Pet Allergy Treatment in Charlotte
A pet allergy can be a frustrating and inconvenient condition for many individuals, especially when you’re looking to bring a furry friend into your family. At Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center, our Charlotte allergists understand the impact that a pet allergy can have on your lifestyle and well-being, and we are committed to providing comprehensive care to help manage and treat this condition.
Our team of board-certified allergists and experienced healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans and ongoing support to help you live your life to the fullest. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing management of your pet allergy, we are here to help you every step of the way.
How to Request an Appointment
At Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment for pet allergies. If you suspect you may have a pet allergy or have experienced symptoms after exposure to pets, you can request an appointment with our team of board-certified allergists and experienced healthcare professionals.
To schedule an appointment, you can call our office or fill out the online appointment request form on our website. Our friendly staff will work with you to find a convenient date and time for your visit.
During your appointment, our allergists will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and conduct any necessary tests to determine if you have a pet allergy. Based on your evaluation, our team will develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions so you can play with happy animals to your heart’s content.
What are Pet Allergies?
It’s estimated that 30 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies are allergic to their household pet, with cat allergies being twice as common as dog allergies. Luckily, pet allergies can usually be easily managed and don’t mean you need to get rid of your beloved furry family member.
Pet allergies occur when individuals have reactions to proteins in a cat or dog’s urine, saliva or dead skin cells (dander). These pet allergens find their way onto the membranes that line a person’s nose and eyes. Pet allergens are everywhere, including on clothing, household furniture, carpet and more.
Pet hair itself does not act as an allergen, but it acts as a carrier for substances that do cause allergic reactions. In addition, furry pets can act as virtual dust mops, bringing in allergens like dust, mold spores and pollen from outside.
In individuals with pet allergies, the immune system overreacts to normally harmless proteins. The result is an allergic reaction — and its accompanying uncomfortable symptoms. Individuals who suffer from pet allergies may find their allergies are worse around certain breeds.
What are the Symptoms of Pet Allergies?
Symptoms of pet allergies often vary from person to person, but reactions may include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Hives and/or skin rash
- Rashes and eczema
Allergens from your pets set up shop in the membranes lining your nose and eyes, and airborne particles can make their way into your lungs. Allergic reactions typically occur within a short time after exposure to a pet.
Coming into contact with a cat can cause asthma attacks in up to 30 percent of asthma sufferers, and cat allergies can result in chronic asthma. If you suffer from pet allergies, you’re also more likely to develop sinusitis and other bacterial infections that affect the sinuses.
When to See a Charlotte Pet Allergy Doctor
If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms, you might not want to believe it’s your pet that’s causing your discomfort. You might try to limit how often you’re outside to combat pollen or change your diet in case it’s a food allergy.
Eventually, you’re left with the reality that more than likely, it’s your beloved pet that’s responsible for your allergy symptoms. An often-recommended treatment for pet allergies is simply avoiding contact with cats and dogs. For many animal lovers, though, pets are part of the family.
Fortunately, there are other steps you can take to reduce your suffering. Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your allergist. It’s possible for your allergies to worsen with time, especially if you’re allergic to cats.
When you do see your allergist, you should discuss your symptoms, including when they began and when they seemed to get worse. Your allergist will review your medical history and may call for a physical exam.
Pet Allergy Treatment in Charlotte
A person who suffers from pet allergies may find relief by making lifestyle changes without having to get rid of a beloved pet. These include:
- Having pet-free zones (such as bedrooms)
- Removing carpet/upholstered furniture from your home
- Bathing your pet often
- Getting your pet regularly brushed (but don’t do this yourself)
- Investing in an allergy filter for your air conditioner or heater and running it daily for four hours or more
- Changing clothes after snuggling with your pet
- Using a dust mask when vacuuming to avoid breathing in dander
- Having carpets steam-cleaned frequently to remove lingering dander
- Considering hardwood flooring instead of carpeting for easier dander removal
- Having someone else regularly clean the pet’s toys, bed, and other items they use
In addition to lifestyle changes, your allergist may recommend allergy medication, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids or allergy shots to manage pet allergy symptoms.
Don’t be mistaken; there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet. Just because you’re allergic to cats doesn’t mean all cats cause allergy symptoms. The same is true of dogs. Certain species may trigger your allergies more than others. The species that don’t cause allergy symptoms are not hypoallergenic, though.
Remember as well that your allergies can change. A species of cat or dog that did not affect you in years past could now manifest symptoms. That’s why you will need to continuously see your allergist, especially if you continue living with your pet even though you’re allergic.
Managing Pet Allergies with Children
For families with children, pediatric allergies to pets can be especially challenging. Our Charlotte pet allergy doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating pet allergies in children of all ages. We understand that pets play an important role in a child’s development and work to find solutions that allow families to keep their beloved animals whenever possible.
When dealing with pediatric allergies to pets, we take extra care to:
- Use child-friendly testing methods
- Create age-appropriate treatment plans
- Educate both parents and children about managing allergies
- Monitor for changes in symptoms as children grow
Many children with mild to moderate pet allergies can live comfortably with pets through a combination of medication and environmental controls. Our pediatric allergy specialists will work with your family to develop the best approach for your child’s specific needs.
Summary
At Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and ongoing support to help you live your life to the fullest. Contact us today to request an appointment and take the first step towards managing your pet allergy.
Pet Allergy FAQs
How are pet allergies diagnosed?
Your allergist will review your medical history and possibly recommend a skin or blood test if pet allergies are suspected. During a skin test, your allergist will use different types of allergens to scratch or prick your skin and look for a reaction. They may also suggest a blood test to measure your immune system's response to pet allergens. In some cases, your allergist might even recommend you stay away from your pet for a few days to see if symptoms improve. Based on the results, a treatment plan will be proposed.
Can pet allergies start out of nowhere?
Yes, almost any allergy can begin during any point in a person's life. If you get new allergies in adulthood, these are referred to as adult allergies. Adult allergies can include pet allergies, food allergies, and pollen allergies. It is possible to own a dog or a cat (or even both) for years and then develop allergic symptoms from their dander.
Are there hypoallergenic pets?
Strictly speaking, there are no completely hypoallergenic pets. However, some breeds may cause fewer allergic reactions in certain people. For example, breeds that shed less may reduce allergen spread in the home. Our Charlotte pet allergy doctors can discuss which types of pets might be better tolerated based on your specific allergy profile.
Can I develop immunity to my pet's allergens?
Some people report that their allergic reactions to their pets decrease over time, but true immunity is rare. In most cases, the body continues to recognize the pet allergens as harmful. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help reduce sensitivity to pet allergens over time by gradually introducing small amounts of the allergen to your system.
Can children outgrow pet allergies?
Some children may experience changes in their allergies as they grow, but it's not possible to predict whether a child will outgrow a pet allergy. Regular monitoring with a pediatric allergist is the best way to track changes in allergy symptoms over time.
What if I can't bear to part with my pet despite allergies?
Many people with pet allergies can successfully manage their symptoms while keeping their beloved pets. Through a combination of environmental controls, medications, and possibly immunotherapy, our physicians can help develop a management plan that works for your specific situation.
