symptom Relief

1. Antihistamines: These block histamine release, reducing sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
2. Nasal Corticosteroids: Sprays that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
3. Decongestants: Help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
4. Leukotriene Modifiers: Oral medications that block certain chemical messengers of allergic reactions.
5. Eye Drops: Antihistamine eye drops can relieve itchy, watery eyes.

Are over-the-counter allergy medications as effective as prescription options? While OTC medications can provide relief for mild to moderate symptoms, prescription medications are often more potent and may be necessary for severe allergies or when OTC options prove insufficient.

Immunotherapy for Long-term Management

Immunotherapy is a treatment option that can potentially provide long-lasting relief from pet allergies. It involves exposing the body to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance.

• Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Traditional allergy shots administered by a healthcare provider.
• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Oral drops or tablets taken at home.

How long does immunotherapy take to show results? While some patients may notice improvements within a few months, it typically takes 6-12 months of consistent treatment to see significant results. The full course of immunotherapy usually lasts 3-5 years.

The Myth of Hypoallergenic Pets

Many people believe that certain breeds of dogs or cats are hypoallergenic, meaning they don’t cause allergic reactions. However, this is largely a misconception.

The Truth About Hypoallergenic Breeds

• All cats and dogs produce allergens, regardless of breed or hair length
• Some breeds may produce fewer allergens, but no breed is truly hypoallergenic
• Individual animals within a breed can vary in allergen production
• Factors like grooming habits and time spent indoors can affect allergen levels

Why do some people report fewer allergic reactions to certain breeds? This may be due to lower allergen production in some individuals, different grooming habits, or simply less shedding. However, these factors don’t eliminate the presence of allergens entirely.

Alternatives to Traditional Pets

For those with severe pet allergies, considering alternative pets might be a viable option:

• Fish
• Reptiles
• Amphibians
• Birds (though some people may be allergic to feathers)
• Small mammals like hamsters or gerbils (though they can still produce allergens)

Impact of Pet Allergies on Quality of Life

Pet allergies can significantly affect an individual’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing comprehensive management strategies.

Social and Emotional Consequences

• Difficulty visiting friends or family with pets
• Strain on relationships with pet owners
• Emotional distress from having to rehome a beloved pet
• Limitations on career choices (e.g., veterinary medicine, pet grooming)
• Anxiety about potential exposure in public spaces

Health-related Impacts

• Chronic respiratory issues
• Increased risk of asthma attacks
• Sleep disturbances due to nighttime symptoms
• Reduced physical activity due to outdoor allergen exposure

How can individuals with pet allergies maintain a balance between managing their symptoms and social interactions? Open communication with friends and family about allergies, planning activities in pet-free environments, and using preventive medications before potential exposures can help maintain social connections while managing symptoms.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

The field of allergy research is continually evolving, with new insights and potential treatments on the horizon. These advancements offer hope for more effective management and even prevention of pet allergies in the future.

Promising Areas of Research

• Gene therapy to modify allergen-producing genes in pets
• Development of more targeted immunotherapies
• Investigations into the role of the microbiome in allergies
• Exploration of early exposure strategies for allergy prevention
• Research on novel drug delivery methods for allergy medications

Potential Future Treatments

1. Anti-IgE therapies: Medications that target the antibodies responsible for allergic reactions
2. Allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies: Designed to neutralize specific pet allergens
3. Epicutaneous immunotherapy: Delivery of allergens through skin patches
4. Probiotics and prebiotics: Modulating the gut microbiome to influence allergic responses

What role might genetic testing play in future allergy management? Genetic testing could potentially identify individuals at higher risk for developing pet allergies, allowing for early intervention and prevention strategies. It may also help tailor treatments to an individual’s genetic profile for more effective outcomes.

As research progresses, the management of pet allergies is likely to become more personalized and effective. While a complete cure for pet allergies may not be imminent, these advancements offer hope for improved quality of life for those affected by pet allergies.

Pets, Dog and Cat Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

A pet </span>” rel=”tooltip”>allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a pet is not present.

Pet Allergy Symptoms

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
• Watery, red or itchy eyes
• Skin rash or hives

Pet Allergy Management and Treatment

• Avoid being around dogs and cats; if you have a pet at home, take specific steps to limit exposure.
• Nasal sprays, antihistamines and bronchodilators can help relieve symptoms.
• Consider allergy shots ( Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular \"blocking\" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substances is encountered in the future."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Immunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future. </span>” rel=”tooltip”>immunotherapy).

Do you want to know if it’s Fluffy or Fido causing you to wheeze and sneeze?

It’s time for an allergist.

Cat Allergies

If your nose runs and your eyes water or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a cat, you likely have a cat allergy. A cat allergy can contribute to constant allergy symptoms, as exposure can occur at work, school, day care or in other indoor environments, even if a cat is not present.

Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic (meaning that they don’t cause allergy). Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens. Characteristics such as the length of a cat’s hair, its sex and the amount of time a cat spends indoors are not associated with cat allergen levels.

Dust and pollen in a cat’s coat can also cause allergy symptoms. In those cases, the allergy is to the dust or pollen, not to the cat.

Of all the pollen, and mold, and animal dander, dust mites that we have studied, the cat dander is absolutely the smallest dander. And what that means is that allergen remains airborne for at least 30 minutes after you disturb it in the room. That just allows the allergic patient to have a constant exposure to that allergen.

Allergist Dana Wallace, MD

Cat Allergy Symptoms

Cat allergy symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on an individual’s sensitivity and the level of exposure to allergens. Those variables may also influence how quickly symptoms develop after exposure. Highly sensitive people can develop symptoms, including breathing problems or a rash, within minutes of touching a cat or entering a house with a cat.

Cat allergy symptoms may include:

• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
• Watery, red or itchy eyes
• Skin rash or hives

Some people may also develop a rash or hives after being scratched by a cat.

Diagnosing Cat Allergies

Do you suspect you’re suffering from cat allergies? An allergist can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment.

A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a cat allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of cat allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skin’s surface. You’ll then be monitored for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction, signaling an allergy. Results typically become evident within 15 to 20 minutes.

Even if you’re sure your symptoms are caused by a cat, it’s a good idea to be tested, since the symptoms may actually be caused by other environmental exposures.

Cat Allergy Management and Treatment

Avoidance is the best way to manage a cat allergy. If you have a cat and are allergic to cats, consider removing the cat from the home.

If you have a cat but don’t want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a cat even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:

• Keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the cat in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
• Don’t pet, hug or kiss the cat; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
• Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
• Giving your cat a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne cat allergen.

Treatments for cat allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.

Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your cat allergy. Nasal symptoms often are treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or People with asthma have acute episodes or when the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.

Is there an allergy-free cat?

Cats produce multiple allergens (proteins that can cause allergy). These allergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva. All cats produce allergens; studies have not shown that cats can be hypoallergenic. Homes with more than one cat have higher levels of cat allergens. Characteristics such as the length of a cat’s hair, its sex and the amount of time a cat spends indoors are not associated with cat allergen levels.

Dog Allergy

If your nose runs or you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a dog, you may be allergic to dogs.

Dogs produce multiple allergens, or proteins that can cause allergy. These allergens are found in dog hair, dander, saliva and urine. All dogs produce allergens; studies have not shown that dogs can be hypoallergenic (not cause allergy). Dog allergen levels increase if the dog lives indoors and are higher in the rooms where a dog is allowed.

Dust and pollen in a dog’s coat can also cause allergy symptoms. In those cases, the allergy is to dust or pollen, not to the dog.

If you remove a cat from a home, you clean all the walls down, do the laundry, do the draperies, it still takes six months for the level of cat protein to get down to normal.

Allergist Warner Carr, MD

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Do you suspect you’re suffering from dog allergies? An allergist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms may include:

• Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose
• Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
• Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing
• Watery, red or itchy eyes
• Skin rash or hives

Some people may also develop a rash or hives after being scratched or licked by a dog.

Diagnosing Dog Allergies

Do you suspect you’re suffering from dog allergies? An allergist can evaluate whether can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

A skin-prick test is the most common way of diagnosing a dog allergy. For this test, a small amount of an extract of dog allergen is placed on your skin. Your skin is then pricked with a small, sterile probe, allowing the liquid to seep under the skin’s surface. You’ll then be monitored for swelling and redness or other signs of a reaction, signaling an allergy. Results typically become evident within 15 to 20 minutes.

Even if you’re sure your symptoms are caused by a dog, it’s a good idea to be tested, since the symptoms may actually be caused by other environmental exposures.

Dog Allergy Management and Treatment

Avoidance is the best way to manage a dog allergy. If you have a dog and are allergic to dogs, consider removing the dog from the home.

If you have a dog but don’t want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a dog even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:

• Keep the dog out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the dog in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
• Don’t pet, hug or kiss the dog; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
• Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
• Giving your dog a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne dog allergen.

Treatments for dog allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.

Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your dog allergy. Nasal symptoms are often treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.

Is there an allergy-free dog?

While poodles, Portuguese water dogs and a number of other breeds (including several types of terriers) have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, a truly allergy-free breed does not exist. A 2011 study compared dust samples from homes with dog breeds reported to be hypoallergenic and those of homes with other dogs. The levels of dog allergen in homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs did not differ from the levels in homes with other breeds.

This page was reviewed for accuracy 4/23/2018.

Insect Sting Allergies | Symptoms & Treatment

Diagnosing

If you are concerned that you may have an "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":8963,"3":{"1":0},"4":[null,2,16777215],"11":4,"12":0,"16":10}">Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food.</span>” rel=”tooltip”>allergy to insect venom, your best option is to see an allergist.

Your allergist should take a detailed medical history, including questions about previous stings (how many there have been and where you were stung), your reaction to those stings (what you experienced, how long the reaction lasted and what you did to get relief) and any additional symptoms.

Your allergist may perform one or more tests to diagnose allergy to insect venom, such as a skin-prick test, an intradermal skin test or a blood test.

In the skin-prick test, a small amount of a liquid containing insect venom is placed on the back or forearm, which is then pricked with a small, sterile probe to allow the liquid to seep into the skin. If a raised, reddish spot forms within 15 to 20 minutes, that can indicate an allergy. In the blood test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory to test for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to insect venom.

If the skin prick test is negative or inconclusive your allergist will likely recommend an intradermal skin test, in which a small amount of venom extract is injected just under the skin. The site is examined after about 15 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction. This test is considered more accurate than the skin-prick or blood tests in determining the presence of IgE antibodies. If both skin prick and intradermal skin tests are negative then your allergist may recommend a blood test.

The strength of a reaction to a skin or blood test does not indicate how severe your allergic reaction will be the next time you are stung.

Management and Treatment

Insect sting allergy is treated in a two-step approach:

1. The first step is the emergency treatment of the symptoms of a serious reaction when they occur.
2. The second step is preventive treatment of the underlying allergy with venom immunotherapy.

Life-threatening allergic reactions can progress very rapidly and require immediate medical attention. Emergency treatment usually includes administration of certain drugs, such as epinephrine, antihistamines, and in some cases, corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, oxygen and other treatments. Once stabilized, these patients sometimes require close observation in the hospital overnight.

Injectable epinephrine for self-administration is often prescribed as emergency rescue medication for treating an allergic reaction. People who have had previous allergic reactions and rely on epinephrine must remember to carry it with them at all times. Also, because one dose may not be enough to reverse the reaction, recent guidelines recommend keeping two doses of injectable epinephrine available and to activate emergency medical services if used. Even if symptoms improve after a single dose of epinephrine, immediate medical attention following an insect sting is recommended.

Venom Immunotherapy

The long-term treatment of insect sting allergy is called venom immunotherapy, a highly effective program administered by an allergist, which can prevent future allergic reactions to insect stings.

Venom immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing doses of venom to decrease a patient’s sensitivity to the venom. This can reduce the risk of a future allergic reaction to that of the general population. In a matter of weeks to months, people who previously lived under the constant threat of severe reactions to insect stings can return to leading normal lives.

If you think you might be allergic to insect stings, talk to your allergist. Based on your past history and certain tests, the allergist will determine if you are a candidate for skin testing and immunotherapy.

Avoiding Insect Stings

Knowing how to avoid stings from fire ants, honeybees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets leads to a more enjoyable summer for everyone. Stinging insects are most active during the late spring, summer, summer and early fall. Insect repellents do not work against stinging insects.

Yellow jackets will nest in the ground and in walls. Hornets and wasps will nest in bushes, trees and on buildings. Use extreme caution when working or playing in these areas. Avoid open garbage cans and exposed food at picnics, which attract yellow jackets. Also, try to reduce the amount of exposed skin when outdoors.

Effective methods for insecticide treatment of fire ant mounds use attractant baits. These baits often contain soybean oil and corn grits combined with chemical agents. The bait is picked up by the worker ants and taken deeper into the mound to the queen. It can take weeks for these insecticides to work.

Allergists recommend the following additional precautions to avoid insect stings:

• Avoid wearing sandals or walking barefoot in the grass. Honeybees and bumblebees forage on white clover, a weed that grows in lawns throughout the country.
• Never swat at a flying insect. If need be, gently brush it aside or patiently wait for it to leave.
• Do not drink from open beverage cans. Stinging insects will crawl inside a can attracted by the sweet beverage.
• When eating outdoors, try to keep food covered at all times.
• Garbage cans stored outside should be covered with tight-fitting lids.
• Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, hair sprays, colognes and deodorants.
• Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing.
• Yard work and gardening should be done with caution. Wearing shoes and socks and using work gloves will prevent stings on hands and feet and provide time to get away from an unexpected mound.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair. Drive with car windows closed.
• Keep prescribed medications handy at all times and follow the instructions if you are stung. These medications are for immediate emergency use while en route to a hospital emergency room for observation and further treatment.

If you have had an allergic reaction to an insect sting, it’s important that you see an allergist.

Fire Ant Sting

Fire ant sting allergy treatment

Fire ant sting allergy is treated in a two-step approach:

• The first step is the emergency treatment of the symptoms of a serious reaction when they occur.
• The second step is preventive treatment of the underlying allergy with whole body extract immunotherapy.

Life-threatening allergic reactions can progress very rapidly and require immediate medical attention. Emergency treatment usually includes administration of certain drugs, such as epinephrine, antihistamines, and in some cases, corticosteroids, intravenous fluids, oxygen and other treatments. Once stabilized, these patients sometimes require close observation in the hospital overnight.

Injectable epinephrine is often prescribed as emergency rescue medication for treating an allergic reaction. People who have had previous allergic reactions and rely on epinephrine must remember to carry it with them at all times.

Also, because one dose may not be enough to reverse the reaction, recent guidelines recommend keeping two doses of injectable epinephrine available and to activate emergency medical services if used. Even if symptoms improve after a single dose of epinephrine, immediate medical attention following an insect sting is recommended.

What is a normal reaction to a fire ant sting, and how is it treated?

The severity of a fire ant sting reaction varies from person to person. One of the main differences between fire ants and other insects is that a usual sting event consists of multiple fire ants stinging. This is because when a fire ant mound is disturbed hundreds to thousands of fire ants respond. In addition, each ant can sting repeatedly. Each ant will bite and hold on with its mandibles (jaw) and sting several times. If not removed, this results in a little semi-circular pattern of stings. Since fire ants hold on with their mandibles, they often have to be pulled off individually and are not easily brushed off when they are stinging.

Almost all people stung by fire ants develop an itchy, localized hive or lump at the sting site, which usually subsides within 30 to 60 minutes. This is followed by a small blister within four hours. This usually appears to become filled with pus-like material by eight to 24 hours. However, what is seen is really dead tissue, and the blister has little chance of being infected unless it is opened. When healed, these lesions may leave scars.

Fire ant sting treatment is aimed at preventing secondary bacterial infection, which may occur if the pustule is scratched or broken. Clean the blisters with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Do not break the blister. If a blister is accidentally opened, careful attention to keeping the area clean with soap and water should still prevent infection. Topical corticosteroid ointments and oral antihistamines may relieve the itching associated with these reactions.

safety measures and assistance in case of bites

Mosquitoes, midges, horseflies appear on the street along with heat . .. Parents with small children need to be extremely careful when walking in nature. In children, insect bites can fester, because the child does not control himself, and can comb the wound with dirty fingers. Don’t forget about allergies!

So, who can bite us: what are the security measures and what to do if, nevertheless, they “bite”.

How to recognize who has bitten you?

Not all insects bite us, but many do. Sometimes you don’t understand who exactly bitten. And this can be important and fundamental! Let’s figure it out.

Moshka

Where and when. Favorite places – near fast rivers, where their larvae develop. They bite, as a rule, on hot sunny days.

Bite. We often do not feel the moment of a bite – the midge simultaneously injects saliva – “freeze”.

How does it manifest itself? After a few minutes there is a burning sensation, severe itching and a large red swelling (sometimes the size of a palm).

Why is it dangerous? The saliva of midges is poisonous. The swelling subsides after a few days, but the unbearable itching can bother you for several weeks. Children usually scratch the bite sites for blood, before the sores appear. Multiple bites sometimes lead to fever and signs of general poisoning. Those who are allergic to insect bites should be especially careful.

What to do? Wipe the skin with ammonia, then apply ice. You can take an antihistamine.

Midge bite protection. Treat the skin with repellent.

Mosquito

Where and when? Mosquitoes are especially numerous near ponds with stagnant water. They atrocity around the clock from the end of May to September, especially at night and before the rain.

Bite. You may not feel it.

How does it manifest itself? White itchy blister with redness around.

Why is it dangerous? In general, a mosquito is far from a harmless creature. There are mosquitoes, carriers of malaria and some viral infections. Plus, bites are allergic.

What to do? Itching relieves lotion from a soda solution.

Mosquito bite protection. Treat all open areas of the body with a repellant, which is better to buy at a pharmacy. For children, special products are sold: be sure to look at the age restrictions!

Wasp or bee

Where and when. All summer during daylight hours in glades, meadows, in the garden.

Bite . Sharp pain and burning, the left sting (black) is visible in the wound. Insect venom causes severe swelling in the bite area. The sore spot turns red and becomes hot

Why is it dangerous? Allergic reaction, especially if bitten to the head, can be life threatening! If a small child is bitten, in any case, it must be shown to the doctor, an ambulance should be called.

What to do? Remove the sting with tweezers, wash the wound with alcohol. Take an antihistamine, apply ice in a towel to the bite.

What attracts them? Everything sweet, bouquets of flowers, perfumes with a floral scent, clothing in neon colors.

Insect bite protection. Do not leave sweets, fruits on the table, wipe your mouth after eating with a damp cloth, do not walk barefoot in clover fields.

Tick

Bite. Insensitive, the mite anesthetizes the wound with saliva and sticks to the skin.

How does it manifest itself? Redness appears around the bite, the wound does not itch.

Why is it dangerous? Ticks carry deadly diseases – borreliosis or Lyme disease and encephalitis.

What to do? It is best to immediately go to the nearest emergency room – they will remove the tick and tell you the procedure. If this is not possible, you can try to carefully remove the tick with tweezers (so that the head does not remain in the skin). Treat the wound with alcohol. And – still running to the doctor! Together with the tick (in a jar), it will also need to be passed to the doctors for analysis. If your area is endemic for encephalitis (that is, there have been cases of detection of this disease in ticks), then an injection of immunoglobulin is necessary. Prevention of infection with borreliosis – taking antibiotics, strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.

Security measures. Tightly close the body: a stand-up collar, cuffs on trousers and sleeves will protect the body, a cap or scarf – the head. Examine the skin after each foray into the forest. Treat clothes (not skin!) with special tick repellents – again, attention to age restrictions.

Important ! Before the start of the season, vaccinate against tick-borne encephalitis – this is the most reliable protection against a dangerous infection.

Ant

Where and when. From spring to autumn in forests and parks.

Bite . The ant does not bite, but shoots with a stream of poisonous formic acid. The victim feels a burning pain, the affected area turns red, a tiny blister may appear – a trace of a burn. Possible dermatitis, allergic reactions.

Why is it dangerous? Nothing – if you were “bitten” by one ant. If it’s too much, it’s best to see a doctor.

What to do? Neutralize the acid with a solution of soda, if it is not at hand, simply moisten with saliva. Ice can be applied at home.

Protection against insect bites. Keep away from anthills with children, repellents do not work on ants.

• Ice may be applied to the bite site. It acts as a “local anesthetic”, relieves swelling.
• If there is no wound, smear the bite with iodine and brilliant green.
• You can apply a cotton pad moistened with calendula tincture to the wound. The tincture acts as an antiseptic and can relieve inflammation.
• If a midge has bitten or the victim has a tendency to allergies, you can take an antihistamine inside: tablet, drops, syrup.
• Anti-itch cream or gel.

• Tea tree oil is considered a good remedy for mosquito and midge bites. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties, fights swelling and itching.

When should I see a doctor?

• If a wasp, a bee or a bumblebee has bitten a small child, in any case, he should be shown to a doctor, call an ambulance.
• If a person has a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite, an ambulance must be called.
• If there are more than 10 bites on the body.
• If the lymph nodes are enlarged after the bite.
• If bitten by a tick, contact with the tick itself. It must be taken to the laboratory and checked for infections.
• If, after being bitten, an adult or a child has a sharp rise in temperature, severe poor health, nausea, vomiting.
• If a tumor has developed at the site of the bite and does not subside.
• If pus appears at the site of the bite.

Popular Questions and Answers

We discussed with pediatrician Ekaterina Morozova the danger of insect bites, reasons to see a doctor and possible complications.

Which doctor should I contact for an insect bite?

The tactics of action depends on the type of insect that caused the bite. As a rule, with the bite of stinging insects (bee, wasp, bumblebee, hornet), with the development of anaphylactic shock, you must immediately call an ambulance. If there are no allergic reactions, then treatment can be carried out under the supervision of a therapist or pediatrician, while giving the person first aid: pull out the sting, apply cold to the damaged area and then, removing the cold compress, apply antihistamine ointment.

If the edema is large, it will not be superfluous to take an antihistamine by mouth, according to the instructions.

A tick bite requires an appointment with a traumatologist, if, according to the results of the tick examination, the laboratory detects an infection, for example, borreliosis, the patient is sent for treatment to a neurologist or infectious disease specialist.

An infectious disease specialist will treat a patient with a bite from a cross spider. This patient specialist should be contacted for tropical insect bites (sand fleas, mosquitoes, tropical mosquitoes) received as a result of trips to Thailand, Sri Lanka, Africa, Vietnam and other hot countries.

Common mosquito bites are most often self-limiting with zinc-based antipruritic ointments.

Are any diseases transmitted by insect bites?

Unfortunately, yes. Tick ​​bites transmit Lyme disease and encephalitis. Steppe mosquitoes, which, as a rule, live in Asian countries, the former Soviet republics, carry tularemia, a dangerous infectious disease. Tropical insects, including sand fleas, through a bite, can lay eggs in the upper layer of human skin, the larvae of which then form passages in human skin. A tropical mosquito bite can cause dengue fever.

How to avoid insect bites?

Repellents and appropriate clothing and footwear will help protect yourself and loved ones from dangerous insects.

If a person plans to travel to a tropical country, it is necessary to buy a repellent in advance, and on the territory of an exotic country to move in closed clothes and closed shoes with rubber soles, even on a sandy beach.

If a person plans to go outdoors, especially in the period from mid-spring to June (the peak of tick activity), it is necessary to have high shoes, a hat or scarf that cover the maximum part of the head, clothes that almost completely cover the body. After returning from the forest, all clothes will need to be shaken out and checked for intruders. As a rule, first of all, ticks are picked up on animals and children who have a shorter stature. In any case, during any trip to nature, a person must use repellents.

How to anoint insect with vinegar?

When bitten by a mosquito, the wound should be lubricated with zinc-based antipruritic ointment. If such an ointment was not at hand, then a gruel of soda can temporarily soothe the itching. But still, soda, parsley or tea tree oil as antipruritic and anti-inflammatory agents seem to be a controversial solution in stopping insect bites.

For bee vinegar, the gold standard of care is to remove the stinger, cool the wound, and apply an antihistamine ointment.

It is important to understand that any insect is dangerous for allergy sufferers. Such people need to constantly have antihistamines with them in order to help themselves cope with the unpredictable reactions of the body to an insect bite in time.

When bitten by a tick, the insect must be carefully removed from the surface of the skin and must be sent for examination in order to start the necessary therapy in time, if necessary.

How to understand that a dog has been bitten by an insect – prevention and first aid

Small insects can cause a lot of trouble for a dog, from mild itching to serious illness. This guide will help you figure out what to do if you find insects on your dog or find their bites, how to handle and prevent dog bites from some common insects.

Signs of fleas in dogs

What to look out for: if a dog has fleas, it will constantly itch and lick. Look for fleas or black crumbs on the animal’s head, neck, and groin. Dogs with sensitive skin can suffer from allergic dermatitis, an allergic reaction to proteins in flea saliva. Fleas are also carriers of tapeworms, which can be passed on to your pet.

Prevention of fleas in dogs is very effective. Ask your veterinarian about how to find an effective remedy in the form of a chewable treat, tablets, drops on the withers, or a flea collar.

How to get rid of fleas in a dog: a course of treatment is necessary to solve the problem. If you have not been able to prevent infection with these parasites, bathe your dog with a special flea shampoo. Vacuum and clean the areas of the house where the pet spends a lot of time, and if necessary, consider using flea spray or pest control in the house. Flea prevention and collars are always the best way to get rid of these insects! Once these bloodsuckers have entered a home, they are extremely difficult to eradicate.

Ticks in dogs

What to look for: ticks can live in almost any area and are found at any time of the year, but most often they are waiting for their victims in the grass and bushes, from spring to late autumn, and in some regions all year round. Look for small brown spots, swollen black or gray dots on the dog’s face, head, paws, flanks, limbs, ears and groin. It is necessary to inspect the animal after each walk or exit to the street. Even if a tick has landed on a dog’s body, such inspections will help prevent a bite or prevent it from moving onto other pets or even family members.

Ticks carry serious diseases that can be transmitted to both animals and humans. Symptoms of conditions such as piroplasmosis (babesiosis), Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, can be difficult to diagnose and may not appear for several days, weeks, or even months after a tick bite, according to the American Kennel Club Dog Health Foundation. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog healthy.

Prevention of ticks in dogs: Many medications prescribed for flea prevention also protect against ticks. To prevent tick-borne infections, check your pet from nose to tail after every walk and report any unusual behaviors, such as irritability or extreme lethargy, to your veterinarian.

How to get rid of ticks on a dog: If your pet has been bitten by a tick, take tweezers or a special tool to remove the tick (usually available in veterinary pharmacies). Grab the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible and gently pull while twisting it 2-3 turns if you are using tweezers without squeezing the body (this way you can crush the tick). Place the tick on a piece of tape or in a small jar of alcohol in case your veterinarian needs to test for disease. If you are not sure or the tick is not completely removed, it is better to seek help from a veterinarian.

Canine scabies mites

Things to look out for: scabies mites are so small and burrow so deep into the dog’s skin that they are hard to see. But any owner will notice the consequences – inflammation, hair loss and skin lesions. Scabies mites in dogs are noticeable by one symptom – severe itching. If your normally calm dog starts scratching and biting itself, it’s time to call your veterinarian.

Prevention: Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures against infection with scabies mites. These parasites are contagious and are transmitted through contact with other dogs and animals such as foxes. You need to watch if the dog began to itch after visiting a kennel or exploring places where wild animals can live.

How to get rid of scabies mites in a dog: Woodruff Veterinary Clinic states that the most effective treatment is to see a veterinarian who, after an examination and appropriate research, will make an accurate diagnosis and tell you how to treat your dog.

What to do if your dog gets bitten by mosquitoes

Things to watch out for: pets, like people, instantly feel a tingle at the site of a mosquito bite, so you can see how the dog suddenly licks on some areas, biting or scratching them. A mosquito bite can cause swelling, redness, and hives in a dog, but it is unlikely to cause long-term harm on its own.

The most common problem associated with mosquito bites in dogs is heartworm infection. If the mosquito is a carrier of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria), this dangerous disease can be transmitted to the pet.

Prevention: It is much more important to protect your pet from Dirofilaria than from the bite itself. Give your dog the exact dosage of a veterinarian-prescribed oral or topical prophylaxis year-round, especially during mosquito season, advises the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Special drugs to prevent heartworm disease can protect a dog’s heart and lungs and possibly save her life.

How to treat mosquito bites: In addition to the risk of heartworm, an itchy bite is unlikely to cause long-term harm to a dog. There are natural and pet-friendly mosquito repellents. Ask your veterinarian what safe products they can recommend because some of them can be toxic to pets.

What to do if your dog is bitten by a bee, wasp or hornet

What to look for: accidentally stumble upon an angry bee, wasp or hornet will be as unpleasant for the dog as it is for you. The bite will cause sharp and intense pain, so you will probably hear the dog squeal. The dog will limp if he stepped on a bee, or scratch and lick himself if he was bitten elsewhere.