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Best Pet Allergy Treatment in Atlanta

Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is a leading provider of environmental allergy care in Atlanta. If you or your child suffer from mild, moderate or severe symptoms after exposure to animal dander, our allergy specialists can offer a proven pet allergy treatment. We identify whether proteins from cats, dogs, birds or other animals are causing a reaction. With this insight we can develop a personalized allergy management plan that works for you.

How We Diagnose a Pet Allergy

Pet allergies are immune system reactions to proteins in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine. While allergens can come from many animals, the most common are cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and other household pets. Diagnosing a pet allergy usually begins with an assessment of your symptoms.

Sneezing and a runny nose.
Itchy or watery eyes.
Hives, rashes or eczema flare-ups.
Coughing or wheezing.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

As these symptoms are possible as a response to most common types of allergies, your allergist will need to perform tests to see how your immune system responds to specific allergens.

Our Pet Allergy Treatment Approach

Our comprehensive allergy testing process typically involves skin prick or blood testing. A skin prick test is a simple procedure where allergens (in tiny amounts) are first placed on the arm or back. Next, the skin beneath the allergen spots is gently pricked to see how the body responds. Blood testing that uses laboratory analysis may also be used. A blood test will measure the actual levels of antibodies in the blood that are signaling an allergic response.

If the test results are positive, our allergists will develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize the risk of experiencing a severe reaction. For some patients, targeted medication will prevent symptoms. An alternative approach is to use immunotherapy treatment (known as allergy shots). This is a desensitization process where patients receive safe doses of an allergen as their immune system gradually builds tolerance.

Common Questions About Pet Allergies

Do pet allergies go away over time?

Pet allergies do not usually go away over time without allergen desensitization treatment. To prevent or substantially reduce reactions to pet allergens requires immunotherapy or allergy shots over several months, along with 3–5 years of maintenance treatment.

Can pet allergies trigger asthma symptoms?

Pet allergies can trigger asthma symptoms, as reactions from pet dander, saliva or urine cause inflammation in the airways. This inflammation can cause asthma flare-ups, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Can I keep my pet if I have a pet allergy?

Many people with pet allergies can keep their pets by following a treatment plan from their allergist. Depending on the severity of symptoms, air purifiers, restricting pets to certain areas of the home, medication and immunotherapy can all help prevent reactions.

Comprehensive Pet Allergy Treatment and Testing in Atlanta

For an accurate allergy diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, visit the team at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. We provide pet allergy management for adults and children in the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.

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Chacko Allergy, Asthma & Sinus center has been treating Atlanta-area patients for over 15 years. Our commitment to patient well-being is second to none.

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Best Pet Allergy Treatment in Atlanta

How We Diagnose a Pet Allergy