How to Manage Pet Allergies in the UAE

Allergies are both irritating and inconvenient. Pet dander and fur can be a challenge to deal with for both pets and their owners, especially if you reside in the United Arab Emirates, as the hot climate makes it difficult to manage the allergens in your environment.

The good news is there are measures you can take to control pet allergies, so you and the members of your house stay safe and healthy. To help counter the irritating allergens, we’re going to detail the methods you can use to reduce the severity of pet allergies in the UAE.

Here Are A Few Ways to Reduce the Discomfort Caused by Pet Allergies in the UAE

What is an Allergy? 

An allergy refers to the reaction of a body when it interacts with a foreign substance or material. An allergic reaction is your body's defence system trying to rid itself of this foreign substance, where antibodies and other chemicals are used to try to flush it out. Allergic reactions bring a few symptoms with them, such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or rashes. 

When it comes to house pets like cats and dogs, there are a few allergy-causing agents, like dander, saliva, hair, and urine. Other allergies can also be caused by dust, pollen, or through foods your pet is consuming. If you think you are allergic to your pet, you should get an allergy test done so you can diagnose the issue. 

Why Do Pets Cause Allergic Reactions?  

Being allergic to pets is not an uncommon occurrence. Most people will usually be allergic to common pets like cats, dogs, or rabbits, but you can be allergic to any animal, whether that be dogs, cats, bats, rodents, zebras, cows, and so on. 

Allergies in pets and other animals are caused by the proteins present in their skin, saliva, and/or dander (dead skin cells). When any of these proteins reach your eyes nose, or skin, they cause an allergic reaction. In essence, you are allergic to pets because you have an allergy to the protein that is in their skin, saliva, and dander. 

There’s no need to worry though, as there are a few ways you can manage a pet allergy and still be able to enjoy a pet’s companionship: 

• Consider a non-allergic pet, i.e. a pet that does not trigger your allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to a cat, consider getting a dog.
• If you’re having allergic reactions to a pet already at home, try to keep the pet away from places you spend a lot of time like your bed, vacuum regularly to get rid of hair, and bathe your pet regularly to prevent dander buildup. 
• Allergy shots may be prescribed after a doctor's examination if deemed necessary. 

How Can Pet Allergies Be Prevented? 

If you are a pet parent in the UAE and you’re noticing symptoms of a pet allergy, there are a few steps you can take. Here are a few steps you can take: 

• Keep your pet clean and groom it frequently. Since allergens like dander and hair are shed by pets, keeping them clean will help you minimize the allergens at the source. 
• Vacuum your furniture and countertops regularly. Allergens like dander are shed and settle on surfaces you interact with daily and keeping them clean will minimize the occurrence of allergic reactions. 
• Keep your pet away from your bedroom or rest areas, as allergens from their fu can easily be transferred to your everyday spaces and become a problem. Try to make sure your pet has their own space where they can relax, and that is not your bedroom. 
• Try allergy therapy. Consult a doctor for an allergy diagnosis and subsequent treatment if prescribed. 
• Buy an air purifier. An air purifier can get rid of a lot of airborne allergens, which may be important if anyone in your family suffers from pre-existing respiratory issues. 
• Ventilation is important. Try to make sure your house is well-ventilated so that allergens can be cleared up efficiently. 

To conclude, being allergic to your pet is an unfortunate circumstance, and one which is out of your and your pet's control. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ease the experience and eventually exhaust the possibilities of an allergic reaction. Provided you keep your house clean, keep your pet away from your pillows, and consult a doctor/vet for some anti-allergy measures and precautions, you should have no trouble feeling fit and fine around your pet.