Allergies to rabbits: Difference between revisions

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After bringing a rabbit home, some owners may find that they have increased allergy symptoms. Rabbit allergens are present in their dander, hair, urine, and saliva.<ref>Mayo Clinic. (2013). Pet allergy. Retrieved 22 September 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/causes/con-20028932</ref><ref name="jd-2021"/>
After bring a rabbit home, some people may find that they have increased allergy symptoms. Rabbit allergens are present in their dander, hair, and saliva.<ref>Mayo Clinic. (2013). Pet allergy. Retrieved 22 September 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/causes/con-20028932</ref>


== What am I allergic to? ==
== What am I allergic to? ==
Often, people who suffer from allergies with rabbits in the same household are not actually allergic to the rabbit specifically but rather the [[hay]]. There are a few different ways to cut down on hay allergies:
Often, people who suffer from allergies with rabbits in the same household are not actually allergic to the rabbit specifically but rather the [[hay]]. If allergic to rabbits, rabbit saliva is the most potent allergen source.<ref name="jd-2021">Jeffrey G Demain, MD, FAAAAI. (2021). Rabbit allergy. Retrieved 24 Jan 2024 from https://www.aaaai.org/allergist-resources/ask-the-expert/answers/2021/rabbit</ref>
 
== What should I do if I have a hay allergy? ==
There are a few different ways to cut down on hay allergies:
* Look for second-cutting hay.
* Look for second-cutting hay.
* Mist hay with a water bottle to cut down on dust.
* Mist hay with a water bottle to cut down on dust.
* Change hays from timothy to orchard grass or oat hay which have been anecdotally much better for people with hay allergies.
* Change [[hay]] from timothy to orchard grass or oat hay which have been anecdotally much better for people with hay allergies.
* Wear an N95 or KN94 mask and gardening gloves when handling hay to feed your rabbit.
* Set up an {{amazon|id=B004VGIGVY|name=air filtration unit}}. The best are HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration units, which pull microscopic dust, fur and other particles from the air.
* Seek medical assistance. Be sure to try the various OTC allergy medications available (Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra and their generics) as each type may have a different effectiveness on different people.
 
== What should I do if I am allergic to my rabbits? ==
If you are actually allergic to the rabbit and their hair, dander, or urine, some tips that may help you include the following:<ref name="livingwith">Smith, S. (1999). Living with Rabbit Allergies. Retrieved 15 March 2016 from http://rabbit.org/living-with-rabbit-allergies/</ref>


If you are actually allergic to the rabbit and its hair, dander, or urine, some tips that may help you include the following:<ref name="livingwith">Smith, S. (1999). Living with Rabbit Allergies. Retrieved 15 March 2016 from http://rabbit.org/living-with-rabbit-allergies/</ref>
* Minimize direct contact. Never touch your face directly after interacting with your rabbit or their possessions. Make sure to wash your hands after visiting. Wear a {{amazon|id=B07RLLCJZF|name=filtering mask}} and/or special clothes when cleaning their cage.
* Minimize direct contact. Never touch your face directly after interacting with your rabbit or its possessions. Make sure to wash your hands after visiting. Wear a mask and/or special clothes when cleaning their cage.
* Limit the rooms your rabbit can get into, especially your office or bedroom.
* Limit the rooms your rabbits can get into, especially your office or bedroom.
* Buy an {{amazon|id=B004VGIGVY|name=air filtration unit}}. The best are HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration units, which pull microscopic dust, fur and other particles from the air.
* Buy an air filtration unit. The best are HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration units, which pull microscopic dust, fur and other particles from the air.
* Vacuum rabbit-accessible areas often to decrease hair, dust, and dander.
* Vacuum rabbit-accessible areas often to decrease hair, dust, and dander.
* AllerPet/C
* {{amazon|id=B000S0L0M4|name=AllerPet/C}}, {{amazon|id=B00SX2N2U2|name=Nature's Miracle Allergen Blocker}}
* Petal Cleanse from Bio-Life
* Seek medical assistance. Be sure to try the various OTC allergy medications available (Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra and their generics) as each type may have a different effectiveness on different people.
* Seek medical assistance. Be sure to try the various OTC allergy medications available (Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra and their generics) as each type may have a different effectiveness on different people.
 
== Experiences ==
* Reddit. (2019). [https:///reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/agyz9q/dae_get_respiratory_allergies_to_buns/ DAE get respiratory allergies to buns]
* Reddit. (2015). [https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/3cgjem/apparently_im_allergic_to_my_baby/Apparently I'm allergic to my baby]
* Laurie Ansberry. (1999). [https://houserabbit.org/a-fosterers-allergy-experience/ A Fosterer's Allergy Experience]


== Further reading ==
== Further reading ==
* The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. [https://vet.osu.edu/sites/vet.osu.edu/files/legacy/documents/pdf/education/mph-vph/allergic%20to%20your%20rodent.pdf Allergic to your rodent or rabbit?]
* The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. [https://vet.osu.edu/sites/vet.osu.edu/files/legacy/documents/pdf/education/mph-vph/allergic%20to%20your%20rodent.pdf Allergic to your rodent or rabbit?] [PDF]
* House Rabbit Network, Tania Castaneda, [http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/allergies.shtml Bunny Foo and the Hachoo! Factor]. Published 2002.
* Tania Castaneda. (2002). [https://www.rabbitnetwork.org/education-resources/articles/adoption-rescue-and-general-articles-2/bunny-foo-and-the-hachoo-factor/ Bunny Foo and the Hachoo! Factor].
* Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue, [http://www.magichappensrescue.com/allergies.html Allergies & Rabbits]
* Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue. [http://www.magichappensrescue.com/Resources/AllergyProblems.aspx Allergy Problems?]
* House Rabbit Society, Susan Smith, Ph.D., [http://rabbit.org/living-with-rabbit-allergies/ Living with Rabbit Allergies]. Published 1999.
* Susan Smith, Ph.D. (1999). [https://houserabbit.org/living-with-rabbit-allergies/ Living with Rabbit Allergies].
* Kathy Smith, [http://www.lagomorphs.com/allergies.pdf Rabbits and Allergies]. Published 2004.
* Kathy Smith. (2004). [[Media:Kathysmith-allergies.pdf|Rabbits and Allergies]] [PDF]
* The Buckeye House Rabbit Society, Kristi Cole, [http://www.ohare.org/vol3_3.htm#fur When the Fur is Flying ...]
* Kristi Cole. [http://www.ohare.org/vol3_3.htm#fur When the Fur is Flying ...]
* Rabbit Rescue & Rehab, [http://www.rabbitcare.org/NYC%20Metro%20Rabbit%20News%20Fall%2009.pdf NYC Metro Rabbit News, Fall 2009,] Mary Cotter, Ed.D, “HELP! I’m Allergic to My Rabbit!”
* Rabbit Rescue & Rehab. [http://www.rabbitcare.org/NYC%20Metro%20Rabbit%20News%20Fall%2009.pdf NYC Metro Rabbit News, Fall 2009,] Mary Cotter, Ed.D, “HELP! I’m Allergic to My Rabbit!”
* bunnyhugga, [http://www.bunnyhugga.com/allergies.html Allergic reactions to rabbits and how to minimise]
* bunnyhugga. (2010). [http://www.bunnyhugga.com/allergies.html Allergic reactions to rabbits and how to minimise]
* Red Door Animal Shelter. [http://www.reddoorshelter.org/allergies_to_dogs_cats_rabbits.php#rabbit Allergies & Animals >> Rabbit-related Allergies?]
* Red Door Animal Shelter. [http://www.reddoorshelter.org/allergies_to_dogs_cats_rabbits.php#rabbit Allergies & Animals >> Rabbit-related Allergies?]
* Cavy Spirit, Inc., [http://www.cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm Living with Guinea Pig Allergies]
* Cavy Spirit, Inc. [http://www.cavyspirit.com/allergies.htm Living with Guinea Pig Allergies]  
 
The following are some experiences with rabbit allergies and how rabbit owners dealt with them.
* House Rabbit Society, Laurie Ansberry, [http://rabbit.org/a-fosterers-allergy-experience/ A Fosterer's Allergy Experience]. Published 1999.
* Reddit, [https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/3cgjem/apparently_im_allergic_to_my_baby/Apparently I'm allergic to my baby]


Studies and Papers.
Studies and Papers:
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2693847/ Allergic Asthma and Rhinitis Caused by Household Rabbit Exposure: Identification of Serum-Specific IgE and Its Allergens], J Korean Med Sci. 2007 Oct; 22(5): 820–824.
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2693847/ Allergic Asthma and Rhinitis Caused by Household Rabbit Exposure: Identification of Serum-Specific IgE and Its Allergens], J Korean Med Sci. 2007 Oct; 22(5): 820–824.


Latest revision as of 12:04, 29 October 2024

After bringing a rabbit home, some owners may find that they have increased allergy symptoms. Rabbit allergens are present in their dander, hair, urine, and saliva.[1][2]

What am I allergic to?

Often, people who suffer from allergies with rabbits in the same household are not actually allergic to the rabbit specifically but rather the hay. If allergic to rabbits, rabbit saliva is the most potent allergen source.[2]

What should I do if I have a hay allergy?

There are a few different ways to cut down on hay allergies:

  • Look for second-cutting hay.
  • Mist hay with a water bottle to cut down on dust.
  • Change hay from timothy to orchard grass or oat hay which have been anecdotally much better for people with hay allergies.
  • Wear an N95 or KN94 mask and gardening gloves when handling hay to feed your rabbit.
  • Set up an air filtration unit. The best are HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration units, which pull microscopic dust, fur and other particles from the air.
  • Seek medical assistance. Be sure to try the various OTC allergy medications available (Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra and their generics) as each type may have a different effectiveness on different people.

What should I do if I am allergic to my rabbits?

If you are actually allergic to the rabbit and their hair, dander, or urine, some tips that may help you include the following:[3]

  • Minimize direct contact. Never touch your face directly after interacting with your rabbit or their possessions. Make sure to wash your hands after visiting. Wear a filtering mask and/or special clothes when cleaning their cage.
  • Limit the rooms your rabbit can get into, especially your office or bedroom.
  • Buy an air filtration unit. The best are HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration units, which pull microscopic dust, fur and other particles from the air.
  • Vacuum rabbit-accessible areas often to decrease hair, dust, and dander.
  • AllerPet/C, Nature's Miracle Allergen Blocker
  • Seek medical assistance. Be sure to try the various OTC allergy medications available (Flonase, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra and their generics) as each type may have a different effectiveness on different people.

Experiences

Further reading

Studies and Papers:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mayo Clinic. (2013). Pet allergy. Retrieved 22 September 2015 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/basics/causes/con-20028932
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jeffrey G Demain, MD, FAAAAI. (2021). Rabbit allergy. Retrieved 24 Jan 2024 from https://www.aaaai.org/allergist-resources/ask-the-expert/answers/2021/rabbit
  3. ↑ Smith, S. (1999). Living with Rabbit Allergies. Retrieved 15 March 2016 from http://rabbit.org/living-with-rabbit-allergies/
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