In this article, you can read that having a pet offers various benefits for your health and mental well-being. But what if you start sneezing as soon as you just look at a puppy? Having a pet allergy can really get in the way of the joy of a cuddly rabbit!
What are the symptoms of a pet allergy? What causes this allergy, and what are the possible solutions? We will discuss this with you in this article!
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an (exaggerated) reaction of the immune system to substances that are harmless to most people. These substances, called allergens, can range from pollen, dust mites, and fungi to foods, insect bites, and also animal dander. Many people think that pet hair causes the allergic reaction, but it is actually the dander that the immune system reacts to.
In people with allergies, the immune system interprets these allergens as a threat and responds by releasing antibodies, including histamine. The release of histamine and other chemicals leads to allergic symptoms.
The symptoms of a pet allergy
Allergies, including pet allergies, can cause various symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
- Blocked nose
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Itchy mouth and/or throat
- Shortness of breath and/or worsening of asthmatic symptoms
Causes of a pet allergy
Pet allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to proteins present in the saliva, urine, and dander of pets. These proteins are also called allergens.
However, there are also other factors that can aggravate the allergic reaction. We discuss them below:
Heredity
If one or both parents have an allergy, there is a chance that you yourself will also develop an allergy more quickly. There are various genes that play a role in the functioning of the immune system and how it reacts to certain substances.
Gut health
More and more people are struggling with a leaky gut. In this condition, the intestinal wall is damaged, allowing allergens to pass more easily through the intestinal wall and thus enter the bloodstream. Dander from your favorite pet will naturally not end up in your intestinal wall, but your body has to work extra hard to process and remove other foreign substances, leaving less energy for your immune system. Would you like to read more about your gut health? Click here!
Stress
Chronic stress also affects your immune system, making it less effective and less able to defend itself against allergens such as dander from your beloved pet.
Dealing with a pet allergy
There are now more and more dog and cat breeds suitable for people with pet allergies, so-called hypoallergenic pets. However, we also offer some tips to strengthen your own immune system, so you are better resistant to foreign substances!
- Support your gut flora with pre- and probiotic foods.
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily so your body can detoxify.
- Make sure you don't ingest even more histamine and avoid histamine-rich products such as pork, beer, chocolate, red wine, E-numbers, and licorice as much as possible.
- Instead, choose apples, apricots, kale, seeds, and nettle. These foods contain very little histamine.
- Reduce your stress. As mentioned earlier, stress can weaken the immune system.
- Restore your body's natural barriers such as your skin, but also your throat, nose, and ears by using natural care products and avoiding chemical scents, perfumes, and cleaning products.
