Among world nationalities, Americans are one of the most prone to allergies. In fact, kids born outside the United States are less likely to have allergies and asthma than their American peers.
For those who want a pet, but suffer from allergies, it's important to do your research beforehand. Here are three things to look into before making a dog or cat a part of your family:
1. Hypoallergenic dogs and cats don't exist
"There is no such thing [as hypoallergenic pets]," said Jessica Vogelsag, a veterinarian in San Diego. "The allergic reaction is triggered by the proteins in their saliva and skin, which of course all dogs and cats have." The best bet is to find dogs who shed less, which may help lead to less reactions
2. Check to see if you're really allergic
If one day you're petting your dog and all of a sudden you start sneezing, it doesn't mean you're suddenly allergic to them. Your dog could have simply dragged in pollen from outside. It's best to visit a doctor and get tested for allergies first. This rule applies to people who are also thinking of getting a dog.
3. Clean more often
If you are extremely allergic to, say, dogs, it's probably best not to own one. No matter how much you scrub your counters, wash your floor or vacuum your rug, you could still sniffle and cough consistently. However, if you have only slight to mild allergies, you could install a HEPA certified air conditioner, which will clean your air and improve your home's ventilation.
Another way to manage allergens is to avoid triggers. Visit Allergy Be Gone's store for a wide range of allergy control products.
