One of the issues that many people living in Dubai are concerned about is pet allergies since cats, dogs, and birds are some of the pets that many families keep. Symptom education and awareness of when to be tested may contribute to the successful management of the condition through better quality of life.

When the immune system responds to proteins present in the skin cells (dander), saliva or urine of an animal, pet allergy arises. Airborne and deposition The allergens are likely to easily get airborne or get on furniture, clothing, and carpets, and it is hard to avoid being exposed to them.

Common Pet Allergy Symptoms

The pet allergies may be mild to severe, and may be very similar to other allergies. 

Among the most frequent signs, there are:

• Coughing and stuffy nose which is either runny or blocked.
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Allergic reactions could include skin rashes, hives, or eczema.
• Wheezing, coughing, or dyspnea.
• Nares Congestion and postnasal drip.

Exposure to pet allergens can provoke more severe symptoms of respiratory illness in a person with asthma such as a tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. The symptoms can either manifest soon after the contact with the pet or gradually over time due to the long-term exposure.

When do you think you should take an allergy test?

In case you have been having chronic allergy symptoms, particularly when contact with pets is observed or in a setting where pets have been kept, it might be high time that you consider allergy testing. Dubai has a significant number of people living in apartments or shared places and it is easy to spread allergens of pets via ventilation systems making it difficult to avoid allergy even without being in direct contact.

You need to test when:

The symptoms continue all year round.

• OTC drugs are only a temporary solution.
• You are intending to adopt a pet.
• You are asthmatic and animals aggravate your asthma.
• Skin ailments such as eczema break out very often.

Types of Pet Allergy Tests

Akbari Allergy Clinic has a number of diagnostic procedures through which allergies to pets are observed. The most popular tests are:

Skin Prick Test:

It is a fast and very common technique in which minute quantities of allergens are applied to the skin with a very fine needle. In case of an allergy, you will just have a small bump raised within minutes.

Patch Testing:

Patch testing can be suggested in the case of the suspected allergic reactions delayed to establish the skin-related allergies.

Managing Pet Allergies

Although avoiding allergens is the most effective method, it is not always feasible to the owners of pets. Nonetheless, exposure can be minimized and symptoms controlled in a number of ways:

• Pets should be kept out of bedroom and off furniture.
• Install air purifiers that have HEPA filters.
• Vacuum and clean often to get rid of the dander.
• Bathe pets frequently
• After handling pets change clothes and wash hands.

Moreover, your physician might prescribe antihistamines or nasal sprays, or prescribe immunotherapy (allergy shots) on a long-term basis.

Expert Care in Dubai

Being allergic to pets does not imply that you should abandon your pets. Symptoms may be controlled with the help of efficient diagnosis and an individual treatment plan. Akbari Allergy Clinic located in Dubai provides state-of-the-art testing and customized treatment to ensure patients determine their triggers and control allergy without fear.

In case you are allergic to pets, a timely examination and medical advice can be of great importance to your wellbeing and even your life.