QUESTION: We have a pet that has been with the family for about a year now. However, my physician has found that I am allergic to the little fellow, and has recommended that I part with my pet.
I just can't! Surely there must be some way for us to exist together.
Can you provide me with any suggestions or help?
ANSWER: You haven't told me just how bad your symptoms are, probably so I won't restate your own physician's advice.
However, the only way you can eliminate all your discomfort is to bear the temporary pain of separation, in exchange for total relief.
Understanding your problem with this solution, let us try for some tips that may help you coexist with your pet.
Since your symptoms depend upon contact with a certain allergen level, keeping these low may help you avoid some discomfort.
Keep your animal as clean as possible. Have a nonallergic member of the family brush and clean your pet outside your house, thus reducing the number of hairs and the amount of dander shed with your home.
Since soiled litter may also contain some allergen sources of your trouble, it too is another task that should be delegated to someone else.
If feasible, allow your pet to spend as much time as possible outside, taking care to provide all the necessities for its comfort.
To further reduce unnecessary contact, keep the animal out of your bedroom or other places in your home where you spend a good deal of your time.
You may benefit from an air cleaner in your home, which can greatly reduce the amount of airborne allergens.
Inquire about immunotherapy from your physician or allergist. Allergy shots may be just the ticket to building up your ability to tolerate those annoying allergens.
In the meantime, antihistamines and decongestants may offer you some relief, and permit you to enjoy the companionship your pet offers.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
