Bringing home a new pet is an exciting event. But that excitement can give way to sniffles, itches, and tears if someone in your home is allergic to the new pet. The good news is there are things you can do to minimize pet allergies in your home.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 15 percent of people are allergic to dogs or cats. Common symptoms of pet allergies are sniffling, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes. Out of the two million people who are allergic to cats in the U.S., about a third of them live with at least one cat in their household, despite their allergies.
All Animals Can Cause Allergies
Most allergists agree that contrary to popular belief, there are no “non-allergenic” breeds of dogs or cats. Even hairless breeds, and soft-haired breeds like poodles can cause allergies. This is because the hair is not the part of the animal that causes allergies. Allergens are produced in the saliva, skin glands, and urine. The most common cause is dry skin called dander. So it’s possible to be allergic to any animal, even one that's bald. Symptoms may be worse around animals with more hair simply because the allergens stick to the hair and are easy transferred when we pet the animal.
7 Tips to Minimize Pet Allergies
Don’t end up in the dog house because of your pet. Follow these simple tips to keep allergy symptoms to a minimum.
• Start slow If you are thinking about getting a pet but suspect you might be allergic, do a test drive first. Spend some time with a friend’s dog or cat, or offer to pet-sit for a few days to see what happens before you commit to providing a life-long home to an animal.
• Create a “pet free” zone. Much as many pet owners love to sleep with their pets, the best choice is the bedroom of the person who is allergic. Pets should never be allowed in this room.
• Use HEPA air cleaners. High-efficiency Particulate-arresting (HEPA) filters can remove almost all of the animal dander from the air. You can buy portable air filters, as well as HEPA quality air filters for heaters and air conditioners. And be sure to use “microfilter” bags in the vacuum to catch as many allergens as possible.
• Give regular baths. Bathing your pet once a week can minimize the allergens in the home and help relieve some allergy symptoms. Check with your veterinarian’s office for a good shampoo and directions, and be patient. Even cats can get used to being bathed with repeated positive reinforcement.
• Remove fabrics and carpets. Pet dander and other allergens can accumulate in fabrics including heavy drapes, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Make your home pet friendly by replacing wall-to-wall carpets with wood or tile, using window coverings that are easy to wash or clean, and choosing furniture that can be wiped down, like wood or leather.
• Confirm your allergy. Just because your eyes got itchy when you brought home a puppy doesn’t mean the animal is to blame. A visit to an allergy doctor can confirm what is causing your symptoms. You might find that you are actually allergic to something else.
• Take appropriate medications There are many medications available to treat allergies. Check with your doctor to find an appropriate pill or nose spray to minimize your symptoms.
Source: WebMD