The presence of an animal within the home is certainly a stimulus to the emotional and psychological growth of children. In fact, children are the ones who benefit most from the relationship with the animal. Thanks to this interaction, the child learns to relate to a living being different from himself and to feel affection towards the new friend, a different affection than the one he feels for the rest of the family.
Although this experience is important, it hides pitfalls from an allergy point of view. In fact, allergies to pets are frequent, that is, to the proteins found in the skin cells, saliva or urine of these animals.
The most insidious allergen is Fel d1, an allergen present in
cat saliva, although those of dogs, horses and rodents should not be underestimated (dandruff, saliva and hair).
During cleaning operations, the animal, by licking itself, spreads saliva on its fur, which then evaporates into the environment. It is thought that all cats can produce allergenic substances, although females produce fewer.
PREVENTION
As with all allergic diseases, avoiding the allergen is certainly the most effective therapy.
However, many people discover they are allergic only after welcoming a pet into their home and the idea of removing the new friend is often not even thinkable.
However, you can reduce the symptoms with the following preventive measures:
• Frequent bathing (every two weeks), regular cleaning of the coat with a damp cloth could significantly reduce reactions.
• It is essential to eliminate the animal's external parasites, to prevent it from spreading a greater quantity of allergens or dandruff through scratching.
• As far as possible, keep the animal out of the house.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms.
• Wash your hands after every contact with the animal.
• Wipe the clothes with the appropriate adhesive rolls (do not brush them).
• Delegate the cleaning of the spaces where the animal sleeps and eats to other family members.
• Use washable covers for upholstered furniture and chairs.
• Eliminate carpets and other elements that can fill with dust.
• Mop the floors every day.
Despite these precautions, the allergen remains. Animal hair spreads throughout the apartment, attaching itself to clothes and other textiles.
Before welcoming an animal with fur or feathers into the home, allergic people should keep in mind that they could be allergic to the animal itself, with all the consequences of the case (constant therapy or giving up the animal).
