Have you ever heard of animal hypersensitivity due to humans? We always hear about humans getting infections or hypersensitivity due to animals, but some never expected that the contrary can happen.
Some animals may get hypersensitive due to human hair which may carry chemical and cosmetic residues like: Shampoo, perfume and oils that may affect the immune system of animals when their skin get in contact with human hair and it may lead to itching and irritation of skin, as well as problems of respiratory system.
How do animals get hypersensitivity and what causes it?
According to the “National Library of Medicine” website: Hypersensitivity is the reaction of the immune system for sensing substances considered harmful. When the immune system of animals gets subjected to a foreign body or substance like human hair, it deals with it as an external threat and starts attacking it, which leads to the appearance of all symptoms of hypersensitivity on animals’ bodies.
The hypersensitivity causes (allergens) are divided into:
Perfume hypersensitivity
Like the perfume or cleaning products humans use.
Dust hypersensitivity
It is one of the most common causes especially in closed environments
Human hair or skin proteins hypersensitivity
Human hair contains residues of products that trigger the immune system of some animals.
Food hypersensitivity
It happens due to some food types or artificial products in animals’ food.
How would climate change affect animal
hypersensitivity?
Allergens in animals are not limited to direct contact with humans, as the climate changes lead to increasing symptoms and affect their immune system, according to the “Science direct” website. The most prominent climate factors that affect animals are:
The intense heat and hot waves
The elevated levels of Ozone and air pollutants contribute to increased spread of pollen in air, which may cause irritation of the respiratory system of animals and exacerbation of asthma and hypersensitivity.
Sand and dust storms
Storms lead to spreading of massive amounts of particles and allergens in air.
Biodiversity decline
The loss of natural habitats and biodiversity reduces the diversity of beneficial microbes that interact with animals' immune systems, making them more susceptible to allergies and inflammatory diseases.
Therefore, animals need to live in a clean and stable environment to reduce being subjected to allergens.
How did human hair affect the bear “Sekou”?
According to the BBC, workers at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo noticed that “Sekou”, a bear, had begun to lose his hair abnormally, and patches of black skin had appeared on his body. He was scratching himself violently. After conducting thorough skin tests, it was found that Sekou was showing an allergic reaction to several substances, including dust mites and pollen from trees such as elm and red raspberry. The big surprise was that the main cause of his allergy was "human dandruff." His presence at the zoo and his interaction with humans had stimulated his immune system. Sekou's case is a living example of the effect of human hair on the immune system of animals.
How to deal with animals’ hypersensitivity and ways of prevention
According to “Cleveland clinic” website: Animal hypersensitivity requires a preventive and therapeutic steps to alleviate symptoms, which are represented in:
Minimizing direct contact with allergens
Using antihistamine drugs to help alleviate symptoms like steroidal creams to treat irritation of skin.
Cleaning the surrounding areas to animals periodically.
Changing the sheets continuously to minimize accumulation of allergens like dandruff or dust.
It is always preferable to consult the veterinarian to determine the right diagnosis and treatment plan for the case
Important steps to protect animals from hypersensitivity
Animal hypersensitivity is a health issue that requires increased awareness and education among animal owners and professionals. It is essential to follow preventive measures when interacting with animals, such as minimizing direct contact and maintaining a clean and safe environment for the animals. Animal owners should also consult veterinarians regularly to detect any symptoms that may appear in their animals early and take timely treatment measures.
