Pet Allergies Nearly Killed Me And Put Me On Disability
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When I first met Tom at a bar on a beach, he asked if I had pets. I said yes, I had a dog, but that I was very allergic to cats. He didn’t mention he had cats until our 3rd or 4th date. Well, when I found out it seemed like I should not let that be a reason to stop dating someone I liked. So I tried to work with it. Any time I went to his house though, my allergies were very bad: wheezing was the most unbearable .
I was raised to suffer through my allergies, and treat with Benadryl. But, as we continued to date and we lived an hour away from each other, so I was at his house overnights, it made it difficult to cope with my allergies and dating him. I went to my doctor for help. He prescribed me Singulair. It worked like magic at first. It was like I was not even allergic to cats anymore.
Treatment Of Royal Canin Allergies In Dogs
While it may be a long process, if you are able to discover the actual ingredient your dog is allergic to, you may or may not be able to keep him on certain Royal Canin foods. In addition, once you know the actual allergen, you can then have strict control over your dogs diet and can keep him from ingesting it in any form of food, treat, or supplement.
Though the veterinarian will prescribe a medication to help with the itching your dog may be suffering from while trying to diagnose the cause, it may cease its healing properties in time. If you do not remove the source of the itching, you will have to continue to give the prescription medicine and possibly continuously increase the dose as time goes on.
Removing the allergen completely will also help avoid chronic infections. If the allergen remains in your dogs food, it will continue to weaken his immune system and may lead to more and more visits to the clinic.
A hydrolysed diet made by Royal Canin called ‘Anallergenic’ food should not cause allergies in any dog, as the proteins have been broken down so small that they are not recognised by the body. This is a good option if you suspect your dog is reacting to another Royal Canin food.
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Dog Food Allergy Test And Other Diagnosis Methods
So, how can you tell if your dog is allergic to food? First, it’s helpful to know how you might distinguish a food allergy from an environmental one. “Environmental or flea allergies are far more common,” explains Shmalberg. If you suspect either of those, consult your vet, who can help identify and treat fleas, or do a combination of blood tests and/or intradermal allergy testing to assess environmental allergies.
But if your dog has the following signs, talk to your vet about setting up an elimination diet trial.
Telltale Signs Your Dog May Have a Food Allergy :
- If the symptoms occur at a very young agetypically, puppies younger than age 1 don’t experience environmental allergies
- If the symptoms aren’t tied to a seasonal change or don’t change in different parts of the country
- If the reaction doesn’t respond to steroids
- If your dog has both skin and gastrointestinal symptoms
Dog Food Elimination Diet
It’s also important you refrain from feeding treats, table scraps, snacks, and flavored medications and supplements of any kind that don’t match the specific ingredient combo you’re using for the trial. After at least eight weeks, to truly prove the food allergy, you must then feed the original foodthe suspected allergic protein or proteinsagain. If there’s a reaction or breakout at that point, that’s a pretty good indication of an allergy.
Other Types of Dog Food Allergy Testing
Aside from elimination diets, there are a couple of other test options worth a look.
Read Also: What Allergy Medicine Can A Pregnant Person Take
Can Being Allergic To Pets Can Kill You
In short, yes. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction, usually caused by things like insect stings or food items.
When someone comes into contact with an allergen capable of causing anaphylaxis, they might experience symptoms like:
- Mental confusion
- Low blood pressure
Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure, according to MedlinePlus. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can get worse very quickly and lead to death within 15 minutes.2
Fortunately, most pet allergies arent typically severe enough to cause reactions like those. They generally come in the form of itchy and watery eyes. In fact, around 30% of those of us with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.3
However, having those worse reactions is not unheard of.
Often, doctors cant narrow down what allergen might have caused anaphylaxis in someone, especially if the patient has never experienced it before.
They might advise sufferers to stay away from several allergens that could have triggered the reaction, just to be safe.
Examples of life-threatening allergic reactions to pets:
Can A Dog Allergy Cause Anaphylaxis
Some people have extreme allergies to dogs to the point that just being in the presence of a dog can make them feel like theyll die. For most people, dog allergies are a mild source of discomfort. They cause runny noses, respiratory distress, sneezing, and watery eyes. These allergic reaction occurs when a persons immune system overreacts to an allergen. In cases of dog allergies, this allergen can be found in the dogs saliva, urine, and dander.
In one instance, a woman was reported to have been removed from a flight after she saw two dogs and demanded that the dogs should be taken off the plane. She claimed that she was allergic to dogs and that she could die simply by being exposed to them.
Pet allergies are generally not deadly, but they can sometimes trigger anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Pet Allergies
Can I Still Live With A Cat If I Have Severe Allergies
Most allergists and health professionals would highly suggest NOT living with a cat if you have cat allergies so severe that they could cause a potential allergic asthma attack or if you have experienced anaphylactic shock in the past caused by any allergen.
While we here at CatTime love cats, if you dont already have a cat, we would not suggest getting one if you have severe cat allergies. At they very least, you should spend some time in a home that does have a cat, and see if you can tolerate it.
There are people, however, who do find ways to live with cats, even with the worst of allergies. Some people swear that theyve built up a tolerance after enough exposure.
There are lots of allergy management strategies to use if youre already living with a cat and experience any amount of allergic symptoms. And in fact, scientists may have found ways to reduce cat allergens by using egg products. However, that needs further study before we can call it a cure, though it can give allergy sufferers hope.
Do you or someone you know have a deadly allergy to cats? What do you do to make sure you stay healthy and safe? Let us know in the comments below!
How Do You Know What Youre Allergic To
The good old trial and error are usually pretty useful. However, when it comes to allergies, the consequences can be highly severe. Your best bet is going to a doctor.
You will be subject to a specific kind of test once you are at the doctors office.
Theyll most likely use a skin test, where several panels that contain small patches of potential allergens are utilized. These will be placed on your skin for a set amount of time.
If your body reacts to these panels, congratulations, you most likely have an allergy to this specific substance.
Also Check: Can Allergies Make You Nauseous And Tired
What Are The Symptoms Of Dust Mite Allergy
Common dust mite allergy symptoms include:
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth, or throat
If your dust mite allergy triggers your asthma, you may also experience:
- Difficulty breathing
- A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing
Handling An Allergy Emergency
Epinephrine can prevent or reverse anaphylaxis symptoms. If youâve been prescribed epinephrine injectors, carry two doses with you and practice using them. If you think youâre having an anaphylactic reaction, immediately inject epinephrine even if you are unsure that the symptoms are allergy related. Then call 911, even if you feel better.
Read Also: Why Do Allergy Shots Hurt
What To Do If You Have A Severe Dog Allergy
The good news is, if you are at risk of having a severe allergic reaction to a dog, it most likely wont be a deadly one. People with severe allergies to dogs may experience hives, sneezing, itching, and trouble breathing when coming into contact with a dog after a few minutes. If you feel allergy symptoms after coming into contact with a dog, its a good idea to remove yourself from the situation or seek an over-the-counter drug like Benadryl. If your allergies are severe, your doctor may also prescribe stronger allergy medications or an Epi-pen, if necessary. Its a good idea to prepare to deal with your allergies if you travel because many airports and trains have security and emotional support dogs, as well as service dogs and pets traveling with their humans. Better to be safe than miserable the whole trip.
Despite the lack of medical evidence, there are still people who claim that a dog allergy can be deadly for humans. Everyone should use common sense when they have any allergy or medical condition. Dog allergies can definitely make you miserable, and if you ever have trouble breathing, seek medical attention.
If you have dog allergies and you feel like they are becoming more severe, schedule an appointment with your allergist.
Do you or anyone you know suffer from a severe dog allergy? Have you ever heard of a dog allergy being deadly to someone? Let us know in the comments.
Can You Develop Dog Allergies Later In Life
Have you been sneezing more lately? Or have your eyes recently been getting puffy when you snuggle your dog?
You may be wondering if you have unexpectedly developed late-onset dog allergies. Is that even possible?
If you lurk around the internet long enough, youll find that plenty of people have this same question.
Can you develop dog allergies later in life? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
According to both experience and research, it is not only possible, but also somewhat common to develop allergies as an adult. And you thought you were safe from the wheezing and the sneezing.
Before we talk about adult-onset dog allergies, however, lets address the fact that you may not actually be allergic to your dog.
If the seasons have recently changed, you may actually be responding to an outdoor allergen.
Pet allergies and environmental allergies have the same symptoms as pet allergies, including a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Even if the allergies seem to be connected to your pet, your pets dander might not be the culprit. Rather, your furry friend may be bringing nature to you.
When your pet spends any time at all outdoors, they may be trapping pollens and other allergens in their coat and bringing them straight to your tortured nasal passages.
If this is the case, you dont have to worry about taking care of pet allergiesjust environmental allergies.
Also Check: Can Allergies Make You Cough
Why Is Xylitol Toxic To Dogs
In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in humans. However, when dogs eat xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin causes a profound drop in blood sugar , an effect that can occur as quickly as 10-60 minutes after ingestion. If untreated, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. The process by which xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs is poorly understood.
How Can I Prevent Allergic Reactions To Dust Mites
Remember, having dust mites doesnt mean your house isnt clean. In most areas of the world, these creatures live in every home, no matter how clean. But, you can reduce their effects. There are many changes you can make to your home to reduce the numbers of these unwanted guests.
Studies show that more dust mites live in your bedroom than anywhere else in your home. So this is the best place to start.
- Cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers. These covers are made of a material with pores too small to let dust mites and their waste product through. They are also called allergen-impermeable. Plastic or vinyl covers are the least expensive, but some people find them uncomfortable. You can buy other fabric allergen-impermeable covers from many regular bedding stores.
- Wash your sheets and blankets weekly in hot water. You have to wash them in water thats at least 130 F or more to kill dust mites.
- Get rid of all types of fabric that mites love and that you cannot easilywash regularly in hot water. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, curtains, blinds, upholstered furniture and down-filled covers and pillows in the bedroom. Put roll-type shades on your windows instead of curtains.
- Special CERTIFIED filter vacuum cleaners can help to keep mites and mite waste from getting back into the air. CERTIFIED vacuums are scientifically tested and verified as more suitable for making your home healthier.
Treat other rooms in your house like your bedroom. Here are more tips:
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Food Allergies Cost The Us Roughly $248 Billion Per Year
According to facts about food allergies, food allergies carry a high cost to the United States. Its estimated that cost per child, for example, amounts to $4,184 per year.
Food allergies have also created a $12 billion free-from food industry. Yet, theres only $76 million in public research fundings for NIH to address these allergies.
Diagnosis Of Royal Canin Allergies In Dogs
When you first arrive at the veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will start with a physical exam. This will allow her to take note of all your dogs symptoms. If your dog has watery eyes, the veterinarian may perform fluorescein staining to check for a scratch on the eye that could possibly cause the watering. If your dogs skin is irritated, the veterinarian may take a skin scraping to check for external parasites or a swab to assess for fungal or bacterial overgrowth.
Blood work will be performed to give the veterinarian a broad look as to how the internal organs are functioning and to rule out other possible causes of the signs such as a parasitic infection. A complete blood count and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information for proper assessment. If your veterinarian feels it is necessary, she may also perform a urinalysis for further evaluation of kidney function.
For most, allergy blood work and/or intradermal testing can pinpoint a food allergy. This can be costly and is not always effective, but generally points us in the right direction.
A food trial is also sensible, whereby we avoid certain foods for several weeks to see if an improvement in symptoms is noted. Ideally, we would feed only a hydrolysed diet for 8 weeks alongside no treats, chews or titbits. If symptoms resolve, a food allergy is suspected. If we re-introduce the suspected allergen and signs recur, the diagnosis is confirmed.
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Practical Implications Of Fatal Drug Anaphylaxis Data
- Drug-induced anaphylaxis is the most common cause of fatal anaphylaxis in most regions where data are available, but is rare relative to nonanaphylactic causes of mortality.
- The incidence of fatal drug anaphylaxis may be increasing, in contrast to other causes of fatal anaphylaxis.
- People older than 50 years with pre-existing cardiovascular morbidity appear to be at highest risk for fatal drug anaphylaxis, and drug administration errors account for a significant proportion of cases.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics, muscle relaxants given at general anesthesia, and injected radiocontrast medium are the commonest reported triggers of fatal drug anaphylaxis.
What Is Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that happens within minutes and needs to be treated immediately. It can turn into anaphylactic shock. People who go into anaphylactic shock, experience a sudden drop in their blood pressure which blocks their airways and prevents them from breathing.
In the worst case scenario, anaphylactic shock can stop the beating of the heart leading to loss of consciousness and even death.
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Dahl V Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
Filed: February 4, 2022§ 4:22-cv-00011
A class action alleges thousands of dogs have experienced severe allergic reactions or died due to active ingredients in Interceptor Plus-brand chewable broad-spectrum parasite protection medicine.
Montana
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A proposed class action alleges thousands of dogs nationwide have experienced severe allergic reactions or died due to two active ingredients in Interceptor Plus-brand chewable broad-spectrum parasite protection medicine.
The 17-page lawsuit says that although defendant Elanco Animal Health Incorporated touts Interceptor Plus as safer and able to offer pets more protection against deadly parasites than comparable medicines, two of the products active ingredients, milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, are responsible for many allergic reactions and deaths.
Nowhere on the Interceptor Plus label, or in advertisements or product packaging, does Elanco disclose that the medicine can cause severe reactions or death, the suit says, calling the lack of a disclaimer an effort by the defendant to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
In other words, Elancos profits over pets strategy has impacted pets and their owners throughout the United States and led to thousands of severe adverse reactions and deaths for dogs that would have been avoidable but for Defendants conduct.
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