4 animal allergy myths – and the truth behind them

26th July 2023

4 animal allergy myths – and the truth behind them

We’re a nation of animal lovers, with 57% of UK households taking care of 38 million pets. And is it any surprise? They’re adorable, faithful companions, and endless entertainment. So it’s such a shame when someone has an allergy to an animal. As much as they love dogs or cats, they can’t help but have watery eyes or break out in hives the moment they come into contact.

Enter hypoallergenic pets. These are supposedly more allergy-friendly breeds that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. But it isn’t that simple. There are a lot of myths around them. And today, we want to address some of those and answer whether hypoallergenic animals really are the perfect choice.

#1 – Hypoallergenic pets prevent allergies

The biggest myth is that “hypoallergenic” means they won’t ever trigger your allergy. This isn’t true. Pet allergies are triggered by certain proteins that each animal will produce, and hypoallergenic breeds still create these proteins.

This myth may come from the fact that certain breeds are okay with some people with allergies. They might react to a Pomeranian but not a Poodle. Or these differences may vary from person to person. In these cases, it may come down to the specific protein someone is allergic to. So a hypoallergenic breed might be good for one person but not another.

#2 – It’s animal fur that triggers allergies

Even though there’s a lot of talk about fur when it comes to hypoallergenic pets, it’s not actually the fur that’s causing the problem. Pet allergies are usually triggered by animal “dander”. This is the equivalent of dandruff – it’s flakes of their dead skin.

Pets going about their business are going to shed dander in the same way we shed our skin. So when they’re living in the same space as you, that dander can aggravate you. Animal saliva and even urine can also trigger our allergies – but not typically the fur.

#3 – Hairless pets are a great alternative

There are some breeds – namely the Sphynx cat and Chinese Crested dog – that are practically hairless. And some people believe these breeds are perfect for people with animal allergies.

But as we just said, the fur isn’t a factor. A hairless cat or dog is still going to produce saliva and dander. If you stroke them, you’re still coming into contact with the proteins that trigger your allergies.

#4 – Animals with no fur are fine

Again, it’s not that simple. Yes, if you’re allergic to dogs you may not be allergic to birds. But that doesn’t make them hypoallergenic. There’s still the potential that someone is allergic to them. It just might make it a better pet for you in particular.

They’re just as capable of producing feather dander, and their unique proteins can easily be someone’s allergy. Airborne faecal particles can also be bad for someones allergies.

You should be able to enjoy the companionship of a pet if you want. But don’t misunderstand how animal allergies work. Make the choice that is right for you (or your family members). There are ways to have pets in the same home as someone with allergies, but you need to be aware of those repercussions. The more information you have, the better a decision you can make.

If you ever have any allergy concerns or want to diagnose an animal allergy once and for all, get in touch. Our allergy experts can guide you through the process and provide the advice you need to live a comfortable life. Simply register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

How to allergy-proof your home

21st December 2022

How to allergy-proof your home

If you’re a house-proud person, there’s probably no better feeling than having everything spick and span. The floor’s had a good mop or vacuum and everything’s in its rightful place. But what if we told you it might not be as clean as you think? To you, it’s perfect, but to people with allergies? There could be a stray hair or bit of dust that’s going to set them off.

Yes, something as simple as travelling to someone else’s home can be a chore for someone with an allergy. You go to your friend’s house only for the dog hair on the sofa to bring you out in a painful rash. 

With this being the festive season, you might be about to entertain some guests. So what can you do to allergy-proof your home and keep them feeling comfortable?

What to be aware of

Let’s start with the mystery allergens you should know about. There are some that are likely to be more common than others in a home, and while they might not bother you, they might be the bane of someone else’s existence.

First, there’s dust. It builds up in every crevice, and if you’re only cleaning where you can see it, you might have missed some. Then there’s mould, though this might be less prevalent. It’s still worth looking out for in rooms where it often appears, such as the bathroom.

If you have a pet, then pet dander could be an issue. This also has a habit of getting everywhere you don’t want it to be. Depending on the season, pollen might be lurking too, sticking to everything as it is wont to do. Lastly, food allergies. You may think someone has to eat something to have a reaction, but sometimes food particles are enough to set them off.

What will help with guests is knowing what their allergies are. This way, you can appropriately prepare. Now we’ve covered that, let’s look at our top 3 tips for allergy-proofing your home. 

Tip #1 – Clean, clean, and clean!

You might be the cleanest person in the world, but it still might not be enough. If you know you have guests coming over, up your cleaning routine. Do it more often to prevent a build-up of allergens.

You’ll also want to clean in places you might not usually. So make sure to get every shelf, every ornament, every skirting board – even your curtains! Allergens can stick to them like crazy.

Tip #2 – Dealing with your pets

If you have a pet, pay particular attention to areas where they spend time. If your dog is allowed on the sofa, that’s a prime candidate for a deep clean. Their dander will get everywhere, especially on the carpet. If you can afford the investment, a high-power vacuum designed for pet hair would be best.

Your cleaning routine also extends to your pet. Giving them regular baths ensures they don’t have allergens tangled in their fur. And regular brushing (done outside) gets rid of loose hair.

Tip #3 – Thinking about food

As we said earlier, a simple food particle is sometimes enough to trigger someone’s allergies. In these cases, their symptoms are likely to be respiratory. So they may suffer from breathing difficulties, and in worst-case scenarios, this can lead to potentially fatal outcomes.

Especially over this holiday period, think twice about the food you have. If you know you’re feeding your guests, ask about any allergens and take them seriously. But if you’re not, then keep food away from any guests and stay out of the kitchen just in case.

Being considerate about someone’s allergies doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. But the gesture will mean a lot if you allergy-proof your home. So whether it’s for the benefit of any guests over the holidays or you carry this advice into the new year, take our tips and become an even better allergy ally.

Having an allergy doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life. If you ever have any concerns about your potential allergies, feel free to reach out to us. You can register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Three common allergy myths you should know about

14th July 2021

Three common allergy myths you should know about

Dealing with allergies isn’t easy. From mildly inconvenient to life-changing, they’re tough to deal with. But when you’re constantly hearing misconceptions and myths about them, it makes it all so much harder. 

One person is telling you one “fact” and someone else tells you something different. It can feel exhausting and sometimes even be dangerous. It’s important to know what’s true and what’s just a bit of an old wives’ tale. So here are three common myths about allergies that we want to clear up.

“A peanut allergy is the most dangerous one”

With how much you hear about them, some people have come to believe that peanut allergies are the most dangerous type of allergy. But this isn’t true. 

While yes, some people can go into anaphylactic shock from them, many people just have mild reactions to peanuts. There’s a wide spectrum of reactions, and other allergies are no different. Some can have life-threatening reactions to, for example, pet dander. Allergies come in varying degrees, so one type of allergy isn’t necessarily worse than others.

“Local honey will help my hay fever”

It would be a lifesaver if it was true, but there’s no evidence that honey helps improve hay fever symptoms. The idea is that, by eating local honey, you’re eating local pollen. And by eating local pollen, you become less and less sensitive to it. 

But sadly, a 2002 study showed no difference in patients who were treated with local honey, processed honey, and a honey-flavoured placebo. 

“My baby won’t have allergies because it’s not in our family history”

Babies are more likely to develop allergies if both their parents have allergies, that’s true. But babies aren’t immune from allergies just because there’s no family history of them. In fact, 12% of children with allergies have no family history at all. Anyone can develop one and at any time in their life. 

With so many myths about allergies out there, we wouldn’t blame you for being confused about them. But dealing with them shouldn’t have to be difficult. If you’re struggling or looking for advice, get in touch with a professional who knows fact from fiction.

Need help controlling your allergies? Get in touch with London Allergy & Immunology Centre. Our team of professionals is ready to help you manage your allergies and regain control of your life. Call us now on 02031 433 449.

Q&A: What to do when you find out you’re allergic to your dog

24th February 2021

Q&A: What to do when you find out you’re allergic to your dog

Plenty of people in the UK love their pets. It could be a cat that lazes around the house all day, a bird that sings to them, or a lizard bathing itself under a heat lamp. By far the most popular pet is man’s best friend – the dog. It’s estimated there are about 9 million dogs in the UK and with the lockdown, there’ll be plenty more.

But what happens when you realise you’re actually allergic to your new furry friend? We’re here to answer your questions about what to do if you’re allergic to your dog.

Can I keep my dog?

The first question on many people’s minds will be whether they can keep their loyal companion. The answer is, usually, yes – if you’re prepared to live with the consequences. The advice from doctors would probably be to bite the bullet and find a new home for them. It won’t be easy, but it will help you live easier.

I don’t want to give them away. What else can I do?

If you really don’t want to part ways (and we can easily understand why), there are precautions you can take to minimise allergic reactions. Keep windows open to stop a build-up of pet dander, the culprit that usually causes your reactions. Stay on top of your cleaning schedule, vacuuming daily around areas your dog spends time. Don’t let them on furniture such as beds and sofas.

Also, talk to your doctor. They may have more advice or be able to prescribe medication to ease your symptoms.

Could something else be causing my allergy?

There is a chance it might not be your dog. If they spend a lot of time outside, they might be bringing pollen in on their hair, aggravating your hay fever. They may even have some hitchhikers, and your allergy is to the mites instead. Regularly washing your dog and watching where they go can help with this.

What if I don’t have a dog yet? Can I still get one?

If you know you’re allergic to dogs and still want one, definitely give it some consideration. Ask yourself if potentially having symptoms every day is worth it. If you still want a dog, there are some that might be better for you. Those that shed less, thus leaving less pet dander, might help. Though keep in mind that no dog breed is truly ‘hypoallergenic’ – i.e. completely allergy-free.

How can I be sure I have a dog allergy?

The only way to be 100% sure is to have a doctor or allergy specialist test you for allergies. Through one of many methods, they can help uncover what allergies are holding you back. When you want medical advice, this should be your first port of call.

We know the choice between your health or your pet can be a tough one. But you should put yourself first and find a solution that works for both of you.

At Allergy Clinic London, we can test you for a range of allergies, helping you live a healthier life. To find out more, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

Pet allergies: do I have a cat allergy?

21st February 2018

Pet allergies: do I have a cat allergy?

Did you know that in the UK pets are the second most common cause of allergies? The biggest culprit is our feline friend; the housecat. In fact, the number of people who have a cat allergy is significantly higher than any other pet allergy.

This probably doesn’t come as much as a surprise to you. But a little-known fact is that the primary allergen actually isn’t in the cat’s fur. It is found in a protein known as Fel d 1 (a uteroglobin-like protein).

Cat facts

There are other characterised allergens in cats that people can be allergic to: Fel d 2, serum albumin, Fel d 3, cystatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor, Fel d 4, a Lipocalin, Fel d 5, Fel d 6, Fel d 7.

Fel D 1 is found in their urine, saliva, and dander (dry skin). You’re more likely to see a higher concentration of this in unneutered male cats due to testosterone secretions.

Like velcro, Fel D 1 attaches itself to human’s clothes, and it is easily transferable. Because of this, it’s possible to trigger your cat allergy from being in contact with a cat owner, or someone else who has recently been near cats. The allergen is so small that it can remain in the air for hours, and it can be easily breathed directly into the lungs. You can get certain breeds that make it less likely to trigger symptoms though.

Individuals suffering from allergies have developed sensitisation – state of an immune system that preserves an innocent protein (allergen) as a foreign body (parasite) – a potential threat and is trying to fight it with all its might. The symptoms you get are the side effects of your body attacking the allergen with the aim to prevent it from harming your system.

The cat’s pyjamas

The symptoms can appear only a few minutes after being in contact with the allergen. In some cases, it might take even hours to appear. Up to 30% of people who have allergic asthma can feel severe intensifications of their problems after contact with Fel D 1.

Usually, the symptoms are very evident after being in contact with a cat. These usually appear in the following forms:

• Itchy, runny, or blocked nose
• Red, itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Hives or a rash in the area of the face and neck when in contact with the saliva
• Redness of the skin after feline contact or if you get a scratch

It’s easy to confuse a cat allergy with an allergic reaction to dust and so it is vital that before getting any treatment a consultant detects the exact allergen that is responsible for your symptoms. This can help not only to use treatment to reduce the symptoms but in many cases allows to conduct the treatment that can influence the cause of allergy – immunotherapy. So if you want pets, you don’t necessarily have to suffer.

There are several types of tests that to determine whether you are allergic to cat’s dander. Book an appointment with one of our specialists today to arrange a suitable screening for the cause of your symptoms.