Many people prefer to have rodents, but often the choice deviates from this decision, since often an allergic reaction occurs to such animals. There is an opinion that the most hypoallergenic animals are chinchillas . But often people develop a rash after interacting with these animals, which raises a logical question: do you have a chinchilla, is there an allergy? The answer to this question, as well as other useful nuances that are worth knowing about these animals, are given below.
Does animal fur cause a reaction, what are the possible allergens?
Chinchillas have thick fur, but allergies to chinchilla fur are very rare. This is due to the fact that it does not contain allergenic protein, and animals do not lick themselves like cats, whose saliva contains huge amounts of allergenic protein. Another feature is that these animals hardly shed, so their fur is not scattered all over the room.
IMPORTANT: Chinchillas have neither sweat nor sebaceous glands, which once again proves the safety of their fur.
The main allergens that can cause allergic symptoms are:
- Saliva;
- excrement;
- animal urine.
Often it is contact with animal products that causes a human reaction. This happens either when cleaning the animal's cage or when a person picks up the chinchilla.
Rodents
Rodents such as guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and chinchillas produce dander in the same way as cats and dogs. The main difference is the ability to prevent allergens from spreading throughout your home. These miniature pets usually live in cages, so most of their allergenic dander is not carried around the apartment.
People with allergies may not interact with pet rodents, but can live with them in the same home without complaint.
Skinny and Baldwin
It’s not just cats and dogs that are “naked”. Skinny and Baldwin
are a type of guinea pig that do not have hair. They look like little funny hippos. These pigs are very kind and pleasant to the touch. They are easy to care for, but you should carefully protect them from hypothermia and drafts.
Chinchillas
If you are allergic or experience asthma attacks, but at the same time you really love animals and decide to find the most hypoallergenic pet, then here it is. Chinchillas are the most harmless rodents for those who are afraid of close contacts with animals.
This is explained by the fact that chinchillas do not have sebaceous and sweat glands, their fur does not emit unpleasant odors, and even their waste does not carry strong odors, such as, for example, rabbits, hamsters and rats. Therefore, a chinchilla's toilet can be cleaned no more than once a week.
Chinchillas are clean people. Due to the fact that the fur of these animals is very dense, they do not have parasites. These rodents do not need to be washed in water. According to the rules for caring for chinchillas, they need to be bathed in fine sand. This procedure is very beneficial for the health of furry pets. By wallowing in the sand, chinchillas get rid of moisture accumulated in their fur.
Syrian hamster
Syrian hamsters are the most common type of domestic rodent. Due to the fact that hamsters live in cages, their dander does not scatter throughout the apartment. Syrian hamsters are also very clean and take care of themselves. But cleaning the hamster’s living space still remains on the owner’s conscience.
Which people are more likely to have allergies - a risk group
A small child is most susceptible to allergic reactions. This is not surprising, since the immune system in children is not yet fully developed. If this is an adult, then it is worth noting that the presence of chronic diseases significantly increases the likelihood of developing an allergic disease.
The category of people who may suffer from respiratory diseases, namely asthma, is also a large risk group.
allergic reaction to chinchilla
Reaction to decorative rodents
Decorative rodents, like ordinary ones, very rarely cause allergies. If this does happen, the cause may be a reaction to saliva, skin particles, urine and feces of animals. Factors that provoke allergies are hereditary predisposition and decreased immunity.
When tiny particles of chinchilla fur or waste products enter the human body, histamine is produced, which provokes an allergy that requires immediate treatment.
How to recognize danger?
If you suspect you have a reaction to chinchilla fur, it's helpful to know what the symptoms might be. These are usually the same symptoms as any other allergy:
- Rhinitis.
- Redness of the eyes, tears.
- Sneeze.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Possible rash and redness on the skin.
- Fatigue and drowsiness.
- Possible headache.
The listed symptoms may appear immediately after contact with the animal, or they may take some time to appear. If symptoms appear quickly, they can be difficult for a person to cope with and the consequences can be very serious. Reasonable measures must be taken.
Chinchilla allergy symptoms
Important: The first symptoms of a chinchilla allergy may be constant or intermittent. So the symptoms may be:
- sudden onset of suffocation;
- swelling of the entire face;
- rash and swelling of the nasal cavity;
- intercostal muscle paralysis;
- swollen tongue and inability to swallow saliva;
- possible nettle effect;
- Dyspnea;
- coughing;
- Cry;
- Conjunctivitis;
- rhinitis;
- sometimes a short-term loss of consciousness may occur;
- Anaphylactic shock (is the most dangerous symptom, since its development can lead to cardiac arrest;
In more complex cases, symptoms vary. Among them it is worth mentioning, for example:
- Quincke's edema;
- severe and prolonged rhinitis;
- Severe swelling of the entire nasal cavity, making breathing difficult;
All of the above symptoms may not appear immediately, but after a few days (usually after 3-4 days). There have also been documented cases where the body's reaction to an animal became obvious only a year after purchase.
If after a week or two your family members are still not showing any symptoms, they most likely do not have a pet allergy.
Does chinchilla cause allergies?
Keeping chinchillas at home gained popularity in Russia several decades ago. The animals are not demanding, do not take up much space, are very funny and friendly, and have a bright personality. However, most people still know very little about these animals, which is why there is an opinion that chinchillas are hypoallergenic.
Are there allergies to chinchillas? It happens like any other animal: a dog, cat, rabbit, rat or hamster.
The advantage of the chinchilla is that it does not have sweat glands, and all waste products of the rodent contain a very small amount of Fel D1 proteins, which most often become the causes of allergic reactions.
Another plus is that chinchillas hardly shed, which means there will be no hair, excess fur, or dust in the apartment.
Reduces the risk of allergies and keeping rodents in large cages - there is no need to let them out for walks around the apartment.
If you suspect the possibility of an allergy, before purchasing an animal, it is better to hold it in your hands for a while and see how the body reacts. There is another method - puncturing. It is used to diagnose the presence of high sensitivity to the animal’s fur. Puncture is safe even for small children, and the disadvantages include only establishing a reaction at a given specific moment.
An allergy to a chinchilla can appear a year or two after purchasing a pet.
Peculiarities
A characteristic feature of chinchilla allergy is that it is more common in children than in adults. The immune system of children is more susceptible to pathogenic microorganisms and therefore reacts more strongly to the proximity of foreign proteins.
Chinchilla allergies are common in people with asthma. However, if the child has reached adolescence and does not suffer from intolerance or asthma, chinchilla intolerance is unlikely. The answer to the question of whether adults are allergic to chinchilla is positive. However, this happens much less frequently.
However, before purchasing chinchillas, both children and adults should take a test to see if they are allergic to chinchillas. This is done in a clinic for the treatment of skin and sexually transmitted diseases or in a special clinic.
It is necessary to appoint an allergist to conduct the test. A solution of the main chinchilla allergen is applied to the skin of the patient's forearm, after which the doctor determines whether an allergic reaction has occurred.
How to recognize your allergies?
In general, allergic symptoms are similar to those of allergies to other pathogens. Particular attention should be paid to your condition if you notice itching and characteristic rashes on the skin after contact with an animal. Secondary symptoms:
If the allergy is complex, it may have more serious consequences, such as choking or persistent coughing. It is also worth paying attention to blood pressure: with allergies, blood pressure may be higher than normal.
General symptoms such as heart failure, trigone cyanosis in the nose and mouth, and various skin problems such as hives may also occur.
In some severe cases, the nervous system is affected, making the patient irritable and lethargic. Headaches and insomnia are common. The general condition of the body may initially be mistaken for normal fatigue or overwork.
The most serious consequences of an allergic reaction are Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the form of suffocation, the face swells unnaturally, and there is a risk of death due to paralysis of the facial muscles. Note that in the case of anaphylactic shock, it develops quickly and, in the absence of a real threat, the condition can sharply worsen in a very short time.
What to do at the first sign of a chinchilla allergy?
If symptoms of an allergic reaction were not noticed until your new friend arrived home, it is important to make a holistic diagnosis:
- First of all, you need to analyze what the pet cage is made of, as well as additional accessories and add-ons, and check their composition.
- Then take the animal to the veterinarian to identify hidden diseases in the animal itself. If there are no problems with the above options, consult your doctor.
- To accurately diagnose the presence of an allergy, your doctor will recommend a series of samples and tests that should be done as soon as possible. This will help identify the object or substance to which you may have developed an allergy.
The most common test recommended by your doctor is the so-called prick test. Using this test, you can quickly and accurately determine the cause of an allergic reaction and determine the body's resistance to the allergen.
Keep in mind that children are a particular risk group for this type of allergy. Children have weak immune systems, making it more difficult for them to resist illness naturally. Children with complications and disorders of the respiratory system are at particular risk. Before getting a pet, it is useful to take your child for a general medical examination to identify any allergies.
How to protect yourself and avoid allergic reactions?
Those who have decided to get a pet, but are hesitant due to the possible development of an allergic reaction and increased asthma attacks, should adhere to the following recommendations.
- Purity.
In order to get rid of allergens in the air in a timely manner, you need to wet clean your apartment at least twice a week. You should regularly wash bed linen, clean soft surfaces of furniture and carpet, bathe and comb your pets. - Fertility
is the ability to reproduce. Spayed and neutered pets produce only a small amount of antigens, and therefore are safer for adults and children with allergies. - Feed.
As we wrote above, specialized animal food may contain substances that provoke allergies in humans. Try to feed your pets healthy and natural food. - Allergy.
Before bringing an animal into your home, visit an allergist and get the necessary tests to identify allergies, if any. Or specify what you may have an allergic reaction to. - Compatibility.
Regardless of the hypoallergenic breed of your future pet, it is always recommended to spend time with the animal before bringing it into your home. This will help determine whether the animal is compatible with your allergic and temperamental requirements. - Habitat.
Try to locate your pet's cage, basket, or sleeping place away from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system so that allergens spread more slowly throughout the house. Using an air purifier can help stop the spread of these allergens. The breather ventilation device can effectively purify the air from organic compounds present in pet dander and saliva, as well as remove larger dust particles. This will help many allergy owners feel more comfortable with their furry friends in the same space.
There is a place for an animal in every person’s home, which means that allergy sufferers should not deny themselves the pleasure of having their own animal at home. The main thing is to make the right choice!
Author: Polina Tarasova
How to cure chinchilla allergies and is it possible?
Allergies do not go away on their own; they require a number of preventive and therapeutic measures. However, timely response will speed up the process. If complex treatment is chosen when an allergy is detected, a number of the following procedures will be required:
- Your doctor will prescribe antihistamines. This group is aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of allergies, such as itching, swelling and congestion. The most desirable agents are the 3rd and 2nd generation. They are universal and have a minimum set of contraindications.
- To increase the overall resistance of the body, a number of general steroid drugs are also prescribed.
- A number of hormonal drugs are prescribed, the main function of which is anti-allergic. However, medications from this group should only be taken under medical supervision. Steroid medications come in different forms: ointments, tablets, drops and sprays. The choice of the form of the drug is influenced by the general condition of the person at the time of treatment procedures. For example, in the mildest conditions, the doctor will usually prescribe tablets or sprays.
- If the disease is severe, injections are prescribed.
- Sorbents. Despite the fact that this group of drugs does not have an anti-allergic effect, it cleanses the body quite well of toxins and heavy substances that simply cause allergies. Sorbents also block the possibility of severe blood infection and, as a result, the spread of the virus throughout the body. To improve the overall result of therapy, a group of enterosorbents is prescribed.
Today, the SIT method is considered the most effective way to treat allergic reactions. The main method of this therapy is to create immunity and resistance to the allergen. Over time, the body reacts more tolerantly, after which complex procedures are carried out. SIT is a method of long-term treatment, but during its implementation a person does not require many medications, including hormonal ones. This method allows you to eliminate allergic reactions for a long time, especially after 2-3 courses of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Allergy treatment
To treat allergies, medications are used to reduce skin irritation, as well as hyperemia and swelling. Most often, Zyrtec or Claritin is prescribed in the dosage required for the person. For more serious manifestations of the disease, hormonal medications are prescribed. These include various steroid drugs in different forms:
- Ointments,
- Pills,
- Drops,
- Injections.
The form of the medicine is determined by the severity of the allergy. Injections are prescribed only in life-threatening cases. In addition to general therapy, sorbents such as Enterosgel are prescribed - they allow you to quickly and effectively remove toxins from the human body.
How to identify an allergen - diagnosis
If you are the victim of a chinchilla allergy, it is unlikely that you will be able to identify the allergen on your own. The fact is that the main reasons do not always lie in a harmless animal.
Sometimes the allergen can be a new food or material from the cage in which the animal lives. Therefore, if you experience an allergic reaction, it is worth visiting an allergist.
The first thing a doctor will recommend after obtaining an allergy history from a patient is to perform an allergen test. The most common is the scar test, in which the doctor makes a small scratch on the skin and then applies a suspected allergen to it.
If a reaction occurs in the form of redness and swelling, then based on these symptoms an allergy is confirmed. Otherwise, additional tests and examinations will be necessary to determine the cause of the disease.
Diagnostics
If allergy attacks coincide with the appearance of a chinchilla in the house, the new pet may not necessarily be the cause. There may be a reaction to the animal’s food or to the materials with which the cage is equipped. To clarify the diagnosis, you need to contact an allergist.
The doctor will determine whether the painful condition is an allergy or, for example, a common cold. A blood test is done. High levels of immunoglobulin E indicate an allergic reaction. The analysis also makes it possible to determine the specific stimulus.
A skin test may be performed:
- application - a cotton pad soaked with an irritant is applied to the skin;
- prick test – a drop of allergen is applied, then the skin is pierced with a needle;
- scarification - small scratches are made on the forearm, where the irritant is injected.
Doctors then monitor the patient's condition for half an hour. If irritation, redness, and swelling appear during this time, it means the test gave a positive result.
What to do for allergies - treatment methods
To get a positive result from allergy treatment, it is necessary to eliminate any contact with the allergen. If you are allergic to chinchilla, you do not always need to get rid of the animal. If your allergy is mild, you can avoid symptoms by taking certain precautions.
Drug therapy to relieve symptoms
Treatment of any allergy must be comprehensive and symptomatic, so allergic reactions to chinchillas are no exception. To alleviate the general condition, as well as relieve symptoms, it is necessary to take antihistamines. Their choice is quite large, however, depending on the severity of the disease, specific generations of antihistamines are recommended.
IMPORTANT: First generation antihistamines (for example, Suprastin, Diphenhydramine) should be taken with caution, as they cause a number of side effects.
The safest antihistamines for both adults and children are the newest third-generation drugs (Erius, Zyrtec, etc.).
Various allergic ointments can help relieve skin symptoms (rash, redness and itching): Gistan, Actovegin, Bepanten, etc. More severe symptoms require ointments of corticosteroid hormones (for example, hydrocotisone).
NOTE: Therapy with hormonal ointments should not be prolonged. They should be used only as directed by a doctor and only as directed.
Every allergy sufferer must understand that each allergic disease requires an individual approach and treatment. It is important to start treatment at the right time to avoid complications. In addition, it is important to remember that any self-medication can not only aggravate symptoms, but also cause irreparable damage to health.
Cleansing the body
Treatment of allergic diseases should be aimed not only at eliminating the symptoms of the reaction, but also at removing allergenic substances from the human body. Therefore, many doctors recommend that their patients take more fluids during illness in order to remove allergens from the blood as quickly as possible.
You can also prescribe enterosorbents, which remove not only toxins from the body, but also allergenic substances. The most common enterosorbents:
Where to buy?
Hypoallergenic chinchillas are sold in standard pet stores. It is not recommended to purchase animals from someone else’s hands, because in this case you can purchase an animal that is sick with something. This is fraught with the occurrence of not only an allergic reaction, but also other diseases. In order to avoid such a situation, a hypoallergenic chinchilla should be purchased exclusively from specialized pet stores, because there the animals are carefully checked and receive all the necessary vaccinations.
Prevention
To avoid allergies, it is not recommended to place your pet's crate in the bedroom. However, allergies are not the only reason for this recommendation. At dusk, chinchillas become very active, and at night they can scream loudly, fight, play noisy games and even fight.
The animal's activity often results in the owner not sleeping well, and switching the animal to daytime mode can be very difficult. If allergic symptoms occur, avoid direct contact with the animal if possible and wipe the cage with special gloves and a disposable medical mask.
You can also delegate cleaning and feeding of your pet to a family member. The most effective measure to prevent allergies is to purchase an air purifier and humidifier.
Such a device purifies the air in the apartment from various spores, skin microparticles, dust and hair. Equally important is regular wet cleaning and good ventilation of the apartment. If signs of an allergy appear, it is necessary to take care of the cleanliness of the cat's cage, avoid excessive contamination of the litter, as well as daily baths in the sand.
Are there hypoallergenic chinchillas?
The answer to this question is clear - yes, they exist. Despite the above information, of all pets that exist that do not live in an aquarium and are not covered with scales, the chinchilla is the most hypoallergenic animal.
These rodents do not use their own saliva in their daily hygiene. This is another benefit for allergy sufferers, as most pets' saliva causes an allergic reaction. The Chinchilla does not shed and produces small amounts of sweat and sebaceous glands, but is still affectionate, lively and friendly, making it a wonderful pet.
How does contact with an allergen occur?
The fur of a fluffy animal in itself does not cause allergies. A person begins to show specific symptoms when picking up an animal or cleaning a cage. The immune system reacts to the irritant by coming into contact with sawdust, which contains particles of urine and excrement.
Contact with the allergen also occurs during feeding and playing with the chinchilla. The animal's movement is limited to the cage, which does not cause a sudden aggravation. Unlike cats and dogs, these cute creatures do not shed their fur, so their fur does not bring any discomfort to the owner. During the day they prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle and are very fond of sweet sleep.
Dogs
Dogs also have harmful secretions that cause complex reactions in the human immune system. The allergenic protein secreted by our four-legged friends is called Can F1. This substance is found in saliva, feces, epithelium, paraanal and sebaceous glands located in the epidermis at the base of the coat.
Just like cats, there are no completely hypoallergenic dogs. But there are breeds that emit small amounts of dangerous allergenic protein.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested, in comparison with its similar counterparts (American Hairless Terrier and Xoloitzcuintle), is affordable and is also considered the most hypoallergenic breed. The Chinese Crested has 70% of its fur missing. The presence of long hair on the ears, paws and tail will also not cause problems for its owners, since the dog hardly sheds.
Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkshire Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Yorkies and Miniature Schnauzers are also quite anti-allergenic breeds. Despite the fact that their fur is long and tough, it rarely sheds.
Bichon Frize and Shih Tzu
Bichon Frize
This dog breed also has virtually no shedding hair, which makes them quite safe for asthmatics. Dead fur can be removed with a comb. Dogs of these breeds are active and require a lot of attention from the owner.
Shih Tzu
Poodle
Poodles are included in the list of non-allergenic dogs because they do not shed and do not emit specific odors. Representatives of this breed can be miniature or standard size, and have a curly coat that traps dandruff within the undercoat. The breed requires periodic grooming and frequent bathing. Poodles are aristocratic and have a gentle character, are well trained and devoted to their owner.
Samoyed husky
The coat of Samoyeds, like that of poodles, does not have a specific “dog” smell, traps allergens and does not tangle. Samoyed huskies get along well with children, are easy to train and obedient.
Whippet
The short, delicate coat of these dogs, similar in appearance to hounds, does not shed. The animal's skin emits a small proportion of allergens, which with proper care are reduced to a minimum.
Prevention measures
Preventive measures for chinchilla allergies are aimed at reducing or eliminating the effect of allergens on sensitized individuals.
If the allergic reaction is severe, the animal should be given as a gift to a friend. For mild allergic reactions, certain rules must be followed:
- It is necessary to purchase air purifiers that purify the air of allergenic substances.
- Wet cleaning should be carried out daily.
- You should clean your pet's cage as often as possible and do so using a face mask and rubber gloves.
- From time to time, disinfect your pet's cage by rinsing it with boiling water.
- Ventilate the room in which the animal is located several times a day.
- Do not lift the animal.
- Don't keep a chinchilla's cage in your bedroom.
- Do not stay near the animal for long periods of time.
Allergies to chinchillas are quite rare. This is due to the fact that its fur is hypoallergenic due to the animal’s lack of sweat and sebaceous glands. In addition, its waste products do not contain an allergenic protein, which is found in large quantities in the saliva of cats or dogs.
In addition, these animals are distinguished by a high degree of purity. Given all these facts, most people with allergies can successfully own a chinchilla as a pet.
Antihistamines
If your chinchilla allergy has recently started, then antihistamines are all you need. These drugs help suppress the production of histamine, which in turn reduces the symptoms of rhinitis, cough, etc. It is recommended to take 2nd and 3rd generation drugs (Loratidine, Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.), which affect allergic symptoms with virtually no side effects.
First generation drugs cause drowsiness, so their use is contraindicated for drivers, car enthusiasts, and pilots.
Glucocorticosteroids
Hormonal drugs that have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects are called glucocorticosteroids. In case of complications or serious illness, they should be taken under close medical supervision. Glucocorticosteroids come in several forms:
- pills;
- Ointment;
- injection;
- drops;
- Spray.
Your doctor can determine the best medicine for you based on your current condition. For example, tablets are typically prescribed for long-term use, while injections are typically prescribed for emergency treatment of the life-threatening effects of allergies.
It is worth noting that chinchilla allergy, although quite rare, is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
Therefore, both diagnosis and subsequent pharmacotherapy are very important. It should be remembered that self-medication is harmful to health, so drugs should be taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Amphibians
The cold nature of reptiles does not appeal to everyone. However, due to the absence of dandruff, fur and toxic secretions, cold-blooded animals are considered good friends with allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
Keeping lizards, turtles, snails and aquarium fish
will not affect the human immune system in any way. If, however, allergy symptoms do appear, then in most cases this will be associated with their habitat. For example, some species of turtles need moisture. And if you pay little attention to the cleanliness of the terrarium, mold may appear, which can provoke an allergic reaction.
It is also worth paying special attention to cleaning products for aquariums and terrariums and animal food. Often this is where the danger lies for everyone who is subject to a violent immune reaction to an irritant.
Chameleon
Some people think that keeping a chameleon in the house as a pet is very exotic. However, for an allergy sufferer, a chameleon will come in handy, since this lizard is hypoallergenic. They are friendly and intelligent, and also love to hunt insects.
The only difficulty will arise in organizing a habitat, since chameleons love to climb tree branches; at home, they should not be deprived of this opportunity.
Fish
Aquarium fish are a good option for a child or adult with allergies. You just need to find out whether dry fish food causes a reaction, since special components in the food can cause a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and skin rashes, especially on the hands.
Most often, an allergic body may react to fish food made from ground crustaceans. And it’s not even about the crustaceans themselves, but about their chitinous shell, which contains an allergenic protein.
It is better to entrust feeding the fish to a person without allergies or replace dry food with natural food.
Gecko
These cute lizards are more endearing to children than the aforementioned chameleons. They are active, smiling, sociable... and eat cockroaches
