Pets are wonderful companions, but for some, having a pet is next to impossible because of allergies. According to studies, 15 percent of the population is allergic to either cats or dogs (or both). Even though one-third of Americans (approx. 2 million people) are allergic to cats, they have at least one in their home anyway. Most people believe the benefits of owning a pet outweigh the difficulties of allergies.
There are no “non-allergic” breeds of cats or dogs. Even the hairless breeds can cause allergies to flare up. A poodle or Bichon Frise can cause fewer allergy problems than some other type of dog breeds due to their soft and continual growing fur. Any dog or cat of a particular breed can cause more or less allergy suffering than another from that same breed.
The source of the allergy problem is in the glands of the animal’s skin which secrete allergens. The allergens are present in the animal’s saliva and can become airborne from drying on the fur. The severity can vary from person to person and can range from sniffling or sneezing to asthma. If the allergies are not life-threatening, there are steps that can be taken to help make living with a pet more bearable. For instance, have an area in your home that is allergy-free, such as the bedroom.
Do not allow your pets in this area. Use impermeable covers for the mattress and pillows.
Using a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner throughout your home can help.
Avoid dust-collecting furnishings, fabric draperies and carpets. Clean thoroughly and frequently. Wash sofa covers, pillows, curtains, and pet beds. Use a microfilter bag in the vacuum cleaner to help catch the allergens.
You can reduce the allergens on your pet 84 percent by bathing your pet weekly.
Products sprayed on your pet to help reduce allergens are not as effective as bathing.
You shouldn’t assume it’s your pet’s fault if you have allergies. See an allergist to be specifically tested for pet dander. Allergy sufferers are usually sensitive to more than one allergen and not to just pets.
You will need to address the causes of the total allergens in your living area and not to just pet allergens. Allergy shots can improve but not eliminate the allergy symptoms.
Other treatments for pet allergies include steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays or pills. In order for an allergic person to be able to successfully live with a pet, it usually requires a combination of behavioral changes, medication for symptoms, good housecleaning, and allergy shots. With children, sometimes the allergy is outgrown, but few adult allergy sufferers become accustomed to the pet that they are allergic to.
Valley Life
Paw Prints: Bathing pet weekly can cut allergens by 84 percent
- Valley Life
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Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
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8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
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Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
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Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
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Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
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Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
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YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Conversation leads to imagining a world with no trees
I was recently asked by someone to imagine what the end of the world would look like. I consider myself a very optimistic person and have never imagined the end. The only image that came to mind was one often portrayed in a Hollywood movie, a scene where a big fireball comes down and everything is burnt to a crisp. The person I was talking with imagined the end would be a world where there are no living trees. This short but interesting conversation got me interested in what has and is plaguing trees.
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College offers cooking class in time for Valentine’s Day
Treat your sweetheart to a home-cooked romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day, courtesy of a cooking class offered at Lincoln Trail College.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 29, 2012
In earlier columns we have reported on the winners of the various master point races at the Bridge Center for last year.
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Sign up now for Signing for the Savior classes
There is still time to sign up for Senior Education Ministries’ Signing for the Savior class; the first session is Tuesday.
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Birthdays: Jan. 29, 2012
•Thelma J. Parr
• Earl S. VanScoyk
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Ryves Neighborhood, WTWO plan ‘Share Your Love’ food drive
Ryves Neighborhood Association and WTWO are sponsoring the second annual food drive from Feb. 3-17 called “Share Your Love.”
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A safe crossing: ‘Turtle girl’ Amber Slaughterbeck makes it her duty to transport Wabashiki animals to safety
On her daily drive to classes at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Amber Slaughterbeck kept encountering a sad scene alongside the highway.
- Special Occasions: Jan. 22, 2012
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Tried 'n' True: A zucchini bread that’s different than most others
A few months ago I tasted zucchini bread that was different from all the other zucchini breads. It didn’t have cinnamon and it was light in color, not dark. I also found out that it contained oats.
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Mormon Community Canning Day set for Feb. 4
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Terre Haute offers a Mormon Community Canning Day from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 4.
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White Violet Center to participate in cooking classes
White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of Sisters of Providence at St. Mary-of-the-Woods, is participating in three cooking classes this winter in the Clabber Girl Kitchen at Ninth and Cherry streets in Terre Haute.
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Paw Prints: With heartworm drug off market indefinitely, prevention is key
Heartworms are life-threatening for dogs and cats. Currently, the only FDA drug approved to treat heartworms, Immiticide, is off the market indefinitely.
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Terre Foods invites public to annual meeting on Tuesday
Terre Foods Cooperative Market will stage its third annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Seventh St. The meeting is open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided.
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Vigo farmer wins $2,500 through Farmers Grow program
Carolyn Piety of Terre Haute has been selected as a winner in America’s Farmers Grow Communities, which gives farmers the opportunity to win $2,500 for their favorite local nonprofit organizations.
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2012 TREES Photography Contest all about blooms; prepare to enter now
TREES Dressed in Bloom will be the theme for the next TREES, Inc. Photography Contest. Photo entries must include trees, a tree, or part of a tree showing a blossom or blossoms.
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GRAPE SENSE: Change of pace to brighten day: Italian Soave perfect for summer days
Winter is the time for hearty food and bold wines. But every once in a while a change of pace brightens the day.
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Terre Haute Community Health Fair coming up
Leaders in health in the Wabash Valley will gather to educate residents about their health and how they can improve it during the Terre Haute Community Health Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 29.
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BRIDGE COLUMN : Jan. 22, 2012
Our Monday evening group of bridge players is a microcosm of life.
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Becoming organized now saves precious time, money in future
From overindulgence to simplicity — it’s the time of year when we start new. The party is over; it’s time to get down to business. De-cluttering our lives comes as almost a requirement in January.
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Soup Bowl Benefit tickets on sale
Tickets for the second annual Soup Bowl Benefit are on sale now. The Soup Bowl Benefit, an evening of music, conversation, soup and bread, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 in Maryland Community Church atrium. Maryland Community Church is at 4700 S. Indiana 46 in Terre Haute.
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Life: Jan. 15, 2012
* Register now for Grazing Conference
• Take pictorial tour of Wabashiki area
• Parke historian to give genealogy talk
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Paw Prints: Diet full of protein vital for healthy cat
Cats are natural carnivores and meat is an important part of their diet. A cat needs more than 25 percent of his diet to be protein.
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