To sneeze or not to sneeze

When my children were small, they had multiple ear infections and “colds.” Our pediatrician recommended that I rid my house of furry or feathered animals. Since I supported my children as the owner/operator of a boarding kennel for cats and dogs, and my children spent a lot of time at work with me, I had to choose between the risk of pet allergies and the challenge of raising two children without a job.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 15% of the population is allergic to dogs or cats, but many people who have pet allergies continue living with animals and many obtained a second pet. These loyal animal lovers feel that the benefits of pet companionship outweigh any discomforts due to allergies.

In fact, so many people who are affected by pet allergies have companion animals that the American Lung Association published tips to help these people live harmoniously with their dog or cat. Their suggestions include: keep the pet out of the bedroom where so many hours of the day are spent sleeping; wash your hands after handling your pet; groom and bathe the pet weekly to remove dander; use washable slipcovers on furniture your pet shares with you; have a family member who does not have allergies brush the pet outdoors regularly; vacuum frequently with a vacuum cleaner with a good filtration system; keep your home well-ventilated to dilute pet allergens; and use high efficiency air filters in your home furnace.

I found it especially interesting that a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association states that, “… owning cats or dogs does not increase a child's risk of developing allergies, and in fact, may actually protect them.” Dr. Dennis Ownby and his team followed more than 470 children from birth to age 6 or 7. They found that children who had lived with a pet were not at greater risk of having allergies. "Parents don't have to be concerned about keeping cats and dogs in the house in terms of increasing the risks of allergies to their children," said Ownby. The children who had two or more dogs or cats had an even greater reduction in risk of allergies.

I didn’t quit operating my kennel and my children “out grew” the ear infections. Now young adults, my daughter has no allergy symptoms. My son has some symptoms and has been tested. He did not test positive for allergies to dogs or cats.

Allergies are frequently the reason given for surrendering an animal to a shelter. Severe allergies and asthma are not conditions that warrant ignoring medical advice, but if you or a family member have some symptoms of allergies and your physician recommends getting rid of your beloved pet, you may want to get a second opinion, or ask for additional allergy testing or try some of the tips for living with allergies and pets before you give up your best friend and furry family member.

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, November 16, 2002