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Could brushing daily prevent allergins?

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Skinny Piggie

Skinny Piggie

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Canada, eh?
(Sorry if this is in the wrong place.) And will it make them happier? I give my pigs occasional baths and I've tried to brush them but they HATE it. I'm allergic to my pigs (my haired pigs, at least) and I was just wondering that. Could there also be anothe way to prevent allergins?
 
Regular brushing and bathing could, in theory, reduce allergens on the coat. Many owners are allergic to guinea pig urine, which sits on the feet and around the genitals/rear end/belly hair, so regular bathing may reduce the severity of this.

Routine brushing could control the hair being shed, perhaps not so much in terms of quantity but a little less hair would be shed in the environment if some of it were brushed out.
 
I've found Chinese Remedies very successful for people suffering with allergies to various things. If you look around on the net, you're sure to come up with something. The great thing about Chinese Remedies is that if they don't work (and in my experience this is rare), its not done any harm to your body so isn't a problem in the long run.
 
Determining exactly what it is about the pigs that you are allergic to can help, so you can minimise your exposure to the specific allergen e.g. covering most/all your skin when you have to handle them.

Antihistamines may be of some use, it's also worth trying a variety of alternative therapies or homoeopathic remedies.
 
I've tried antithistamines and they don't work unfortunately, but I will try the Chinese remedies. :) It's the dander I'm allergic to.
 
I don't know how much brushing helps... if you do the brushing yourself and you're indoors you would mostly be stirring up dander into your face...

I'm not (yet...) allergic to my piggies but to cats and horses. I find that just antihistamines is usually not enough. What are your problems? Is it asthma, runny nose, eyes, rash or all of it? Get good (prescription) eye drops, nose spray and antihistamines as appropriate. Don't just take them sometimes, they are more effective if you take them every day. And remember to wash your hands after you handle your piggies.

Something else that helps is to not keep them in your bedroom and to leave piggy clother out of it too. That way you definitely get 8 hour allergen free quality time a day :)
 
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