Pet allergies: how to manage them

Have allergies but still want animals? This blog is for you! While allergies can be a bit of an obstacle, having a four-legged friend may still be a possibility. Here are some tips for managing allergies as a fur parent, so let’s get into it!  

What are allergies?  

Before we get into how you can manage allergies, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. The medical term for allergies is an allergen – the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Individuals experience a reaction when inhaling or touching an allergen.    

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction:  

• Red, itchy, watery eyes and nose  
• Coughing  
• Scratchy or sore throat  
• Itchy skin  
• Difficulty breathing (in more serious cases)  

What’s causing you to react to your animal?  

Any animal can trigger an allergic reaction. However, cats are the most common animal to trigger allergies.    

The most common animal allergens are proteins found in the scales of old skin that are constantly shed by the animal, also known as their dander. They are also commonly found in animals’ saliva, urine, and sebaceous cells.  

Fur length or type do not prevent allergies. In addition, there are no species to which a human cannot develop allergies. That being said, certain animals or breeds can be less irritating than others.   

How to manage allergies  

We recommend you contact your veterinarian and physician as your ultimate resource for information about the health of your furry friends or your family. We also recommend you consult your veterinarian before using any products on or around your companion animals to ensure they are safe to use.   

To potentially alleviate allergic reactions to your animals, you can decontaminate your home environment, limit furniture exposure to allergens, as well as find a physician to discuss allergy management. The following are a few more helpful tips:  

• Create an allergy-free room, such as a bedroom, by preventing your animal from entering this room. Hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials are a smart choice.  
• Limit fabrics, as allergens tend to collect in drapes, rugs, and upholstery. Washable blinds or shades, as well as cotton-covered furniture, are a good idea as well.  
• Use a vacuum equipped with a disposable electrostatic bag or a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Vacuum frequently. Consider an air filter fitted with a HEPA filter, as well.  
• Equip yourself with anti-allergen room sprays, which work to deactivate allergens.  
• If you have a cat, regularly clean the litter box. Unscented, dust-free, clumping cat litter may make the process easier.  
• Clean your animal’s bedding often.   
• Bathing and brushing your animal frequently will also help wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur and prevent dander from flaking off into the environment. Check out our guide to bathing your cat.  
• Wash your hands after cuddling with your fur baby and avoid touching your face. Additionally, pick a designated “animal outfit” that you will wear when cuddling your fur baby.  
• Have someone else do the house cleaning and animal grooming, if possible.   

Managing allergies to animals may take a bit of extra effort, but it doesn’t mean giving up the companionship of a beloved pet. By understanding your triggers, making thoughtful adjustments to your home and routine, and working closely with your healthcare providers, you can significantly reduce symptoms and create a comfortable environment for both you and your furry friend. With the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy all the love, comfort, and joy that animals bring, without compromising your well-being. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.