Allergies to animals

Last week I gave unsolicited and likely unwanted marriage advice to Roberta whose husband’s animal allergies left their kid deprived if not psychologically abused. Since The Daily Journal’s editors demonstrated no common sense in printing that, what’s to stop me from giving medical advice? Let’s talk about allergies!

As much as I might wish to dismiss allergies as hogwash, they do exist. They are often however misunderstood and overstated. Fact: I am allergic to cats. I’ve had the tests, my forearms swelled with bumps that looked like I was smuggling tennis balls under my skin. But right now there are 75 cats a few feet from my office, plus I live with three, two of whom sleep on the pillow alongside if not on top of my head.

But just as I continue to enjoy a glass or four with dinner even though red wine gives me headaches, so too are Puccini, Isabelle and Stinky Louise very much a welcome part of my life. Yes, I do sneeze. So? The cats might resent the metaphor but it really is much the same: weigh the pros and cons, and try to limit those cons.

For most, our noses are bothered more by floating hair and animal dander than the wonderfully irresistible coats on those loving guys and gals. Regular brushing, which my cats adore, keeps the floating hair down. Bathe that dog! Kind roommate or spouses who brush the animals and change the litter box are fabulous (don’t be taking advantage!), or wear a dust mask while brushing.

What about hypoallergenic breeds? That IS hogwash. Fur (even if called hair), skin and saliva all cause allergic reactions, since it’s really the proteins in those bits of debris causing the allergic response. All dogs and cats have hair (the so-called hairless Chinese crested has hairy feet and ears), all shed (although some less than others).

Everyone has to make choices. I choose cats and dogs. And red wine.

Ken White is the president of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.