PETS ALLERGIES

What Are the Symptoms?

If you're allergic to a pet, your symptoms are similar to most allergies:

• Coughing and wheezing
• Red, itchy eyes
• Runny, itchy stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Skin reactions

Skin or blood tests called RAST (radioallergosorbent test) may help narrow down the cause of your allergies. It’s good to get tested, because you may be allergic to pollen or mold on the animal and not your furry friend. But the test may not be conclusive.

Feline saliva carries strong allergens. As with dogs, hair length isn't the issue. Some cat breeds -- Siberian and Russian blue cats -- are thought to be less allergenic. But there's no such thing as a kitty that can't trigger a response if you're prone to them already.

5 Ways to Fight the Allergy

Even when someone in your home is allergic, about 25% of families keep their pet. If Fluffy or Fido makes you sneeze, you might:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms.
• Play with them outdoors.
• Wash your hands after you touch them.
• Wash your dog at least weekly.
• Get rid of carpets and rugs.

Is There an Allergy-Safe Pet?

If you or someone in your family is among the 10% of people allergic to dogs, consider getting a pet that has no fur or feathers. Try a turtle, hermit crab, fish, or snake. Just know that these critters also pose health risks. Exotic pets may carry salmonella or other diseases, and pet turtles have been linked to salmonella outbreaks.

How to Pick a New Pet

It's a good idea to see how your kid reacts to the kind of animal you're thinking of getting. Take her to visit a home that has that kind of critter, and let her play with it. That’s no guarantee she won't eventually get allergies, but it’ll give you an idea. If you know your child is allergic but you plan to get a pet anyway, limit your child's time with it at first, and watch for reactions.