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A large number of homes now have pets playing around, even more than they used to be before. But in the same light, several people struggle with allergic reactions to cats and dogs. I know of a little boy who started to have some health issues and when he went to the hospital, the doctor said he was reacting to allergic reactions from his pet and after some time, his mother had to give out the family pet.

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[flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/77654185@N07/46710196644)

There are several stories like that where family members have had to put away their pets to avoid health complications, as this happens to be the best advice doctors give is to get rid of the pet but some other families have been able to manage the allergies and keep their pets also. Pet allergy happens because humans become sensitive to a specific protein found in the dander of the pet, this protein can also be found in the urine or saliva of a pet. 

Research shows that millions of Americans have been able to live with pets even if they are allergic to them. A fury animal especially dogs and cats will easily trigger symptoms like an itchy eye or sneezing. Pet allergens can spread easily, circulating through the air and staying on carpets and furniture for months, tiny particles can also be carried on cloth materials to areas where pets do not get to.

There is a possibility of being allergic to pets, and on the other hand, there is a possibility of simply being allergic to something associated with the pet, it could be a grass pollen brought into the house by your dog's hair coat, a shampoo used to bath the pet, or a topical flea preventive put on pets.

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[flickr.com](https://www.flickr.com/photos/aquamech-utah/24776647720)

Against putting away the pet completely, managing allergy symptoms is the option a lot of people have opted for and this is the way it is handled. They try to create an allergy-free area, creating a no-pet zone in strategic places like the bedroom, some people also train their pets to stay off furniture's  or other areas in the home where there you look out for comfort. 

Dusting, cleaning, and mopping your home will greatly reduce allergen accumulation in the home. When your pet comes in contact with your bedding, or any fabric surface, try your best to wash them before using them again. Making it a habit to constantly brush your pet can help you get out excessive hair and dander before they even get into the home, this brushing should be done outside the home as allergens can get released into the air, also protect yourself with a glove and nose mask while at it, or have someone who doesn't have an allergy in the home carry out the brushing.

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[pexels.com](https://www.pexels.com/photo/active-border-collie-in-a-green-field-outdoors-32607287/)

Make it a habit to wash your hands immediately after you handle your pet, and avoid touching your mouth, face, nose, and eyes while at it. Some filters can help get rid of tiny airborne allergens like mites, dust, pollen, and pet dander, using these filters can help reduce the chances of allergen.

Apart from having a red eye and itching, other symptoms that can indicate the presence of an allergen reaction are, fever, a runny nose, hives, swelling, breathing difficulty, and a rare life-threatening situation called anaphylaxis, where the response of the body is sudden and affects the entire body. Anaphylaxis may start with a serious itching of the eye and within a few minutes graduate into a more serious symptom like swelling in the throat, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, swelling, and hives. The occurrence of anaphylaxis can cause a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or mental confusion.

If you notice symptoms of pet in any member of your household that has lasted more than a week, it is best to visit an expert who can timely advice on the best thing to do.

### References

[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5763515/)

[allergens/pets](https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/pets)

[homewardpet.org](https://www.homewardpet.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Managing-Allergies-and-Pets.pdf)

[mdpi.com/2313-5786/5/2/12](https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5786/5/2/12)

[allergy/pets/a-practical](https://www.dyson.co.uk/discover/insights/allergy/pets/a-practical-guide-to-living-with-pet-allergies)

[health.clevelandclinic](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-a-pet-help-prevent-allergies)