Michelson Found Animals provides pet owners with a wealth of information on best practices of pet ownership. As many owners are often allergic to pets and know it, some develop allergies to their pets during the life of the pet.

If you’re one of those who deeply love dogs or cats but find yourself sneezing or wheezing whenever you’re around them, we truly sympathize with your situation. Understanding the challenges faced by animal lovers with allergies, we’ve collected various home remedies and brought attention to promising new research on pet-related allergies.

First, be sure your fur baby is truly the cause!

Are you certain that your pet is the root cause of your allergies? As someone familiar with allergy symptoms, you may have noticed sneezing or discomfort around pets. However, it’s not necessarily their fur that’s to blame, but rather a protein present in their fur, dander, saliva and urine. Moreover, allergens like grass, pollen or mold spores can hitch a ride indoors on their fur, exacerbating symptoms. Consulting an allergist could help determine if it’s indeed your pet causing these reactions.

Symptom Management: Recognizing your pet allergy is the initial step. While some find relief through over-the-counter medications like Benadryl or nasal sprays, others explore alternative treatments such as saltwater rinses or acupuncture. In severe cases, allergen immunotherapy may be necessary, although it could take months or even years to be fully effective.

Holistic Approaches: Many people find success with holistic remedies like vitamin C or probiotics. While these may take time to show results, temporary relief can be sought through over-the-counter medications in the meantime.

Environmental Control: Maintaining a clean environment is crucial in managing pet allergies. While complete elimination of allergens may be difficult, regular vacuuming and removing carpets or curtains can help. Additionally, bathing dogs regularly is advised, although it’s less effective for cats due to protein re-accumulation within a day.

Assistance for Cat Allergies: Did you know that cats are twice as likely to trigger allergy symptoms compared to dogs? For those who haven't found relief through traditional methods, ongoing research offers hope. Recent studies have shown promising results in reducing allergen production in cats, potentially providing relief for cat lovers plagued by itching and sneezing.

Assistance for Dog Allergies: For those allergic to dogs but still hoping to have one in their family, there’s hope. It's been discovered that some individuals aren’t allergic to all dogs but specifically to those producing a particular protein called Can f 5. If you're part of this group, you might find you can tolerate a female dog or even a neutered male.

While the strategies outlined here require dedication and patience and may not eliminate your allergy symptoms, we understand that for many, living without pets is unimaginable. By combining various methods, we’re optimistic that you can reduce your symptoms to a manageable level.

For more information visit FoundAnimals.org.