4 Things every parent should know about children and pet allergies
It’s estimated that 40% of children suffer from pet allergies. But kids love pets.
There are many benefits to having a pet in the home. They offer companionship, security and even therapy. They teach children how to love another creature, unconditionally. And offer hours of playtime, education and important life lessons.
But when allergies are a problem, nothing is more important than protecting your child from suffering. What are parents to do?
Here are 4 things every parent should know about children and pet allergies to make the best decision for their family.
1) Early Exposure May Prevent Pet Allergies
Research suggests that early exposure to pets in the first year of child’s life could prevent pet allergies later on. In fact, it looks like early sensitization is the most significant variable in preventing pet allergies in life.
This flies in the face of previous research that suggested waiting to introduce allergens into your child’s environment, systematically. Today parents are recognizing that when it comes to allergies the earlier the exposure, the healthier our children will be.
2) Symptoms of Pet Allergies
Signs of pet allergy range from runny nose to hives. Symptoms may also include red watery eyes and sneezing. If your child experiences these things when they come in contact with an animal, they may be one of millions suffering from pet allergies. Allergy testing can rule out any doubts about whether or not your child has pet allergies.
3) All About Pet Allergens
Pet allergies are a reaction to pet dander and saliva. Not fur, like many believe. While furry animals may be a major source of pet allergies, other non-furry animals, like birds, can also cause symptoms. Cats seem to produce the most allergens, but that may be skewed since they tend to spend more time inside than dogs.
Many families can’t reconcile rehoming a pet in their care. In those cases, the best thing to do is make some lifestyle adjustments. This could include daily dusting, sweeping and vacuuming. Keeping pets out of the affected family member’s room, or providing outside shelter for pets.
If you are considering a pet for the first time, you should know your family’s history with pet allergies before making a decision. If pet allergies are likely to be a problem in your home, consider a pet that doesn’t shed or have dander. An aquarium can be excellent for child with allergies.
4) Clean Your Air of Fur and Pet Dander
If you have a pet, it’s important to know how fur and pet dander impact air quality. If pet dander and fur build up in the air, this can have an allergy-like impact on any pet owner’s health. Specifically, if you have a child who suffers from pet allergies, it’s important to place emphasis on air quality if you are going to have a pet in the home.
One way to ensure clean air is to invest in an air purifier. If you are looking to dispel pet hair and dander, you want to get a purifier with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are designed to remove allergens from the air and can have a profound impact on allergy sufferers.
For dander only, a “HEPA-type” filter may do the trick. But when it comes to your kid’s allergies, don’t take chances. Go with a HEPA filtered air purifier and regular cleaning to make your home a happy, pet-friendly haven.
You can have your pet and love it too!
Luckily for pet owners, advances in clean air technology make it possible to have a pet and a child who suffers from pet allergies in the same home. With simple adjustments like keeping the pet out of the child’s room and using a HEPA filter air purifier most allergies sufferers can manage.
As always, if it doesn’t make sense for you to have a furry pet, you have options. But for those of us who have taken to a four legged friend, there is hope. You can have your pet and love it too if you keep these 4 things in mind.
For more information on common allergies in the home, visit our blog.