How can families maintain a pet-friendly environment while managing their child’s dog allergies. What are the most effective ways to reduce allergens in the home. How do medications and environmental changes work together to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Understanding Pet Allergies in Children

Pet allergies in children can be a challenging issue for families who cherish their furry companions. These allergies occur when a child’s immune system reacts to certain proteins found in pet dander, urine, or saliva. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, impacting the child’s quality of life and potentially straining the family’s relationship with their beloved pet.

Common symptoms of pet allergies in children include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Frequent nose rubbing
• Coughing or wheezing (in children with asthma)
• Skin reactions such as itching, hives, or eczema

Identifying Allergens: Beyond Fur and Dander

Contrary to popular belief, pet allergies are not primarily caused by an animal’s fur. The main culprits are proteins found in pet dander (dead skin flakes), urine, and saliva. These allergens can become airborne and stick to surfaces throughout the home, making them particularly challenging to avoid.

Why are pet allergens so pervasive? Dander particles are microscopic and can remain suspended in the air for extended periods, even with minimal air circulation. They easily collect on upholstered furniture and adhere to clothing, spreading throughout the house and potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The Persistence of Pet Allergens

Can pet allergens linger in a home even after the pet is gone? Yes, pet allergens can persist in a home environment for months or even years after the animal is no longer present. This is due to their small size and ability to adhere to various surfaces, including walls, carpets, and furniture. Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to reduce allergen levels over time.

Effective Strategies for Managing Pet Allergies

While pet allergies can be challenging, there are several strategies families can employ to manage symptoms and maintain a harmonious household. These approaches focus on reducing allergen exposure and alleviating symptoms through a combination of environmental changes and medical interventions.

1. Encourage hand-washing after pet interactions
2. Create allergen-free zones in the home
3. Implement regular cleaning routines
4. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
5. Consider medication options
6. Explore immunotherapy treatments
7. Consult with allergists and pediatricians

Hand Hygiene and Allergen Reduction

How does hand-washing help reduce allergen exposure? Washing hands thoroughly after petting or playing with animals helps remove allergens that may have accumulated on the skin. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of transferring allergens to the eyes, nose, or mouth, which are common entry points for triggering allergic reactions.

Creating Allergen-Free Zones in Your Home

Designating certain areas of the home as pet-free zones can provide a safe haven for allergic children. The bedroom is often the most crucial area to keep allergen-free, as children typically spend a significant portion of their day there.

To create an effective allergen-free zone:

• Keep pets out of the designated area at all times
• Use allergen-proof bedding covers
• Remove carpets and upholstered furniture if possible
• Clean the room regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters

The Importance of Consistent Pet Boundaries

Why is it crucial to maintain consistent pet boundaries in allergen-free zones? Consistency in keeping pets out of designated allergen-free areas helps prevent the accumulation of allergens over time. Even occasional visits from pets can introduce significant amounts of allergens, potentially undermining efforts to create a safe space for allergic individuals.

Cleaning Strategies to Reduce Allergens

Regular and thorough cleaning is essential for managing pet allergies in the home. Implementing effective cleaning routines can significantly reduce allergen levels and improve air quality.

Key cleaning strategies include:

• Vacuuming carpets and upholstery frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum
• Washing bedding and pet bedding in hot water weekly
• Using damp cloths or mops for dusting to trap allergens
• Regularly cleaning walls and other surfaces where allergens may accumulate
• Grooming pets outdoors to reduce dander spread indoors

The Role of HEPA Filters in Allergen Removal

How do HEPA filters contribute to allergen reduction in the home? High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, including many common allergens. When used in vacuum cleaners and air purifiers, HEPA filters can effectively remove a significant portion of airborne pet allergens, improving indoor air quality and reducing allergy symptoms.

Medication Options for Managing Pet Allergies

Various medications can help alleviate pet allergy symptoms in children. These range from over-the-counter options to prescription medications, depending on the severity of the allergies.

Common medication options include:

• Antihistamines: Reduce histamine production, easing itching, sneezing, and runny nose
• Nasal corticosteroids: Decrease nasal swelling, sneezing, and congestion
• Decongestants: Provide short-term relief from nasal congestion
• Leukotriene modifiers: Help control allergic reactions and asthma symptoms

The Effectiveness of Antihistamines

How do antihistamines work to relieve allergy symptoms? Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. By reducing histamine activity, these medications can alleviate common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Some antihistamines also have anti-inflammatory properties, further helping to manage allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy: A Long-Term Solution for Pet Allergies

For children with persistent or severe pet allergies, immunotherapy may offer a long-term solution. This treatment involves exposing the immune system to gradually increasing doses of allergens, helping it become less sensitive over time.

Key points about immunotherapy for pet allergies:

• Typically administered through allergy shots or sublingual tablets
• Treatment usually lasts 3-5 years
• Can significantly reduce allergy symptoms and medication dependence
• May allow some individuals to live comfortably with pets
• Requires consultation with an allergist to determine suitability

The Process of Allergy Shots

What is the typical process for receiving allergy shots? Allergy shots are typically administered in two phases. The build-up phase involves receiving injections with increasing amounts of allergens 1-2 times per week for several months. Once the effective dose is reached, the maintenance phase begins, with shots given every 2-4 weeks for 3-5 years. This gradual exposure helps the immune system develop tolerance to the allergens over time.

Balancing Pet Ownership with Child Health

While managing pet allergies can be challenging, it’s often possible to keep beloved family pets while ensuring the health and comfort of allergic children. The emotional and developmental benefits that pets can provide often outweigh the challenges posed by allergies, especially when proper management strategies are in place.

Key considerations for families balancing pet ownership with child allergies:

• Consult regularly with pediatricians and allergists
• Monitor the child’s symptoms and adjust strategies as needed
• Educate family members about allergy management techniques
• Consider the severity of allergies and overall impact on quality of life
• Explore all available treatment options before considering pet removal

The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Children

What are the potential benefits of pet ownership for children? Pets can provide numerous benefits to children’s development and well-being, including:
– Improved emotional intelligence and empathy
– Increased responsibility and self-esteem
– Reduced stress and anxiety
– Enhanced social skills
– Promotion of physical activity
– Companionship and unconditional love
These benefits often motivate families to explore all possible allergy management options before considering pet removal.

Managing pet allergies in children requires a multifaceted approach combining environmental controls, medication, and potentially immunotherapy. By implementing effective strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, many families can successfully balance the health needs of their allergic children with the joy and benefits of pet ownership. Remember that each child’s situation is unique, and it’s essential to tailor management strategies to individual needs and circumstances.

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Children with animal allergies can live comfortably with pets

• By

  Cynthia Weiss

  October 7, 2020

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Our young daughter has shown signs that she might be allergic to our dog. We have had our dog for eight years, and the dog seems to be fond of our daughter. Do you have any tips for how we can safely keep our dog without sacrificing our child’s health?

ANSWER: Pets are an important part of many families. In most cases, you should be able to keep your dog while keeping your daughter safe.

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance. Pet allergies often are triggered by exposure to pet urine or saliva. These allergies also can be triggered by dander, the dead flakes of skin that an animal sheds. Dander is a particular problem because it is small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with even the slightest bit of air circulation. Dander collects easily in upholstered furniture and sticks to clothing.

For people with pet allergies, exposure to these allergens can lead to various symptoms. The most common symptoms include sneezing; runny nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; nasal congestion; and postnasal drip. In a child, you may see frequent rubbing of the nose. For those with a history of asthma, symptoms also may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. In some people, skin symptoms may occur in the form of itchy skin, hives or eczema.

To reduce the effects of a pet allergy, an important first step for your daughter is to encourage hand-washing after petting the dog to minimize allergen exposure to the eyes or nose. Another key component is to keep at least one place in your home dander-free. It may be best to keep the dog out of your daughter’s bedroom, since it is likely that she spends at least eight hours of each day there.

In addition to implementing environmental changes, you also can try nonprescription remedies. Several over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids, may relieve allergy symptoms. For example, oral antihistamines ease itching, sneezing and runny nose by reducing the production of histamine, the primary mediator in an allergic reaction. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce nasal swelling, sneezing and congestion. For more persistent symptoms, prescription medications, such as montelukast, or Singulair, also may help.

I would encourage you to speak to your pediatrician about any specific medications or other efforts that may be valuable, given your personal family situation. If your daughter’s symptoms worsen, you will want to visit with an allergist to discuss whether allergy testing and shots are needed.

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that involves receiving allergens in small incremental doses. Shots are initially given weekly, and the concentration of allergen is gradually increased to a maintenance dose over three to six months. The maintenance shot is then given monthly for three to five years. Allergy shots reduce symptoms by desensitizing the body’s immune system to the allergens to which one is reactive.

A combination of allergy medication and environmental changes often can help control pet allergies, making it unnecessary to remove a family pet from the home. In almost all cases, the physical and emotional benefits pets can offer children far outweigh the issues allergies might cause. — Dr. Arveen Bhasin, Allergy and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

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Related Articles 

• Mayo Clinic Minute: Considerations when picking a family pet published 7/11/19
• Why allergies shouldn’t prevent kids from having pets: Mayo Clinic Radio Health Minute published 7/9/19
• Home Remedies: Allergy-proof your home to help manage those allergens published 3/27/19

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7 Tips to Manage Your Child’s Pet Allergy

It can be a tough situation when your child is allergic to the family dog or cat. However, you may be able to ease symptoms with these strategies.

By Beth W. OrensteinMedically Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD

Reviewed: August 7, 2017

Medically Reviewed

Shutterstock

It can be terribly upsetting to learn that your child is allergic to your family pet — but it’s not uncommon. Up to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the pets’ hair that makes a child sneeze and wheeze. It’s the proteins found in their urine, saliva, or pet dander, according to the AAFA. The proteins can stick to surfaces of walls, furniture, and clothing and stay there, at full strength, for a long time. A pet also can bring other allergens, such as pollen, into your home.

“The first rule of allergies is, if you’re allergic to something, stay away from it,” says Mark Holbreich, MD, an allergist and immunologist with Allergy and Asthma Consultants in Indianapolis. When it’s your pet, though, that’s hard to do. But if the allergies are severe, says the American Academy of Pediatrics, you may have to find your pet a new home.

Symptoms of children’s pet allergies include a stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and wheezing. Some people can have an asthma attack if their allergies flare, the AAFA says. If your child experiences these symptoms after coming in contact with your dog or cat, have your child tested.

“Testing is very important,” says Mervat Nassef, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at NewYork-Presbyterian in New York City. If you might have to give up your pet, you want to be sure that your child isn’t allergic to something else. “Other allergies can give you similar symptoms,” Dr. Nassef says.

It’s also important to note that some animals may be more allergy-friendly than others. However, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology. “Small dogs that don’t shed produce less dander, but your child still can be allergic to them,” Dr. Holbreich says.

Strategies to Reduce Pet Allergies

If your child’s allergies aren’t too severe, you may be able to take some steps to reduce your child’s symptoms and keep your pet. For instance:

Keep pets out of the bedroom. Make your child’s room a pet-free zone and be sure to keep it clean. To keep the room pet dander- and pollen-free, install a high-efficiency air filter and air purifier. Remember to change the filters frequently.

Cover your child’s bed with extra protection. You can buy dust mite covers for your child’s pillow, blanket, and mattress. This will also help keep out dust mites, another potential allergy trigger, in addition to allergens like pet dander.

Go for hard surfaces. Where you can, replace upholstered surfaces with non-fabric or easily washable materials. Pet dander sticks to upholstery, drapes, curtains, and carpeting more easily than it does to surfaces such as wood, vinyl, or tile. Plus, the latter are easier to clean. For this reason, you also shouldn’t let your allergic child sleep with stuffed animals, Dr. Nassef adds. If you must have carpet in your child’s bedroom or elsewhere in your home, select a low-pile one and have it steam-cleaned regularly.

Bathe your pet weekly. Weekly baths can significantly reduce the amount of allergy-causing dander your pet sheds. If possible, ask a non-allergic member of your household to bathe the pet and be sure to wash that person’s clothes afterward. Wearing gloves may also help. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best soaps and shampoos. Caution: Bathing too frequently can have the opposite effect. It can dry your pet’s skin and cause the animal to shed more dander.

Teach your child to wash his hands with soap and water after touching the pet. Washing helps prevent the spread of allergens to your child’s nose, eyes, and mouth — which is especially important if your child gets a rash from having been licked by your pet, Nassef says.

Talk to your allergist about treatment. “Medications work for allergy symptoms regardless of the trigger — pollen, pet dander, etc.,” Nassef says. “But not all medications work equally well for all symptoms. ” That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor and tailor your child’s allergy medications to his or her symptoms.

Consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can recommend a diet for your pet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help your pet’s skin retain its moisture and not shed as much. Like people, pets can benefit from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, according to the Partnership for Animal Welfare in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Every family has to decide for themselves whether they can manage their children’s pet allergies with a cat or dog, Nassef says. “The best solution for pet allergies is to not have a pet,” she says, “but many people consider pets part of their family and getting rid of the pet is out of the question.”

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How to identify a dog allergy in a child – recommendations for parents – Dobrobut clinic

The main symptoms of an allergy to pet hair

Allergy to pets is an allergic reaction to proteins contained in the epidermal cells, saliva or urine of animals. The main symptoms of an allergy to pet dander are sneezing and a runny nose. In some cases, this can manifest itself in shortness of breath and an attack of bronchial asthma. Allergies can be caused not only by cats and dogs – leaders in this matter, but also by parrots, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters. If you are interested in the question of whether there may be an allergy to a particular cat, sign up for a consultation at our medical center.

Risk factors:

• gastrointestinal disease in humans;
• prone to allergic reactions;
• hereditary predisposition;
• work related to animals.

Adult cat allergy should only be treated after a thorough examination and history taking.

Clinical manifestations of the disease

An allergic reaction can develop at any age, but children suffer from it much more often.

Respiratory symptoms:

• shortness of breath with wheezing;
• shortness of breath;
• chest pain, choking;
• cough, wheezing;
• nasal congestion, sneezing.

Testing to find out if there is an allergy to cats can be done in a special laboratory.

“Eye” manifestations: redness of the eyes, swelling, increased lacrimation, itching, blurring (fuzziness) of image perception.

“Skin” symptoms:

• swelling;
• itching and scaling;
• redness of the skin;
• soreness.

Systemic disorders include: tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, nausea, pale skin, dizziness, loss of consciousness.

On our website Dobrobut.com you can make an appointment with a doctor who will tell you what to do if you are allergic to cat hair. In addition, the clinic can undergo diagnostics, including special tests.

How cat allergy manifests itself in children

Cat allergies in most cases occur in babies in the form of:

• shortness of breath;
• barking cough;
• swelling and redness of the skin;
• lacrimation and redness of the eyes;
• nasal congestion.

If these symptoms occur, parents should make an appointment with a pediatrician who will diagnose and treat.

Important: in most cases, the manifestation of signs of allergy to pets in infants is diagnosed in families in which one of the parents already suffers from some type of allergy.

Manifestation of signs of allergy to pets in infants

Due to immature immunity, allergy to animals in infants manifests itself immediately after contact with the allergen. The main symptoms of this type of allergy include: swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, redness of the skin, itching, nasal congestion or increased nasal discharge, sneezing, dry cough, conjunctivitis. In addition, the baby may experience general malaise, fever, diarrhea. When such symptoms are detected, parents should urgently seek medical help, since such a condition is very dangerous for the baby.

Diagnosis

After a thorough examination of the patient and taking anamnesis, the doctor in most cases will prescribe additional research methods, namely: blood test, urinalysis, blood biochemistry, immunogram and special skin tests.

How the skin test is done. A small amount of purified extracts of various allergens is applied to the skin in the forearm area. At the site of application of the solution, a puncture is made with a needle or a notch with a scarifier. The test results are evaluated after 15 minutes. The most common side effects of the test include itching and redness of the skin, which resolve on their own within an hour.

How to determine an allergy to a dog in a child and what parents should do as first aid, we will discuss further.

Treatment

Doctors use the following drugs to treat an allergic condition:

• antihistamines;
• enterosorbents;
• corticosteroids;
• decongestants.

Antihistamines: Tavegil, Claritin, Diphenhydramine.

Corticosteroids are particularly effective in allergic manifestations, however they are not safe. The drugs have a number of side effects and can only be prescribed by a specialist who will tell you how an allergy to cats manifests itself in children and how to help the baby at home.

Prevention

Of course, the best solution would be complete isolation from the allergen. But if you are not ready to part with your pet, the following measures will help to minimize contact with the irritant protein:

• daily wet cleaning;
• daily airing of the room, especially at bedtime;
• washing hands after contact with an animal;
• use of an air purifier;
• do not allow the animal into the allergy sufferer’s room.

If you have any questions, make an appointment. During a personal conversation, the doctor will answer them and tell you if the cats are not causing allergies. Registration takes place by phone and online.

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If a child is allergic to cats and dogs? Husse Kaliningrad

This is a question many parents hear from their children. Unfortunately, the decision-making process can become difficult, especially if the child suffers from allergies associated with the presence of animals in the house: dogs, cats, rabbits and birds. Parents should not feel helpless in this situation, as the following brief overview of current research will help those who are looking for a solution that will make everyone happy.

Millions of people suffer from allergies to wool or feathers. These people have an immune system that overreacts to the harmless proteins (called allergens) in pet hair that get there through dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine. Animal hair is not the main problem, as many believe. With normal hair loss (shedding), allergens can spread and persist in the environment. According to recent estimates, the US has more than 100 million pets per capita – about four animals for every ten people. Considering that almost six out of ten people who come into contact with pets in one way or another suffer from allergies to them. (Russia ranks second.)

For the 10% of children who are considered highly allergic, doctors almost always recommend avoiding contact with animals. These are children who have allergic reactions even from short-term contact. Your first step – especially before looking for or buying a pet – should be to visit your pediatrician to let him know about your intention to have a pet. To diagnose allergies to pets, special allergen tests are used: skin prick tests (prick test, abroad) or scratch tests (in Russia), and your child may have to undergo several of these tests. But with the results in hand, it will be easier for you to make the right decision whether or not to have a pet in the family.

For children with mild allergy symptoms, having a pet can even be beneficial for many families. In fact, some research shows that allergies in children actually become less common the longer a child lives in a household with a pet. Other studies have shown that children who take care of dogs from childhood grow up to be more empathetic and responsive, and less likely to have behavioral problems.

If your child has an allergy to animals, there are steps you can take to minimize the presence of allergens in your home. Bathing weekly can significantly reduce dandruff at home. Cleaning the home regularly and thoroughly – especially soft surfaces such as carpets and furniture – and designating the children’s room as a pet-free area. Also helpful is to use an air purifier in your child’s bedroom and use an excellent grade HEPA filter in the central ventilation system. Another important step is for your child to wash their hands after petting or playing with your pet, and also for the child to remember to keep their hands away from their face when playing with animals.

Once you’ve made all these lifestyle changes, it’s time to look for a future pet. If you are planning to get a dog, then pay attention to breeds with soft, constantly growing hair, i.e. she practically does not shed. Dogs such as Poodles, Bichons, Cocker Poodles (Cockapoos), or Portuguese Water Dogs may not cause or exacerbate allergic reactions in some allergy sufferers, although some experts argue that this may only be because dogs of these breeds tend to , bathed more often, sheared and groomed more carefully than other breeds.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no true hypoallergenic dog or cat breed. In fact, even hairless breeds can trigger allergy symptoms. In 2011, the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy published a study conducted by the Henry Ford Hospital that compared levels of allergens present in homes occupied by “hypoallergenic dogs” with levels of allergens in homes with other breeds. The researchers studied dust samples from 173 homes one month after a newborn baby arrived at the home. The study involved one dog at home and studied 60 different dog breeds, including 11 breeds considered hypoallergenic. The results showed that there was no difference in homes with hypoallergenic dogs and other breeds. “We found no scientific evidence that hypoallergenic dogs have fewer allergens,” says Christina Cole Johnson, Ph.D., MSc, chair of the Henry Ford Department of Public Health Sciences and senior author of the study. Other earlier studies have shown that having a dog in the home early in a child’s life provides protection against developing a dog allergy.