4 Natural Pet Allergy Remedies

You love dogs, cats or even horses but every time you get within two feet of one your start to itch, tear and sniffle. Now, anywhere you go that has been frequented by a particular domesticated animal becomes a handicap.

Battling pet allergies might make you resort to conventional drugs that block your natural histamines so you don’t get symptoms. Yet, there’s always side effects with many of these synthetic remedies and maybe you would rather not take pharmaceuticals the rest of your life. In fact, an archived study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reported that,

“Antihistamines, decongestants, anticholinergic agents, and corticosteroids, alone or in combination are used in the treatment of rhinitis [irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose often associated with hay fever]. Reported side effects include sedation, psychosis, impaired learning and memory, and cardiac arrhythmias.

These 4 natural pet remedies may help you avoid such drugs and be able to finally snuggle up to a furry friend you’ve been wanting to say hello to for a long time without compromising your health.

Sting It

Using stinging nettle could help keep pet allergies at bay. Stinging nettle is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The stem and leaves are ground into various applications such as a tea, topical salve, capsule, tablet or tincture supplement which have been linked to alleviating allergy symptoms.

According to the study ‘Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.’ published in Phytotherapy Research: PTR,

“A nettle (Urtica dioica) extract shows in vitro [test tube or culture dish] inhibition of several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies,…bio-actives have been identified in nettle that contribute to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways related to allergic rhinitis,…These results provide for the first time, a mechanistic understanding of the role of nettle extracts in reducing allergic and other inflammatory responses in vitro.”

Look for stinging nettle supplements in your local health food store or online. Be sure it is reputable company and follow dosage directions accordingly.

Quercetin (Kware-Seh-Tin)

The powerful antioxidant quercetin shows great benefits for heart health but many do not realize that it may help pet allergies too. Researchers from the Czech Republic published findings in the journal Molecules stating that,

“…mechanisms of action contribute to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of quercetin that can be effectively utilized in treatment of late-phase, and late-late-phase bronchial asthma responses, allergic rhinitis and restricted peanut-induced anaphylactic reactions.”

Natural sources of quercetin are abundantly found in onions and moderately in broccoli, apples, berry crops, and grapes, some herbs, tea, and wine. Use supplements as directed. 

Clean Up Your O2

Investing in an air filtration system may be highly beneficial for your in-home pet allergy. It has shown to reduce pet dander, the major source of pet allergies. Purchasing a portable air filter can be affordable and convenient or expensively advanced and fully automated. Either way, cleaning interior air has been shown to benefit those with serious respiratory issues due to allergies which should be highly effective for pet allergies as well.

Industry periodical, Current Allergy and Asthma Reports published work that looked into air filters for Allergic Respiratory Diseases citing that,

“Air filtration is frequently recommended as a component of environmental control practices for patients with allergic respiratory disease. Studies support multiple interventions, including air filtration, as methods to improve outcomes in the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases.”

Bacterial Soldiers

If you haven’t used probiotics by now you may want to consider starting. Although it’s not perfect science yet (but it’s getting there) taking a probiotic supplement has shown to boost good bacteria in your gut. This is ground zero for your immune system and a 2017 study by researchers from the University of Florida, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 105, Issue 3, concluded that, 

“Self-reported rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life as indicated by the MRQLQ [The Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire] global score improved in healthy individuals consuming a daily probiotic combination compared with a placebo during allergy season. Additional improvements were seen in symptom-related aspects of allergies, indicated by MRQLQ domain scores.”

Although these results are not specifically associated with pet allergies, they are applicable to symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that a probiotic supplement be an adjunct to the aforementioned pet allergy remedies. This will not only boost your ability to handle pet allergens but includes other benefits such as maintaining a healthy digestive system as well. Talk to your doctor to determine probiotic contraindications if any.

Before you walk away from the love of your life because the cat is part of the deal or you just want a four legged friend to pal around with, try these 4 natural pet allergy remedies. In due time (remember, many natural remedies are accumulative) you may very well be enjoying the purr or growl of a new furry family addition without the sniffle, sneeze or swell of allergy symptoms.