Allergies to furry pets are very common, especially among people with asthma or other allergies. Dog allergies are less common than cat allergies, but it’s important to say that there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet. What if you realize you are allergic to your pet and yet you would like to keep it? Although removing the furry animal from your home is the best treatment, there are some strategies to reduce exposure to the allergens.
Make your bedroom no-pet area. People spend from 1/3 to 1/2 of their time in their bedroom, so if you’re allergic to your pet, clean your sleeping area throughout and keep the door closed. Using a specialized cleaner or pet allergy – control dust filter is also worth considering.
Animal allergens are very sticky; therefore all surfaces throughout your house or flat should be uncluttered and clean. Opt for bare walls and floors instead of woodwork and wall-to-wall carpets. If you still want to keep your carpet, make sure you’ve chosen the one with a low pile and don’t forget to steam clean it often. It’s, nevertheless, better to use throw rugs that can be washed in hot water. While vacuuming, it’s recommended to wear a dust mask and invest in a good vacuum cleaner, preferably with a good filter.
Forced air-conditioning and air-heating can spread allergens through the house, so cover your bedroom vents with cheesecloth or similar dense-filtering materials. Once again, adding a good air cleaner to your central heating or air-conditioning might be the best way to remove pet (and other) allergens from the air. It’s recommended to use an air cleaner at least 4 hours a day. However, keep in mind that no air cleaner/filter can remove allergens stuck to surfaces, such as furniture, walls and floors.
After prolonged exposure with your pets, change your clothes. When it comes to keeping your pets clean, it’s questionable whether washing them once a week can reduce your symptoms. Nevertheless, it can undoubtedly reduce airborne allergens. A family member or a friend with no (pet) allergy should brush the pet, remove dander and clean the cage or litter box. Finally, you can talk to your allergist about immunotherapy or medicine options.