|
|
Post by rajh08 on Apr 5, 2011 9:48:55 GMT -5
We have all developed allergies towards the ferrets. We get itchy red eyes, sneezy and sometimes red itchy bumps and small breathing issues. I think it all started when Bear started shedding. Could this be it? Could these allergies go away? What can I do to help us? My husband doesn't want to take allergy medicine and he says if it continues we will need to find them a new home.  Is there a wash or spray I can use? ADVICE PLEASE! Thank you.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2011 10:37:10 GMT -5
I was under the assumption that ferrets did not produce pet dander (which is what people are allergic to in dogs & cats). What else about them could cause allergies?
|
|
|
|
Post by rajh08 on Apr 5, 2011 10:50:25 GMT -5
I was under the assumption that ferrets did not produce pet dander (which is what people are allergic to in dogs & cats). What else about them could cause allergies? I found this- "Ferrets are fur-bearing pets meaning they do not produce significant amounts of dander that "hair" bearing animals such as cats, most dog breeds and people produce. If dander is the culprit, then a ferret can be a fine alternative to the more common pet as most people find it is "hypo-allergenic." Yes. It is very possible to be allergic to any furred pet, including ferrets. There have been at least 2 studies reporting ferret allergy, in 6 people who owned ferrets. Allergy to ferrets is probably very common, in much the same way as dog and cat allergy. Allergic symptoms would likely include symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma. Some people have reported skin itching and rashes, such as urticaria, where the ferret touched their skin. How is Ferret Allergy Diagnosed? At the present time, there is no commercial extract available for allergy testing. However, it is possible to skin test using a sample of ferret hair/fur obtained from a ferret owner. An allergist may make a homemade extract using the hair, and ultimately use this extract for skin testing. Alternatively, there are commercially available RAST panels testing for ferret allergy. What is Ferret Allergy Caused By? While ferrets are common pets, there is little known about allergic reactions to these animals. The few studies performed on ferrets show that the proteins causing the allergies are found in the hair, urine, feces and bedding material. Urine from male ferrets may contain the most potent amount of allergen. There are numerous proteins that can cause ferret allergy, although a blood protein, called albumin, appears to be an important one. Albumin, while mainly found in the blood, may also be found in urine, feces, saliva and hair/fur. Who is At-Risk for Developing Ferret Allergy? Anyone who has a history of hay-fever or asthma may be at risk for developing an allergy after being exposed to ferrets. It appears that people with cat allergy, particularly those allergic to cat albumin, may also be allergic to ferrets. What Can Be Done for People with Ferret Allergy? For people with ferret allergy, avoidance of ferrets is the mainstay of therapy. Allergy medications are likely to help control symptoms, but in many instances symptoms may persist if the person continues to keep the ferret indoors. There are no reports of allergy shots to ferrets being performed, although this is theoretically possible. Furthermore, allergy shots using cat extracts (containing cat albumin) may be helpful given the known cross-reactivity between one major allergen with these animals. Ferret owners may not want to part with their pets, despite the symptoms they endure. Short of getting rid of the pet, it may be possible to reduce allergy symptoms by following various avoidance measures. It is likely that avoidance measures that are successful for cat allergy would be useful for people with ferret allergy." I was planning on building them a ferret hutch and run once we get moved out.. maybe having them outside for the most part will help tone down the allergies?? |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2011 10:50:35 GMT -5
A few years ago, I thought that I had an allergy to the ferrets, but it turned out to be an environmental sensitivity to dust, and the horrid little things that live in it -- taking the occasional Benadryl, keeping the place as clean as possible, and treating with a prescribed lotion keeps things pretty well under control.
Best of luck with sorting this thing out, and hugs to the fuzzies
|
|
|
|
Post by rajh08 on Apr 5, 2011 10:57:09 GMT -5
A few years ago, I thought that I had an allergy to the ferrets, but it turned out to be an environmental sensitivity to dust, and the horrid little things that live in it -- taking the occasional Benadryl, keeping the place as clean as possible, and treating with a prescribed lotion keeps things pretty well under control. Best of luck with sorting this thing out, and hugs to the fuzzies We are in the process of moving and I do have dust allergies. My husband and children have outdoor allergies. I was thinking maybe that could be it.. Buut, it is a little early for outside allergies.. and the allergies act up when the ferrets are out or right after we handle them.. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2011 11:42:59 GMT -5
Remember, ferrets are really close to the floor, and just the way they are will kick up any dust that you may have, and it will cling to them, so that may explain that problem? And moving, from the packing to everything else, is a dirty business...
Let things settle before you come to any decision that may well be heart-wrenching.
All the best in this!
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Apr 5, 2011 12:27:22 GMT -5
Try giving them a wipe down with a damp cloth when you bring them out of their cages. If it's an environmental allergy, that should help. And if you reactions decrease from doing that, then you know it's not likely the ferrets, but what they are picking up from the carpet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2011 14:43:27 GMT -5
My boyfriend has allergies come springtime, so it could just be that.
What do your ferrets eat by chance? I have heard of it possibly having to do with what THEY eat, in some cases. If they aren't on raw already, I'd definitely consider it since it will help with your families allergies, if it is them that you are allergic too.
|
|
|
|
Post by rajh08 on Apr 5, 2011 16:18:15 GMT -5
My boyfriend has allergies come springtime, so it could just be that. What do your ferrets eat by chance? I have heard of it possibly having to do with what THEY eat, in some cases. If they aren't on raw already, I'd definitely consider it since it will help with your families allergies, if it is them that you are allergic too. There diet hasn't changed.. they get Evo ferret dry food and raw. We'll wait and see what happens. |
|
|
|
Post by rajh08 on Apr 5, 2011 16:21:23 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the ideas. I plan to wait and see what happens. I took them outside today and they were up close and personal quite a bit and they didn't bother me. Hopefully it's something in the house or something. They are my fur babies and I care alot for them so it would break my heart to have to give them up. Thanks again |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2011 21:48:06 GMT -5
yeah...because they seem to get into every little nook and cranny, ferrets can and will get into things that you don't even know are there, no matter how much of a neat freak you may be (or in my case, not) I've had Sophie Ann (of course) manage to escape the familyroom just to run and hide underneath the sofa in the living room...the living room doesn't get much action, so cleaning there is usually when things are visably dusty (as I said not a neat freak!) she finally comes out from under the sofa and she;s a different color! Coated in white dog fur from Jezzebelle and Chaos...I hated seeing that because that meant it was time to tear down the room and give it a deep cleaning  |
|
|
|
Post by lc on Apr 6, 2011 19:58:59 GMT -5
don't feel bad i'm allergic to mine too.. if i rub my eyes even a little it will turn red and start to get a little swollen. I have woken up a few times in the past few years when one eye was so swollen that i couldnt open it. And when i came home from basic training/tech school (6months +6weeks) and held my adam i ended up getting hives and turning red and itchy where he was touching my arm. Usually any skin on my chest or neck would turn red and itch if they touched it.
When ever I've been with out my ferrets ie before having them and when i've been forced to live with out them around I've never experienced those problems. Except for sneezing and runny nose around certain breeds of dogs and excessive amounts of cats.
Apple and kiwi's owner (pear2apple) can attest . When i went to her place i was all runny nose and sneezy and her guys were on raw. I usually take the cheap 12 hr allergy meds and after a while it's not as bad with out them.
|
|
|
|
Post by katt on Feb 15, 2013 17:03:08 GMT -5
|
|
