Can you be allergic to cats and guinea pigs?
Table of Contents
Can you be allergic to cats and guinea pigs?
Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to 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.
Are guinea pig allergies same as cat allergies?
People prone to animal allergies will probably be allergic to guinea pigs, in the same way as they are allergic to cats and dogs. It’s a good idea to let the family spend time with a friend or neighbor’s guinea pigs, to see if allergies are going to be an issue.
Do guinea pigs and cats have the same dander?
Smaller mammals and rodents, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and chinchillas produce dander just like cats and dogs.
Can you be allergic to guinea pigs?
Some people are allergic to guinea pigs. These allergies are a reaction to proteins in the animal’s saliva and urine (contrary to popular belief, the culprit isn’t hair or dander, although they often transmit these allergens during handling and close contact). Hay and wood shavings can also cause allergies.
What are the symptoms of being allergic to guinea pigs?
Common symptoms of a guinea pig allergy include:
- Sneezing.
- Itching.
- Wheezing.
- Runny nose.
- Skin rashes.
- Shortness of breath.
What pets cause the most allergies?
Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.
What are the signs of being allergic to guinea pigs?
Are there allergy shots for guinea pigs?
Many who have a guinea pig allergy are still able to be happy guinea pig pet owners. There is immunotherapy (allergy shot) treatment that usually takes about 18 months to complete. This is considered the best option and actually cures the allergy itself (even for those with asthma).
Can guinea pigs cause respiratory problems in humans?
Sick guinea pigs caused severe community-acquired pneumonia in three Dutch patients. Two of the patients, a man and a woman, each owned multiple guinea pigs that had respiratory symptoms before their owners became ill. The patients were admitted to the ICU and placed on mechanical ventilation for several days.
How do you get rid of cat allergies?
Avoiding the allergen is best, but when that’s not possible, the following treatments may help:
- antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- corticosteroid nasal sprays such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex)
- over-the-counter decongestant sprays.
Do guinea pigs cause asthma?
Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, mice and rats can all trigger asthma and/or allergies in some people.
What happens if you kiss a guinea pig?
Your guinea pig might get you sick. Guinea pigs can sometimes carry germs like salmonella that can make humans sick. That’s probably why the CDC suggests that you avoid kissing your cavy altogether and that you avoid snuggling your guinea pig too closely to your face.
What can I do if I’m allergic to guinea pigs?
Patients experiencing severe allergic reactions should be treated initially with epinephrine followed by antihistamines and corticosteroids.
Can you get sick from guinea pig poop?
It can also infect hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and other small rodents. How it spreads: LCMV spreads through contact with the urine, poop, saliva, or bedding of infected rodents, especially in broken skin or the nose, eyes, or mouth. Rodent bites can also spread the virus.
How common is it to be allergic to guinea pigs?
Background. Allergic sensitization and reactions to guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) have been well documented in laboratory animal handlers, primarily manifesting as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. Severe allergic reactions, however, are rare.
