The Best Medications for a Ferret Allergy

The domestic ferret is a lovable house pet for many families. But some people are finding that they are allergic to their ferret. Ferret allergy symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes and even breathing problems like asthma. You should treat ferret allergy symptoms with allergy or asthma medicine as you would with any allergy.

  1. Immunotherapy

    • The most effective treatment for allergies is to get immunotherapy or allergy shots to whatever you̵7;re allergic to. There are no allergy shots for specifically for allergies caused by ferrets, but in some cases cat allergy shots may be helpful. Visit an allergist to determine if cat allergy shots are something you should consider to treat your ferret allergy symptoms.

    Antihistamines

    • You can treat ferret allergy symptoms with antihistamines such as Benadryl, or nonsedating antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin. Antihistamines block the release of histamine in your body that causes the allergic symptoms caused by exposure to the ferret.

    Azelastine

    • Azelastine comes in the form of a prescription antihistamine nasal spray and eye drops you can use to prevent nasal and eye allergy symptoms. It prevents histamine from being released in your body, the chemical that causes allergic reactions to ferrets. It prevents symptoms like sneezing, itching, stuffy and runny nose; and watery, itchy eyes.

    Cromolyn Sodium

    • Cromolyn sodium is a prescription medicine that comes in the form of a nasal spray, eye drops or an inhaler. It can prevent ferret allergy symptoms from occurring if you begin using it a few weeks before you are exposed to the ferret. Cromolyn sodium nasal sprays are also available in your drug store without a prescription. But you will need a prescription from your doctor for an inhaler.

    Leukotriene Modifiers

    • Leukotriene modifiers are tablets your doctor can prescribe that you can take to prevent allergic symptoms from occurring. They block action of immune system chemicals that cause allergic reactions when you are exposed to a ferret. It is safe and effective for children with severe allergies and asthma.

    Leukotriene Modifiers--Inhalers

    • Leukotriene modifiers also come in an inhaler for people with asthma caused by ferret allergies. A prescription medicine, this inhaler will open your airways, reduce inflammation and decrease mucus that can accumulate in the airways during an allergic asthma episode caused by exposure to a ferret.

    Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

    • Nasal corticosteroids are prescription sprays that are used to prevent the inflammatory symptoms of allergies that cause a stuffy nose after exposure to a ferret. They also prevent nasal polyps from growing that are caused by ferret allergies.