Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

Fifie · Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 2:02 am Post subject: allergies vs having hamsters

I have cough for few days... even weeks so I went to see doctor but the doctor said I have allergies to pets that have fur but seriously I don't believe him. I thought that if someone have allergy, it will start immediately but I was fine when I entered the pet shop or play with cats and were fine with my hamsters. I suspected that my cough was from my dad but both my parents insisted that I throw away all my hamsters if I want to be healthy back. I want to be healthy but I don't want to be separated from my babies and grandchildren (hamsters). So, my question is... what is the symtoms of allergy to animal and if I do have the allergy, how can I still keep my babies without affecting my own health?

Dr Chong · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 666 Location: KL

Based on my own experience as an asthma patient, when allergies occur, other than coughing, there some other symptoms, like having an excess mucus drooling out from nose or into the throat, and the throat will have a itching feeling. Sometimes, when a person think he/she is allergic to the hamster, he/she may be in fact allergic to the substrate/bedding used for their hamster. Bedding can serve as an allergen as well in some people. However, if you do find yourself allergic to the presence of your hamster, then your parents have got a point.

nicoty_yne · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: penang

u still can keep ur hamsters, fifie.. But aviod kissing them.. change the bedding frequently to avoid smell..

I have the same problem as ur.. it happen after i feed my bunny with grass (alfafa n timothy).. Even after i stop feeding him with grass, i still caugh n sneeze.. but now a bit less bcoz stop kissing n never let them playing on my bed..

Hope this helping u ..

Ali Anwar · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 16 Location: singapore

Dude! I am cat lover and I also allergic to my cats! IF you have a histroy of asthma, then you should not hugging and kissing your hamster withour any precaution. But you all ok with having stuffy nose and coughing for a brief period in a day then go ahead la! Just ready a packet of tissue paper nearby when you play with your hamster! :wink:

nicoty_yne · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: penang

i dun have any asthma, but i have bronchitis :P.. Doc said it will be ok.. but takes sometime la..