Healthy living with pets

We’re a nation of animal lovers. Not so long ago, dogs were kept in the backyard, cats were in the barn killing rodents and rabbits were raised for food. Now, many of us share our home, even our bedroom, with our pets and we feel a strong bond of love and affection for them.

Unfortunately, a number of us, about 15 percent, suffer from allergies to animals.

Can anything be done to prevent allergies?

Recent studies show that children under two years of age, raised in a household with dogs or cats are less likely to develop allergies to animals than are those raised in homes without pets. However, children and adults will still acquire allergies. Should they give up their pets to protect their own health?

For most people, the answer is no. In addition to doing things allergists recommend to minimize allergic signs, such as vacuuming frequently, using a HEPA filter, and having hard floors rather than carpeting, most people can take steps to minimize the symptoms caused by allergies to pets.

Here are a few suggestions:

“Keep the bedroom entirely pet-free. This may be the hardest step to take for those who love to cuddle up with a warm, furry friend at night, but it is the most important.

“Bathe the pet every two to four weeks. Allergic individuals are reacting to one or more proteins found in the dander, saliva and urine of the animal. So, it’s not the fur that bothers us, but the saliva on the fur and the dander on the coat. Keeping the animal well-groomed to minimize shedding and remove dander from the coat will help. If frequent bathing dries your pet’s skin, ask your vet to recommend a nondrying shampoo or conditioner. If you fear bathing your cat might involve a trip to the emergency room (for you, not for the cat), wipe his fur down once a week with a warm, damp cloth.

“Wash your hands.

Wash up after petting or playing with your pet. Remove fur from your clothes with a roller tape or brush lint remover.

“Wash pet bedding frequently.

If dogs ride in the car, use car-seat covers that can be removed and washed.

“Vacuum frequently to remove hair and dander from the environment.

If all else fails, several biotech companies are attempting to develop hypoallergenic pets. One such company, Allerca, is marketing “hypoallergenic” kittens which possess a mutated version of the protein that causes human allergies. The protein these kittens produce is much less likely to provoke allergy symptoms in people. The $4,000 price tag may sound a little steep, but compared to hardwood floors, HEPA filters, antihistamines and allergy shots, it might be an attractive alternative for some people.

Most of us just want to continue living happily with the pets we already have. The thought of placing them in a new home is agonizing because they are members of our families. The good news is that with a little work and some minor changes in lifestyle, most people can continue to maintain that bond we enjoy with our pets.