Here at the Meath SPCA we want to support you as an Animal Owner and we have a large variety of articles for you to read on Animal Care for every type of animal including wildlife. We hope these articles help you and your pet to have a healthy & happy life together. If you are thinking of getting a pet why not read these articles so you can make an informed decision in deciding what pet suits you best and what you are going to have to do to take care of them.
Are You Allergic to Your Pet?
Breathe easy—you can still keep your pet!
Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of people are allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.
The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.
Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the pet from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, moulds and pollen's, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:
Breathe easy—you can still keep your pet!
Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of people are allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.
The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.
Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the pet from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, moulds and pollen's, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:
Improving the Immediate Environment
- Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
- Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments.
- Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
- Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
- Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
- Clean the litter box frequently. Use lowdust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
- Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
- Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.
Decontaminating Your Pet
- Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
- Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
- Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your pet. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
- Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible.
Taking Care of Yourself
- If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.
- Wash your hands after handling your pet and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.
- Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your pet, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated.
- Find a physician, preferably an allergy specialist, who will make sure that your pet is the cause of your allergies and will help alleviate your symptoms. Medications and immunotherapy (desensitizing shots) can often allow you and your pet to remain together happily ever after.
Health Benefits of Having a Pet
We all know that having a pet is great, there is the unconditional love you receive off them and they are great fun to play with and you never know what funny things they will do next. However did you know that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!
Pets can improve your Mood
For anyone who is a pet owner or loves animals you know how hard it is to stay in a bad mood when those loving eyes look up at you or they come to you looking for a cuddle. Studies have shown that owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression. Pets may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging playfulness and promoting laughter, there is nothing better than playing with your pet irrelevant of what type of pet it is and watching their funny reactions.
Many experts believe one reason pets may have a therapeutic effect on people is comfort. They are soft, soothing to stroke and non-judgemental. Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness. Pets also seem to meet the need for companionship and relationship building that is not always available to some individuals. In addition, pet owners living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems.
A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned.
We all know that having a pet is great, there is the unconditional love you receive off them and they are great fun to play with and you never know what funny things they will do next. However did you know that pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!
Pets can improve your Mood
For anyone who is a pet owner or loves animals you know how hard it is to stay in a bad mood when those loving eyes look up at you or they come to you looking for a cuddle. Studies have shown that owning a pet can help to ease symptoms of depression. Pets may help relieve stress and anxiety by encouraging playfulness and promoting laughter, there is nothing better than playing with your pet irrelevant of what type of pet it is and watching their funny reactions.
Many experts believe one reason pets may have a therapeutic effect on people is comfort. They are soft, soothing to stroke and non-judgemental. Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers. And they could be the best antidote to loneliness. Pets also seem to meet the need for companionship and relationship building that is not always available to some individuals. In addition, pet owners living alone say they are less lonely and report fewer minor health problems.
A study published in the March 1999 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior citizens who own pets are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation and are more active than those who do not own pets. Activity levels increased regardless of the kind of pet the individuals owned.
Pets can improve your physical health
Anyone who owns a pet knows the unconditional love a pet offers. But do you know that your blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be lower because of that unconditional love, which in turn might promote a measure of protection from heart disease.
Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don't have pets, according to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
A study on a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure, those with pets had lower blood pressure and heart rates than the proportion of the group that didn’t own a pet. After the results of the study were published most of the stockbrokers without a pet went out and got themselves a pet.
Having a pet has even been shown to give 30% less chance of developing certain types of cancer.
Anyone who owns a pet knows the unconditional love a pet offers. But do you know that your blood pressure and triglyceride and cholesterol levels may be lower because of that unconditional love, which in turn might promote a measure of protection from heart disease.
Pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than those who don't have pets, according to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.
A study on a group of stockbrokers with high blood pressure, those with pets had lower blood pressure and heart rates than the proportion of the group that didn’t own a pet. After the results of the study were published most of the stockbrokers without a pet went out and got themselves a pet.
Having a pet has even been shown to give 30% less chance of developing certain types of cancer.
Pets encourage you to get out and exercise
Dogs have to be walked each day and dog owners get regular physical exercise because of this, there are some many options now where you can walk, by the sea, the park, the mountains, etc – what could be better. People often bring other people with them including family members for the dog’s walk so it can benefit family and friends as well. Other pets get you moving as well, though not as much as walking, you may sit down in your comfy couch and think I will do the hoovering tomorrow but most pet owners don’t put off their pet care – they will clean the birds cage, rabbit hutch when it needs to be done, play with their pets as no sometimes is not in your pets vocabulary when it comes to playtime, it is hard to resist them when they bring their toy over to you and look at you longingly.
Exercise relives tension and stress so there is mental benefits from exercising with your pet as well.
Increases Human to Human Socialisation
Anyone with a dog knows that when you are out and about with your dog, you will always talk to someone whether they have a pet or not. A fellow dog owner will stop and talk to you, people just walking along may stop and say hello to your dog and you. Out walking or in a dog park your pet may make a friend and in turn so might you!
It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets do come with additional work and responsibility. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.
Dogs have to be walked each day and dog owners get regular physical exercise because of this, there are some many options now where you can walk, by the sea, the park, the mountains, etc – what could be better. People often bring other people with them including family members for the dog’s walk so it can benefit family and friends as well. Other pets get you moving as well, though not as much as walking, you may sit down in your comfy couch and think I will do the hoovering tomorrow but most pet owners don’t put off their pet care – they will clean the birds cage, rabbit hutch when it needs to be done, play with their pets as no sometimes is not in your pets vocabulary when it comes to playtime, it is hard to resist them when they bring their toy over to you and look at you longingly.
Exercise relives tension and stress so there is mental benefits from exercising with your pet as well.
Increases Human to Human Socialisation
Anyone with a dog knows that when you are out and about with your dog, you will always talk to someone whether they have a pet or not. A fellow dog owner will stop and talk to you, people just walking along may stop and say hello to your dog and you. Out walking or in a dog park your pet may make a friend and in turn so might you!
It’s important to realize that owning a pet isn’t for everyone. Pets do come with additional work and responsibility. However, for most people, the benefits of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks.