Ways to beat allergies and keep your pet

“Your skin test reveals a severe allergy to cats with dogs a close second. Do you have any pets?” inquired the allergist.

“Well ... yes,” I replied hesitantly.

“No cats, I hope.”

“Two,” I whispered, looking at the floor.

“Outdoors?” he asked, hopefully.

I began to squirm.

“Certainly not in the bedroom ...”

Feeling trapped, I blurted out, “I have two cats and two dogs, they sleep in our bedroom, and I take photos of shelter cats for our Web site!”

“I see,” frowned Dr. Killjoy.

Contrary to popular belief, animal fur does not cause allergies. Instead, the culprits are proteins called allergens found in dander, saliva and urine. Fur, and feathers for that matter, simply serve to collect these allergens, along with pollen, dust, mold spores and other irritants. When an animal moves, the allergens become airborne and remain so for long periods of time. They are also quite “sticky,” clinging easily to clothes, carpet and upholstered furniture.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, having allergies numbers among the top reasons people relinquish their pets. While some unlucky souls have life-threatening allergies, many people can make lifestyle adjustments to help them cope with (and, therefore, keep) their pets.

Before you give up your cherished pet, try these methods for easing your symptoms.

-Don’t assume your furry friend is the problem. Dust, mold, smoke, pollen and insecticides are a few other allergens to consider. Get tested if you’re not 100 percent certain it’s your pet.

-Establish a pet-free zone, preferably in your bedroom. (Admittedly I don’t always practice what I preach!)

-Ditch the carpet and heavy drapes. Wash remaining allergen-attracting items (pet beds, bedspreads, slipcovers) frequently. And keep your home uncluttered to make cleaning easy.

-Wear a dust mask while cleaning, and use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA air cleaners can also offer relief.

-Ask an allergy-free person to clean the litter box or cage. Enlist help for brushing your pet regularly, as well. My husband brushes our cats, then uses a wet rag to rub them down thoroughly. I groom the dogs, but always outside in clothing I change afterwards.

-Discuss treatments options with your veterinarian and your doctor.

-Feed your pet high-quality food to decrease shedding and skin flaking.

One mistake people make is to exile the pet outdoors. The HSUS stresses that while banishment may reduce allergy symptoms, it adversely affects the physical and mental well-being of the animal. Companion animals should be just that: companions. Furthermore, every time family members interact with the pet, they carry into the house not only the animal’s allergens, but all of the outdoor allergens (pollen, grass, dirt, etc.) that accumulated in the fur, as well.

What if you’re expecting a baby? Sadly, many well-meaning parents get rid of their pets, assuming a no-pet household will be healthier for a newborn. On the contrary, many recent studies have shown that children who grow up with pets in the home are less likely to develop allergies.

Some pets (such as poodles) are touted as “hypoallergenic.” These animals shed little or no fur, so allergens are not released into the environment as readily. The dander, saliva and urine are still factors, but a person might not react as strongly. Bottom line: no pet is truly hypoallergenic.

Finally, if you are thinking about getting a pet, avoid potential heartbreak by first making sure you are not allergic to similar animals. Volunteer at an animal shelter, spend the night with a friend who has cats, or dog sit.

It can be a challenge to keep allergies under control. Like so many others, however, I believe the benefits of pet companionship outweigh the drawbacks of pet allergies.

Now where did I put that inhaler?

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Join the Lynchburg Humane Society at PetSmart on Valentine’s Day for the Second Chance at Love Adopt-a-thon.

A rabies clinic will be held on Feb. 21 from 12-4 at the LHS. Cost: $6.

For more information about either event, call (434) 846-1438 or visit www.lynchburghumanesociety.org.