Allergies to pets can appear at any age. If a beloved animal cannot be placed in a safe home, exposure to the allergen may be reduced through careful management. This view comes from a clinician and immunologist at Meditsina JSC in the Academician Roitberg clinic, who spoke with socialbites.ca.
The most effective strategy for many people is to avoid contact with animals altogether. When feasible, finding a new, safe home for the pet is the best option. If relocation isn’t possible, the goal is to minimize how often people interact with pet allergens.
Experts emphasize regular cleaning routines. The room should be vacuumed consistently, surfaces wiped down, and air purification filters installed to improve air quality.
Practical steps include removing carpets from living areas, keeping pets out of bedrooms and especially off beds, giving animals regular baths, and avoiding close contact that includes licking. These measures can significantly reduce allergen levels in the home.
After contact with animals, it is advisable to wash hands, face, and eyes and to change clothing to limit allergen carryover.
Medications such as antihistamines, hormonal therapies, and nasal steroid sprays may help alleviate symptoms, but these should come from an allergist who can tailor treatment to the individual’s needs.
There are also ongoing developments in allergen immunotherapy. In Russia, clinical trials are exploring allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) targeted at cat allergens. This approach uses small, gradually increasing doses of a specific allergen to desensitize the immune system to irritants produced by animals. While promising, this treatment is still developing and may become more common in the long term.
For those seeking guidance on managing pet-related allergies, collaboration with healthcare professionals and a thoughtful home environment plan are essential. Adaptations can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for allergy sufferers.
— End of report —