Few people know that pet rabbits could actually cause allergies in the human owner. This is caused by the human immune system reacting against the proteins found in the saliva or in the blood of rabbits.
It’s best for pet owners to observe if these rabbit allergy symptoms do manifest in the household, so that proper treatment may be applied:
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Dark under eye circles
- Swollen, itchy lips
- Pink eye
- Blurred vision due to teary eyes
- Eczema or contact dermatitis
- Red rashes
- Skin bumps
In extreme cases where the allergic reaction may be fatal, the following symptoms may occur:
- Severe hives
- Scratchy throat
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Palpitations
- Severe anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Profuse sweating
Rabbit Allergy Test
Some pet owners may never know if they are allergic to rabbits unless they undergo the worst test, being infected with the allergen.
- Skin testing, wherein the skin is pricked or punctured and the rabbit allergen is administered intradermally.
- RAST, or the radioallergosorbent test, wherein specific antibody allergens are tested through a blood test.
Of the two tests, doctors and health care workers deem skin testing to be more accurate and convenient.
Rabbit Allergy Treatment Option
Once a patient finds that he or she is allergic to pet rabbits, the following steps must be taken:
- Remove the source of allergen from the home, and find a new place for the pet rabbit.
- Take allergy medications such as antihistamine drugs.
- If the allergic reaction is severe, it’s necessary to take the patient to the doctor immediately.