In this article, you can read that having a pet has several benefits for your health and mental well-being. But what if you already start sneezing as soon as you just look at a puppy? Having a pet allergy can get in the way of enjoying a cuddly bunny quite a bit!
What are the symptoms of a pet allergy? What causes can underlie this allergy and what are the possible solutions? We'll discuss it 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 molds to foods, insect bites and thus animal dander. Many people think that pet hair causes the allergic reaction, but it is actually the pet 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 a pet allergy, can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
- Blocked nose
- Runny nose
- Sneeze
- Cough
- Itchy eyes
- Tear Eyes
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Itchy mouth and/or throat
- Shortness of breath and/or exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms
Causes of a pet allergy
Pet allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to proteins present in pet saliva, urine and pet dander. These proteins are also called allergens.
Yet there are other factors that can worsen the allergic reaction. We discuss them below:
Heredity
When one or both parents have allergies, there is a chance that you yourself are more likely to develop allergies. This is because there are several genes that play a role in how the immune system works and how it reacts to certain substances.
Intestinal Health
More and more people are struggling with a leaky gut, a leaky gut. In this case, the intestinal wall is damaged, making it easier for allergens to pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. Dander from your favorite pet won't get into your gut wall, of course, but your body has to work extra hard to process and dispose of other foreign substances, leaving less energy for your immune system. Want to read more about your gut health? Then click here!
Stress
Chronic stress also affects your immune system, making it less able to work properly and guard against allergens such as dander from your faithful four-legged friend.
Dealing with a pet allergy
Today there are an increasing number of dog and cat breeds suitable for people with pet allergies, so-called hypoallergenic pets. Nevertheless, we also give you some tips to strengthen your own immune system so that you are more resilient to foreign substances!
- Support your gut flora with pre- and probiotic foods. See what foods they are here!
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily so your body can detoxify.
- Make sure you don't ingest any more histamine and leave out 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 are actually low in histamine.
- Reduce your stress. As mentioned earlier, stress can weaken the immune system.
- Restore your body's natural barriers such as your skin as well as your throat, nose and ears by using natural care products and avoiding chemical fragrances, perfumes and cleaning products.
- Support your immune system with nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and vitamin B12.