I’ve never struggled with seasonal allergies before. I’ve always been one of those people who complain about the temperature and not about the pollen.
Until this year, when I suddenly developed a terrible tree pollen allergy and became a sniffly mess who could no longer hear out of one ear. After a few months of pretending everything is fine, definitely fine, no worries, a doctor confirmed the annoyance that was “just allergies.”
I was a little worried that my two beasts, who delightfully shed all over the house, could be the problem. To that I said, “Sounds like your problem, Shields,” but luckily it just looks like I have a bone to pick with birch trees.
So while things continue on as they’ve always continued on. I will keep sniffling during our daily walks. I will immediately turn on the fan as I come in, enjoying a pleasant breeze while I hear the munch and crunch of tiny teeth.
I did wonder, what would I do if I had a problem with pet dander? Obviously, pet baths would increase 10-fold. My vacuum would become not only my third best friend, but it would be clean as a whistle. Each pet would discover its own comfortable way of being brushed. I would research every possible way to remove those fine, black hairs from bedding, furniture, carpets and clothing.
Aside from the fact I should probably do some of this stuff now anyway, why bother doing this? I think by now we’ve all become a little attached to our pets, myself included. I have heard about people who, unhappily, had to find new homes for Fluffy and/or Fido because their allergies were just too much to handle. I hate it, but I get it. Some choices unfortunately make themselves.
I consider myself a lucky hooman, thanks to the fact I can enjoy both cats and dogs. My dad, big cat problem, but only sometimes for some reason, so he’s made some tight-knit connections with cool cats like Cairo. I’ve met plenty of others who have buried their faces in the fluffy fur of an animal their doctor has probably suggested, you know, not touching. And there are always those rescue workers who will clean kennels, fill metal bowls, and give as much love out as they can, in a shelter or in their own homes, even if it means a watery eye or two.
I did learn once that people can be allergic to either saliva or dander, or even both, so that may be why some pets are perfect matches for allergy sufferers and others are, well, not. The ASPCA does have some tips for those who want to work past their allergies, too.
I know, there are options to help with allergies of all kinds, from pets to trees to flowers and fruit; pills, shots, the whole nine yards.
Sometimes it’s good to live in the modern world, especially when it means having some options regarding handling allergies to any furry friends.
