Bunny Foo and the Hachoo! Factor

Allergies are very often cited as a reason for giving up pet house rabbits. Misconceptions and a general lack of knowledge about pet allergies lead people to believe there are very few practical solutions to cope with this human situation. People who feel they must consider giving up their bunnies may be encouraged to do so as it seems the most technically effective and convenient of decisions. This however, does not promote the notion that we should commit ourselves to the little animal lives we have voluntarily taken into our care. Proactive and attainable solutions to stressful allergic situations do exist. To get started, you need a sense of dedication to the adorable bunnies that depend on you, and just a little time for enlightenment.

Allergies for Beginners

Allergies are an immune response to an encounter with a foreign substance. Contact with this substance manifests itself as a physical demonstration known to us as an allergic reaction. A reaction may involve itchy, inflamed eyes, rashes, a stuffy nose and coughing. Individuals sensitive to the inhalation of these reaction-causing agents called allergens may experience severe breathing problems or asthma.

People with pet allergies have hypersensitive immune systems that react to harmless pet substances. Most people believe the primary allergen is fur. However, more often than not, it is not the actual fur of your bunny that causes the allergic outbursts. The guilty allergens are the proteins found in the bunny's skin, saliva, oils or urine (also true for cats). These allergens collect on fur during grooming, on surfaces during play and in litter boxes. The proteins then dry and form a very fine and invisible powder. The powder is then made airborne by just about any kind of activity including bunny hopping and petting. The fine particles are suspended in the air until they land on sensitive eye and nose membranes or are inhaled. Once this occurs, a reaction is triggered and your allergic woes begin.

Fortunately, there are several ways you can minimize the probability of these distressing reactions to ensure you will live a healthy life with your companion bunny. Here are some general tips:

• Create an off-limits zone for your bunny. Keep your bunny out of your bedroom. These protein allergens are sticky and will adhere to materials such as bedding, pillows, clothes etc.
• Create an off-limits zone for yourself. Keep out of the bunny's cage! Recruit someone else to help clean or rearrange the bunny's cage or pen area. If you must do the dirty work, be sure to wear a face mask (available at home improvement/garden or department stores) to filter out some of the allergens.
• Steam cleaning rugs or vacuuming with an electrostatic filter will reduce allergens significantly. Wear a face mask when vacuuming, as movement will stir protein particles.
• Wash your hands after petting your bunny. Do not touch your face until you have done so.
• Wash your bunny's mats, towels or blankets frequently.
• Wipe down all surfaces on which your bunny plays: tables, chairs, ramps and stools.
• Consider purchasing a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air filtration unit to automatically remove allergens (and dust) from the air. (Type in HEPA filter into any search engine and you will find plenty of options.)
• Wipe your bunny down! Take a damp cloth and wipe her gently. By doing so, you will remove some of the dried proteins from the fur. Neutralizers like "AllerPet" may also help. These are liquids or sprays that are applied directly to the rabbit's fur to neutralize some of the allergens' effects. They are said to be completely safe for rabbits.
• Keep litter boxes clean and dry! Wash pans and change the litter frequently.
• Visit an allergist. An allergist will usually be able to find out the cause(s) of your reactions by administering a few simple tests. He may recommend immunotherapy. Immunotherapy desensitizes a person's immune system to particular allergies via injection of a serum containing the allergen. A person's body will gradually build up an 'immunity' to the allergens and reactions will be substantially reduced.
• Other medical remedies include antihistamines and steroids in the form of sprays and pills.
• Test yourself. If you are considering adopting a bunny and have no prior exposure, find a way to spend some time with one. HRN and other foster groups or shelters encourage exploring all aspects of caring for a rabbit. If you find you have a reaction but are ready, willing and prepared to take on the responsibility of coping with your allergies, you are already on your way to becoming an A-1 bunny parent.

These are just a few of a great many ways to help yourself without hurting your relationship with your bunny. Except in the most severe cases, allergies are usually very controllable. And building a bond with an intelligent and precious little sprite like your bunny is well worth the effort.

Copyright 2002 Tania Castaneda