Basically, it’s really not the animal itself that causes the allergies, but the dander which is constantly shed and collected not only on the animal, but also throughout the house. Though there are a few breeds of dogs and cats that don’t have as much dander, they are really not “allergy free,” but do cause fewer symptoms to those with allergies. If you want a dog or cat not of the hypoallergenic variety, here are a few tips to help you out:

• As with dust mites or other environmental allergies, the cleaner you keep your house, the better. Clean on a regular basis and empty your vacuum cleaner bag each time (HEPA vacuums are best). It’s best to have the person without the allergies do this. Make sure you get everywhere; where dust goes, dander goes.
• Choose hard wood, tile or laminate floors over carpet if possible. An immense amount of pet dander collects in carpet, and even with vacuuming, it’s hard to remove it all.
• Choose furniture that isn’t upholstered, like leather or wood as opposed to fabric covered. Having fewer pillows provides fewer places for dander to collect.
• Change your air filters regularly and have your ducts cleaned as well.
• Don’t let pets into the bedrooms of those with allergies. It’s not enough to keep them off the beds; their dander can get anywhere in a room. Having it in the bed is one of the worst places it can be. Just keep the doors shut so the rooms stay off-limits.
• Use cat litter that emits as little dust as possible. Deodorized cat litter can also cause allergies.
• Have your pet groomed regularly and feed them a healthy diet. It’s best to have them groomed somewhere off site, but outdoors is OK if somewhere else is not an option. Like vacuuming, it’s best to have someone not allergic do the grooming. Keep their hair brushed to prevent shedding. Short haired animals shed just as much as longer haired ones do, so be aware of that (I think our lab shed lots more than our golden does).
• Don’t forget about ways to rid yourself of allergies, including allergy shots, acupuncture, NAET. Many options exist with OTC and prescription meds as well.
• Make sure it’s the animal you’re allergic to and not something else. There may be other things that exacerbate your allergies, try to control those as well.

Exposure to animals in the first years of life has actually been shown to help out with other allergies later in life. Plus, they have many other great benefits! So before closing your doors to any animals with hair and sticking to the snakes and turtles, do a little research if it’s a dog or cat you’re wanting. It may be possible, and what fun you’ll all have!

Then I saw the masses on the brick of my house and around the windows of my garage and upstairs rooms. I remembered back to the past year of how I continually vacuumed up large numbers of dead ladybugs in our bonus room where the windows are not sealed as well.

As I read the news article in the Herald Standard, I was amazed at how my ladybugs exhibited all of the exact behaviors mentioned. Where I live (southeastern US), the nights have just gone below freezing and the days still warm up nicely. My house is southern facing and even on a slight rise, which apparently the bugs like. What also struck me as interesting, is that I have been sneezing this past week, my nose has been sniffly and my eyes are itching, and I am the person least affected by allergies in my family! Could I be allergic to these ladybugs?

I am sort of taken with them now, and want to learn more. I have read stories of people having hundreds, even thousands of them in their homes (so glad we don’t have that many). They like to hibernate in the walls, but when it warms up, even for an afternoon, they wake up and that’s when they make it inside. Apparently, they emit a fluid as a defense mechanism and it is foul smelling and can stain carpet, furniture or clothes. It is believed that this may be what causes people to have an allergic reaction. Others believe it is the droppings and/or the decomposition dust because they usually are found dead in high numbers inside homes.

Because they are fairly innocuous to buildings and people (unless of course, you are allergic), they are considered safe, but annoying. Pesticides, which I like to stay away from anyway due to health concerns, don’t really work on the ladybugs because they don’t feed where it is placed and because once they are inside they are usually hibernating and immune to poisons. The best defense against them is to make sure any openings to the outside are well sealed. If they are inside, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag immediately. If you are having allergic reactions, have someone else do it.

Asian Ladybugs now rank right up there with cockroaches, cats and dust mites in allergy sensitivities. However, they are still considered a seasonal allergen because of their “season.” So if you, like me, have been feeling a little sniffly lately, check around your windows. You may have a new nemesis that isn’t so lucky after all.

- Heather Legg

Though insect stings cannot always be avoided, there are some good measures to take, especially in the fall when yellow jackets are more abundant after summer hive growth and more prone to stinging in their search for food. Here is what you can do:

• Wear long pants and long sleeves when you are going to be outside (hiking, working in the yard, going to the park, anywhere bees might be). Wear closed toed shoes instead of sandals as yellow jackets are often on or in the ground.

• Wear white or light colored clothes instead of dark/bright or floral patterned clothes (they’re not as attractive to yellow jackets).

• Wear gloves for gardening.

• Forego any scents, like perfume, lotions, soaps and scented deodorant.

• Use bug spray.

• Keep trash cans covered and spray them with insect repellant if you see yellow jackets.

• If eating outdoors, make sure sugary foods and drinks remained covered, or forego them altogether.

• Keep Benadryl (or another antihistamine) and an Epipen with you when outdoors. You may even choose to take an antihistamine before beginning your outdoor activities.

• Very importantly, be aware of your surroundings. If you see a lot of bees, you are probably near the hive, so get away!

• Don’t swat. Angry bees sting and the calmer you are, the less chance they will sting. Calmly walk away or if one lands on you, gently slide it off with a piece of paper, don’t flick or swat it.

Last but not least, don’t pick the goldenrod.

- Heather Legg

People often avoid living with pets due to the sneezing and itchy eyes that dogs and cats can cause. These symptoms are not only bothersome, but in turn can lead to chronic ear and sinus infections. Also, people with asthma find that pets can exacerbate their symptoms as well. While they may be right that it is the pet causing the symptoms, it’s not necessarily the hair.

Studies are shown that the main cause of pet allergies actually comes from the saliva from the animals, not just the hair. And cats are notorious for constant licking; therefore as they clean themselves, the saliva dries on their hair and forms dandruff which is left all around the house with the shedding hair. Hair also holds pollen and dust, so where the pet goes, so do the allergens. Not the cat’s fault in any case, or the dogs either, for that matter, but nonetheless, it’s hard for those allergic to live with them.

So what is the allergic but animal loving sufferer to do? Do they have to give up their beloved pets, or never have one to begin with? Not necessarily. Some practical suggestions like dusting and vacuuming often, having hardwood floors and bathing your pet frequently can be helpful.

And what about the very trendy “hypo-allergenic” pets like schnoodles and labradoodles? These can be a good choice for those with allergies and/or asthma, but it must be remembered that they’re not “allergy-free.” Because of the type of hair they have and dander (or lack of) they don’t hold onto the dandruff, pollen and other allergens that other dogs do. They also don’t shed so hair is not deposited all over the house. It is worth a look into, but they still need to be bathed frequently, and as stated, are not 100% allergy free.

Don’t forget allergy shots or alternative forms of allergy relief, either. It is possible to have your pet and clear breathing, too; it takes a little extra effort though.

- Heather Legg

While avoidance may not be possible at all times with stinging insects, and shots or other methods of clearing the allergy may be needed along with an epipen and antihistamine, it is possible to implement some preventative measures while you are enjoying your time outdoors. Bees and fire ants are actually much easier to avoid than mosquitoes, and though mosquitoes are “peskier”, fire ants, bees and wasps can be much more life threatening. For some, an allergic response to mosquitoes does develop, but more commonly consists of intense local swelling rather than an anaphylactic reaction.

According to Natural Health Magazine, July/August 2007 issue, the best way to avoid bee, wasp and fire ant stings is to avoid the mound or hive altogether. These insects are aggressive and will defend their territories. Bees usually die after one sting, wasps can live long enough to sting five or six times, and because of the organized manner of the fire ant, it’s possible to be stung close to 100 times before even realizing what’s happening.

It’s also suggested to wear dull or neutral colors; the myth that bees mistake bright clothing for flowers may not be such a myth, because they are definitely attracted to the brighter hues, even in clothing. Also, go without perfume, scented lotions, and hairspray; these all attracts bees and wasps. Sugary treats and soft drinks are tempting to insects, so dispose properly of these during outings, and stay clear of the trash cans.

If you are stung by a bee or wasp, try to get the stinger out as quickly as possible. It takes up to a minute for the full amount of venom to disperse. Tweezers are a good tool, but if you don’t have a pair with you, flick the stinger with your fingernails instead of trying to pull it out, and you can probably remove it safely.

Many pest control companies incorporate fire ant and bee/wasp hive removal into their contracts. Call them before taking this on yourself; remember these insects are highly aggressive.

Nobody wants to get stung by bees, wasps or ants of any kind, especially those with allergies. The avoidance measures may come in handy during these hot summer months and throughout the year. Be aware of your surroundings and these other measures to stave the harmful insects away and enjoy your summer.

- Heather Legg

Causes

The allergic reaction is caused by the injection of a tiny dose of saliva under your skin before the female mosquito sucks blood from your body. The mosquito’s saliva contains a type of protein that allows it to feed better. It is this injected saliva that can trigger an immune system reaction.

Symptoms

The symptoms would appear to be a classic mosquito bite: itchy, red skin. Again, they look like normal harmless bites, which is why the allergy usually goes unnoticed.

What will be odd about these bites is that they do not go away as easily. The swelling is larger than usual, and the skin could blister, bruise, or the hives may last for days or even weeks. However, it is rare that severe allergic reactions involving other body systems may occur.

The cases of allergic reactions decrease with age. Both children and young adolescents are more likely to have a mosquito bite allergy than adults who may have already developed immunity to the mosquito’s saliva.

However, if it has been quite some time when you were last bitten by a mosquito, you might suffer an allergic reaction the first time you will be bitten again. However, the first bite might not affect you, but the subsequent bites will show evidence of an allergy.

Prevention

The only way to prevent an allergy from being triggered by mosquito bites is to do everything to avoid being bitten.

The most common preventive measure is to use insect repellent when you are outdoors. Personal repellants containing DEET work best. However, check the labels first before you use them on children. Repellants containing more than 10 percent DEET should not be used on children under age 6 years of age. In warmer climates, avoid frequenting marshes and swampy areas.

Have netting set up around your front porch or patio. Maintain window and door screens and make sure any trace of holes in the net are fixed to avoid mosquitoes from accidentally entering your home. Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts that will cover your arms and neck area as much as possible.

Decrease the situation where mosquitoes can breed. Throw out stagnant water on your surrounding property. Places where stagnant water can accumulate are in pails, containers, jars and garden pots that may have accumulated rain water when left outside.

If you have already been bitten, sooth the allergic skin reactions with topical anti-itch creams and lotions to alleviate the itching. For larger bites, antihistamines can be used. Although rare, if there are any symptoms that suggest an anaphylactic allergic reaction, go to an Emergency room right away.

Consult an allergist today for proper advice and treatment if you find that you might be allergic to mosquito bites.

Why do bees sting?

Bees are known for two things: their being industrious (hence the term, “busy bee”), and their venom. They are attracted to brightly colored clothes and perfume scents.  Just as long as you do not bother them, they won’t bother you either.

A bee’s task everyday is to visit about a hundred flowers to collect pollen and nectar for their hive. If you get in their way, the bee will certainly sting you, releasing venom that usually causes skin irritation, and on rare cases, a life threatening allergic reaction.

What causes the allergic reaction?

After a bee has stung its victim, it leaves its stinger with the venom sac still attached in the victim. This stinger must be removed immediately because it only takes a few minutes for the venom to be fully injected. Bee venom, in fact, is a complex composition of enzymes, amino acids, and proteins. A person who is allergic to bee stings can be stung only once but can die of anaphylactic shock right afterwards unless medical treatment is available.

What are the symptoms of a bee venom allergy?

Normally, the area of a bee sting would just itch a bit and can subside after a few minutes. But if after a few minutes to an hour, when you notice that you feel itchiness all over your body, rashes start to appear, and your lips and eyelids begin to swell and puff up, you are actually experiencing an allergic reaction. In severe cases, you will start having difficulty breathing like your chest feels constricted.  The heart rate will increase rapidly. Itchy welts will start popping up all over your body and inside your throat and your eyes will start to swell shut.

How do you get bees not to sting you?

Like all other allergies, avoidance is the key method of symptom prevention. If you are allergic to bee stings, avoid all situations that make you vulnerable to bee stings.

Do not use flowery scented colognes, soaps, or lotions, and do not wear bright colored clothing either because these can attract bees. If you see a bee near you, move away slowly. Try not to swat it either because when a bee’s body is crushed, it produces an odor that incites bees to attack in greater numbers. If this does happen, run for cover indoors.

Those who know they have a bee venom allergy should carry a Medic Alert bracelet at all times. They should also carry a self-injection kit in case of an allergic reaction. This can be combined with antihistamine tablets for emergency treatment.

What causes a pet allergy?

Contrary to popular belief, the main cause of an allergic reaction to dogs and cats is not their hair or fur, but what is under it: dander or old loose skin scales (similar to dandruff on the human scalp) that contains secretions from sebaceous glands on the skin of dogs and cats, and other furry or feathery pets. Pet dander consists of several proteins that trigger an immune system reaction in some individuals.

Pets constantly shed dander that become airborne and float around the house that the pet lives in, and therefore, may be inhaled by people. You will never notice these allergens because they are just tiny microscopic dust particles or powder that floats in the air, and they are so sticky that they cling to furniture, curtains, wall coverings, and carpets.

Also, in both dogs and cats, the saliva and urine that dries on their fur can flake off releasing the same kind of microscopic particles that become indoor airborne allergens.

How does pet dander affect those with allergies?

Since pet dander particles are airborne, they can easily get into the body through the lungs when we inhale. If the allergen levels are low or if the person’s sensitivity is minor, symptoms may not manifest immediately, and may occur only after several days of contact with the pet.

When allergic reactions are moderate, swelling and itching, stuffy nose and inflamed eyes results when pet dander lands on the exposed membranes. Asthma attacks can also be triggered.

There are some individuals who react immediately when they step into a room where there is pet dander in the air, even if they did not handle or play with the animal. If the pet has been living in a home for a long time already, there will be enough pet dander floating in the air to cause an allergic reaction.

What are the best ways to control pet dander in the house?

Given that your allergies are manageable; your doctor will recommend that you change a few general house rules pertaining to your pets.

Bathe them with pet shampoo weekly to minimize the dander accumulated on their hair. Better also if you can train them to sleep outside the house, but make sure that their shelter is cozy and comfortable whatever the weather may be.

For your home, have a source of fresh air so that animal dander won’t be contained indoors. Remove all forms of carpeting or fabric covered furniture, and instead opt for leather or vinyl covers that can be cleaned easily. If there is no way to get rid of carpeting, use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Air Filter (HEPA) system to trap the tiny particles of pet dander.

But if your allergies are not alleviated despite your efforts, then the only resort would be to find your pet a new home. Weigh the pros and cons and discus your concerns with your doctor.

1) Hypoallergenic dogs and cats are guaranteed allergy-free

False. Any animal that has fur can trigger an allergic reaction. If you own dogs or cats, you have a greater risk of developing pet allergies. In reality, all breeds of dogs and cats are allergenic because all shed dander, have sebaceous glands, and lick themselves clean with their saliva. However, there are some proofs that less allergenic pets do exist.

2) Short-haired dogs and cats cause fewer allergies.

False. All breeds of dogs and cats, whether they have short, long, curly, or no hair, are expected to be allergenic. As mentioned earlier, all animals with fur can cause allergies. However, the allergies are not caused by the fur, but by the dander (the tiny scales of dead skin) and by sebaceous and salivary gland secretions that collects on the animal’s fur and skin.

3) Dogs and cats that shed hair the least are not as allergenic.

False. Whether they shed a significant amount of hair or not does not make a difference. Dog breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, Bedlington Terriers and Kerry Blue Terriers, and cat breeds such as Cornish Rex, Devon Rex and Sphynx are sold to buyers as hypoallergenic breeds because they shed little or no hair at all.

4) Puppies and kittens do not cause allergies.

True. Puppies and kittens have no dander to shed because they have no old skin. But eventually, they will produce allergens after a few months as they mature. When people buy young dogs and cats, they will not notice any allergic reactions, until after a few months. This explains why allergic symptoms start to appear only once their pets get older, when they start shedding dander.

5) Pets that live outside the house trigger fewer allergy problems.

True. Keeping your pet outside can help reduce the allergens in your home. However, the moment you go outside to play with your pet, holding it or letting it sit on your lap, can set off the allergies. But if you do resort to having your pet stay outside the house, make sure that you give them a cozy shelter to stay in so that they are comfortable whatever the weather may be.

6) The seasons of spring and fall bring more prominent pet allergies.

True. Cases of seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis shoot up during the spring and fall because these are pollinating seasons. People who are allergic to both their pets and pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds can expect worse symptoms due to both seasonal (pollen) and perennial (dander) allergens.

7) Black cats are more allergenic than cats of other colors.

True. A January 2000 report, researchers studied 60 cat owners in a hospital in Brooklyn, New York, who all had symptoms of allergies. Those with moderate symptoms were most likely to own dark-colored cats and those with only mild symptoms owned cats that were of a different color, and the odds were 6 times higher with a dark cat.

MYTH OR REALITY?

Contrary to popular belief, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs or cats. Avoidance is the best remedy. For pet lovers, think twice about purchasing one of those so-called allergy-free pets that are also quite expensive. Be sure to seek advice from an allergist to help in making a decision to own, or not to own a pet.

Causes

The allergenic animal dander from cats is the not their fur, but the dandruff (dust) on the cat’s hair and skin, as well as the proteins in their dried saliva, sweat, and urine that can float around the house and attach to walls, windows, and furniture.

All breeds of cats produce dandruff, although some produce less dandruff than others do, nevertheless, no cat is allergen-free, not even hairless breeds. The amount of allergen on a cat’s fur depends on the length, and possibly the cat’s fur type. Some may be allergic to large quantities of the allergen such as on longhaired cats, but suffer fewer problems with cats that have short hair that produce lower levels of dandruff. The intensity of the allergic reaction all depends on how badly allergic the person is, and not how allergenic the cat is.

Poor thing! People are quick to blame their allergies on their cat, then realizing later on when it is too late, that they are actually just allergic to dust mites, furniture polish, or dust from a new carpet, whereas they have already sent their cat to an animal shelter, or have already killed it.

Symptoms

People with cat allergies are most likely to suffer from itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, asthma, and red itchy skin or hives. Separation from the animal for a couple of days will cause the symptoms to subside, but once the person comes in contact with the animal again, the symptoms are sure to recur.

Management

If you think you have allergies to cats, before you throw out the cat and get a reptile or fish as a pet, make sure that you get an allergy test to see if it is really the cat that is causing your allergies. The doctor will advise an immunotherapy treatment to gradually decrease the allergenic effect of cats on the patient.

Living with a cat allergy is easier nowadays since there is more information about allergy management. The most important thing that should be on your to-do list is to keep your kitty clean and well-groomed constantly. Weekly baths and regular brushing of the fur can remove the animal dander on your cat’s skin. Keep your cat’s skin healthy by feeding a high quality food and a fatty supplement.

As much as possible, train your cat to stay outside by preparing a comfortable nook for them to play and sleep in instead of spreading their dander all over your bedding or furniture. Also, don’t allow your cat into the car. Use a pet carrier if you need to bring along your cat for the ride.

For a clean, dander-free home, sweep and vacuum regularly and consider installing a good “HEPA” air cleaner.  Always wash your hands after touching, playing, or picking up your cat’s toys. Get rid of your carpets and opt for easy to clean flooring such as wood, vinyl, or linoleum.

And to avoid all these unnecessary hassles, discuss possible immunotherapy or medications with your physician.