Pet Allergy, Animal Allergies Treatment Relief

If allergies run in your family, the chances are high that you will also become allergic to the other, non-human occupants of your house, such as pets and pests.

Allergies By Pets: Cats, Dogs

Although cats are very clean animals, they are more likely to cause allergic reactions than dogs because the protein in their saliva, released as they lick themselves, becomes airborne as it dries. This protein is extremely persistent and can still be found in houses years after the cats have left. Cats, dogs, horses and other furry animals can also cause allergic symptoms from the dander, which is a form of dandruff, in their fur. The fur often also carries other allergens, such as pollens.

People who keep birds can become allergic to their feathers ; others can react to feathers in pillows and soft furnishings. Allergies have also been reported to particles of skin shed by cockroaches. Faeces and droppings are common sources of allergens, the house-dust mite being a frequent culprit in temperate countries. Allergens also occur in dog faeces and urine, cockroach faeces and bird droppings.

INSECT STINGS Allergies

Insects protect themselves by their ability to sting and inject a small amount of poisonous venom into their victims. For most people this injected toxin is a passing irritation, but other people can have an allergic reaction, which may be severe, especially if they have been stung repeatedly by the same type of insect.

In general, honeybees and bumblebees only sting when severely provoked, but they leave their sting behind, attached to a sac, which continues to inject venom. The sting should be removed as quickly as possible, either by flicking it off with a fingernail, or with tweezers applied as near to the skin as possible, to avoid squeezing the venom sac. Wasps and hornets tend to be more aggressive, but do not leave their stings behind. They are often drawn to sources of sugar, so can arrive at a picnic or hide in fruit on a tree. It is best to avoid sudden movements when they approach; instead just walk quietly away.

Treatment and Relief Information After You care Stung

For stings in or near the mouth, or stings that swell rapidly, always obtain medical advice as well as applying first aid treatment.

Take an antihistamine to relieve irritation and paracetamol (acetominophen), if needed, for pain. Useful homeopathic medicines for bee and wasp stings include Apis mellifica 6c, one tablet every 15 minutes for an hour or so: and Ledum 6c, one tablet every 15 minutes for four doses, then one tablet every three hours until the pain subsides (for infants and children use 6-10 granules).

Apply an ice pack for a maximum of 10 minutes. Alternatively for bee stings, apply a paste made up of water and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). For wasp stings, apply a cotton wool pad soaked in vinegar.

AVOIDING INSECT STINGS

Cover up well, and do not walk about barefoot out of doors. Avoid brightly coloured clothes, especially floral prints.

Wear gloves and a hat when gardening, and gloves (and a helmet) when riding a bicycle or motorbike.

Avoid perfumes, including scented deodorants, sunscreens and cosmetics, as these products will attract insects. Sweat and the carbon dioxide in exhaled breath also attracts them, so take special care when exercising outside.

Take precautions when cooking or eating outside, or when picking fruit, particularly apples, plums and pears. Keep food covered and avoid places where animals are fed. Inspect food and liquids for insects as you eat, and never drink directly from a can.

Prevent insects entering your house by keeping your doors and windows shut, or, if you prefer, covered with fine netting. Also keep any food covered.

REACTING TO STINGS AND BITES

If you have had urticaria or other symptoms - such as swelling around the face, wheezing, nausea or diarrhea - after an insect sting or bite, consult your doctor. Reactions tend to become worse each time they occur.