Allergies in a Cage: Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Gerbils Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are less popular as pets than cats and dogs, but they are just as likely to cause allergies in certain people.

Symptoms

1. Sneezing.
2. Runny nose.
3. Itchy, red or watery eyes.
4. Nasal congestion.
5. Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
6. Postnasal drip.
7. Cough.
8. Facial pressure and pain.

Hamster’s Allergies and Sneezing Some hamsters may be allergic to the fabric softener you use to wash their fleece blankets or towels. Some hamsters are allergic to the bedding in their cage, and others may find something in their food or treats that causes them to sneeze.

Lots of pets can trigger allergic asthma symptoms, from cats, dogs and horses, to rabbits, hamsters, mice and gerbils, and birds. You might be allergic to just one type of animal or more than one. Animal allergies can develop at any stage of life.

Rabbits, mice, and hamsters can also carry allergens that trigger allergic eczema. If you can’t bear to part with your pets, at least keep them out of the bedroom and limit contact with them as much as possible.

In many cases, symptoms of a dog allergy are mild, and a person may still be able to live with a dog if they can manage their symptoms. Some home remedies can reduce symptoms. However, the only truly effective way to eliminate dog allergies is to avoid exposure to dogs.

Cat Allergy Symptoms

1. Sneezing or a runny or stuffy nose.
2. Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
3. Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
4. Watery, red or itchy eyes.
5. Skin rash or hives.

Immune Reaction With a dog allergy, one or more dog allergens trigger reactions by allergy cells like mast cells and basophils using an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This is a temporary reaction, lasting between a few minutes to a few hours.

You can live with a cat if you are allergic, unless you have severe allergies. In fact, thousands of people with allergies do live with their feline friends. Some who only have mild symptoms just put up with the symptoms or treat them with over-the-counter medicine.

The bottom line. You can develop allergies at any time during your life. Some may be mild and depend on seasonal variations in how much of that allergen is in the air. Others may be severe or life threatening.

Dust mite allergy symptoms caused by inflammation of nasal passages include:

• Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Itchy, red or watery eyes.
• Nasal congestion.
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
• Postnasal drip.
• Cough.
• Facial pressure and pain.

Here’s how:

1. Use allergen-proof bed covers. Keep your mattress and pillows in dustproof or allergen-blocking covers.
2. Wash bedding weekly.
3. Keep humidity low.
4. Choose bedding wisely.
5. Buy washable stuffed toys.
6. Remove dust.
7. Vacuum regularly.
8. Cut clutter.

Is everyone allergic to dust? While almost everyone is irritated by exposure to large amounts of dust, only some people have a true allergic reaction to house dust. This true allergic sensitivity is just as real and just as specific as an allergy to ragweed, tree pollen or cat dander.

Dust Allergy Diagnosis Give you an allergy skin test. Your doctor will prick your skin with a tiny needle with dust mite extract on it. If you’re allergic, your skin will get itchy and red. Give you a blood test to look for certain antibodies.

Medications. If your efforts to reduce exposure to indoor dust don’t provide adequate relief, your allergist may recommend a prescription or over-the-counter medication. Decongestants and antihistamines are the most common allergy medications. They help to reduce a stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing and itching.

They typically last for about 3 to 7 days. By then the worst is over, but you may feel stuffed up for a week or more” (Felson, 2020). The difference is the length of time for symptoms to dissipate. Dust allergy symptoms last as long as you’re around dust.

A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects your cells from damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps your body to fight infections. When taken during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down the overreaction of your body to environmental triggers by decreasing your body’s histamine production.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.