Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

(775) 825-7984

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet The Team
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Pet Memorials
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Payment Options
    • Veterinary Resources
  • Services
    • Rx Home Delivery
    • Dentistry
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser Therapy
    • Cancer Treatment
    • Geriatric/Hospice Care
    • Online Medical Records
    • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Selector
  • Contact Us
    • Emergencies
    • Schedule an Appointment
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Galleries
  • Petsimonials
  • Links
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Tips for Pet Owners >
  • Managing Pet Allergies in Kids

Managing Pet Allergies in Kids

Are you concerned that your child's allergies may mean that you will have to give up your pet? Although rehoming a pet may be necessary if allergies are severe, most children can live with pets if you are willing to make a few changes.

The Problem

About three in 10 people who have allergies are allergic to cats and dogs, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. The Foundation notes that cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. Many people assume all pet allergies are caused by exposure to dander, a combination of pet hair and skin cells, but dander is not the only allergen that triggers symptoms. Your child may also be allergic to your pet's urine or saliva.

How You Can Reduce Pet Allergens

Decreasing your child's symptoms starts with reducing allergens in your home by:

  • Bathing Your Pet. A weekly bath can lower allergens, although dogs may be more willing to endure the experience than cats. Bathing not only reduces the amount of pet allergens but also removes allergens that collect in your pet's fur, such as grasses and mold.
  • Getting Rid of Carpeting. Dander and hair tend to collect on carpeting. Although frequent vacuuming is helpful, you may not be able to completely remove allergens. It's much easier to keep hardwood, laminate and tile floors allergen-free.
  • Keeping Pets Out of the Bedrooms. Your children may complain, but the sneezing and wheezing will decrease if you make your child's bedroom a pet-free zone.
  • Washing Pet Bedding and Other Items. Washing any item in your home that can be washed will also reduce allergens. Pet bedding, slipcovers, throw pillows, curtains and other furnishings all collect dander and saliva.
  • Buying a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)Cleaner. These cleaners are very effective at filtering out allergens and purifying the air in your home. Use one unit in your living area and another in your child's bedroom. Add HEPA filters to your heating and air-conditioning systems too.
  • Grooming Your Pet Outdoors. Brushing your pet indoors stirs up allergens. Do not let your allergic child brush your dog or cat, either indoors or outdoors.
  • Considering Non-Furry Pets. Fish and snakes may not be soft and cuddly but they also do not cause allergy symptoms. They may be a good compromise if your child has severe allergies.
  • Limiting Contact with Other Homes with Pets. Your child may have milder symptoms if she or he has lived with your pet from a young age. Although exposure to your pet's dander, saliva and urine may not trigger a strong reaction, things may be different when your child visits a friend's home, particularly if that family does not follow a strict cleaning protocol.
  • Trying Immunotherapy. Allergy shots can help reduce your child's symptoms, but he or she may not be enthusiastic about the idea. The shots work by exposing your child to a tiny amount of an allergen, then gradually increasing the amount over the course of months or years. Eventually, exposure to the allergen may no longer trigger a reaction or may only cause a mild reaction.

Exposure to pets during a child's early days can also affect his or her allergy risk. Living with a cat during the first year of life reduced the risk of a cat allergy by 48 percent, according to a study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy. Male teens who lived with dogs had a 50 percent lower allergy risk.

Do you have a question about the best type of pet shampoo to use to reduce allergens or concerns about your pet's health? Give us a call and let us know how we can help you.

Sources:

Annals of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: The Effects of Maternal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Infant Allergy, 3/14

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3961846/

American Academy of Pediatrics: When Pets Are the Problem, 11/21/15

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/When-Pets-Are-the-Problem.aspx

American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Pet Allergy Overview

http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/pet-allergy

Humane Society of the United States: How to Live with Allergies and Pets

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/allergies_pets.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America: Pet Allergy: Are You Allergic to Dogs or Cats?, 10/15

http://www.aafa.org/page/pet-dog-cat-allergies.aspx

American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children

https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/prevention-of-allergies-and-asthma-in-children

Reuters: Probiotics Linked to Lower Risk of Allergies for Kids, 8/22/13

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-probiotics-linked-to-lower-risk-of-al-idUSBRE97L0UK20130822

Clinical & Experimental Allergy: Lifetime Dog and Cat Exposure and Dog- and Cat-Specific Sensitization at Age 18 Years

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21668818

No article settings found. Please configure it

Featured Services

  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

Office Hours

Monday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Tuesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Wednesday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Thursday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Friday:

7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Find Us

Check out the map below to locate SWVH!

Testimonials

We love to hear your feedback!

  • "Southwest Vet is a wonderful place to take our animals. The front desk ladies are knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate. The vet techs are so wonderful with our animals. And Drs. Sargent and Rasmussen are just the tops!! The care our animals receive is extraordinary!!"
    Sarah S.
  • "Thank you so much for all that you do. You have always gone above and beyond for my pets and I. I feel truly blessed to have found you when I moved to Reno. Tank thinks you’re pretty awesome, too!"
    Ashley D.
  • "Thank you to each and every one of you who helped care for Gus while he was recovering during his long and scary week with Parvo. We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to get our loving and playful guy home."
    Aaron and Lisa C.
  • "So rare it seems to encounter an entire professional office who are as smart as they are kind. We are so grateful to have you care for Einstein. Thank you for your excellent care, patience and generosity."
    Leah R.

Featured Services

  • November Newsletter: What Causes Cataracts in Cats and How Are They Treated?

    Think cataracts only happen to people? Your cat could also develop this eye problem. ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How to Celebrate National Senior Pet Month

    Don't have plans for National Senior Pet Month yet? Try these suggestions. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: The Importance of Daily Dog Walks

    This simple form of exercise could make your dog one happy pup. ...

    Read More
  • October Newsletter: How to Care for Your Pets When They Are Teething

    Wondering what you can do to help your teething pet? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

    Read More
  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map