Many people all over the world suffer from the symptoms of pet allergies.  The sad part of this is, many of these people are animal lovers.  This is so unfair.  Why should someone who loves animals so much have to deal with hay fever like symptoms every time they're around their pet?  In extreme cases, pet owners who suffer from allergies will actually experience asthma like symptoms!  In this article, We'll try to cover a few topics regarding allergies from pets as well as possible solutions and medications that you can consider.  Keep in mind as you read the text that there is a lot of information online.  It's also possible to buy meds on the Internet nowadays.  There are deals to be had out there so shop around!

Pet Allergies - Sources And Symptoms

So where exactly do pet allergies come from?  Well, they basically arise due to the allergens found on cats and dogs.  These allergens are found in a number of places on your animal.  The main breeding ground for these little buggers, though, is the fur.  This is why something as simple as petting a cat can trigger an allergic reaction in certain people.  Other parts of your animal that could contain these pet allergens are the saliva and urine.  These two things have the ability to hang around for days...  Cat Urine, in particular, is very hard to get out of a carpet.  Even if the spot appears to be gone, it is almost certain that some of the allergens are still hanging around.  This "staying power" is one of the real pains about allergens.  They have a real tendency to stick on things and not leave.  This means that everything from your sofa to your favorite pair of jeans is probably infected with allergens that will make you sneeze!

And what do these pet allergens do to us?  Pet allergies take different forms in different people.  There are a few symptoms, though, that most folks experience.  Things like itchy eyes are very common.  If you've ever pet a cat or dog and then touched your face, you probably know what I'm talking about.  Your eyes get itchy and then start to water.  As you rub them, to satisfy the itch, things only get worse!  The best way to avoid this symptom is to simply stop touching your face.  Wash your hands after petting your cat too.  This will rid your skin of most of the allergens found in the animal's fur.  Other common symptoms of pet allergy suffers include coughing and wheezing as well as itchy skin.  In some cases, a nettle rash will even appear on the skin.  This is extremely irritable.

What About Using Pet Allergy Medication?

Before we get into medical solutions to this problem, let's cover a few preventative measures. These include things that you can do to rid your house of allergens. You'll always have to deal with these allergens on your pet but there is no reason why you should fear sitting on your favorite chair.

So the best advice I can give you is to keep your home clean! Think about where your cat or dog likes to hang out. If your pets are anything like mine, chances are they spend some time in your bed. This is bad news if you are allergic to your pet. Allergens love sheets and blankets, you see. Keep that bedding clean! Carpets and furniture are other things that need constant upkeep. Regardless of how many times we tell our Golden Retriever to stay of the couch, she doesn't listen. Our sofa is definitely swimming in allergens at this point. Carpets are a no brainer really. You should be vacuuming regularly and even steam cleaning your carpet every couple of months. Some other natural ways to prevent allergies include getting a fur-less pet and bathing your cat or dog frequently.

Give Me Medicine For My Allergies!

OK... If you can't be bothered to keep your house clean or you absolutely insist on rubbing your face on your cats back, this section is for you! There are a few different medications to treat the common symptoms that come as result of pet exposure. Some of these are in the OTC allergy medication category while others are available right off the shelf. The most common type of medicine that people take to relieve any type of allergic reaction, including those from an animal, is the antihistamine. I'm sure you're all familiar with these. A few common brand names would be Claritin, Actifed and Allegra. Other lesser known, but still very formidable products are Zyrtec and Triamic. Regardless of what brand you go with, there are a few things you should know about using an antihistamine in relation to pet allergies. Basically, you have to take the medicine before you have contact with your pet. If you know you're going to play with your cat, pop the pill and wait 30 minutes before you do so. Your sinuses will thank you for it. The second type of medication that people use to relieve allergies are of the topical variety. These are basically products that are applied externally as opposed to taken in a pill or liquid form. The most common ones are classified as decongestants. Products like Nasonex and Veramyst, both of which are nasal sprays, are very popular among pet owners. They provide relief for mild allergies symptoms like stuffed noses and itchy eyes. Another topical allergy medicine is Visine. If your eyes feel like they're burning, you may want to buy a bottle of this stuff.

I hope this helps! Leave me a comment if you don't mind! I'd love to hear your thoughts on pet allergy medication.  If you have kids, you may want to check out my other article on children's allergy medication as well.  Cheers!