Nearly half of all households in the United States have a dog or a cat, but an estimated 10 percent of the population may be allergic to these or other animals, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Parents should learn about the warning signs indicating that their child may have a pet allergy, as well as how to manage or treat the condition if necessary.
Signs and Symptoms
Children with a pet allergy may display signs similar to that of a common cold, including frequent sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing or wheezing. Unlike seasonal allergies, these symptoms are present throughout the year. The symptoms may occur even when the child is not in close contact with the animal, since the allergen from the animal may be present throughout the house or on clothing and other items. Parents should also keep in mind that it may take several months of exposure before a child with pet allergies begins displaying symptoms. Since the symptoms of a pet allergy are similar to those of a dust mite or mold allergy, it may be necessary to take the child to an allergist for a skin test for proper diagnosis of the allergy, explains the medical advisory board of BabyCenter.com.
Considerations
Children of parents with allergies, even those not related to pets, may be genetically predisposed to developing an allergy. Allergy symptoms are often not as severe in older children, so parents who suspect their child may be prone to allergies may consider waiting until their child is older before getting a pet. It also may be wise to expose a child to an animal and watch for a reaction before bringing the pet into the home, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Misconceptions
Contrary to what some believe, individuals with pet allergies are not only allergic to a pet's hair or fur but also to the protein found in its saliva, urine or dander. While getting a pet that sheds less or has shorter hair may not help the situation as many mistakenly believe, breeds that require frequent cleaning and grooming may be more allergy-friendly than other breeds, explains the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
Treatment
Keeping children with pet allergies away from the type of animal they are allergic to is generally the most effective treatment, explains the AAAAI. Other treatments may also prove useful, however, including medication or immunotherapy. Parents should consider taking their child to a board-certified allergist who can determine if these treatments are necessary. Keeping the pet out of the child's bedroom, bathing the animal thoroughly and frequently and using vacuums with a HEPA filter may also help, suggests the Humane Society of the United States. Some parents may find it useful to replace carpeting with solid-surface flooring to make cleaning after a pet easier.
Warning
Children with pet allergies need to show caution when going on playdates, visiting family members or even participating in school activities where animals are present. Parents should not only make others aware of their child's allergy, but should also prepare their child on what to do if he begins to experience an allergic reaction away from home.
