How to Control Pet Allergies

A pet's hair collects dander and will harbor allergens like pollen from outside.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the pet population is more than 100 million, and about six out of 10 people in the U.S. come in contact with cats or dogs. Allergies to furry pets are common. People with pet allergies react to harmless proteins in a pet's dead shed skin, saliva and urine. Your immune system's job is to attack things like bacteria and get rid of them, but if you have pet allergies your immune system reacts sensitively. Allergens can be found everywhere; they collect on fur and other surfaces, including clothing. If you have pet allergies the best treatment is to avoid contact with pets. However, if you want to keep your pet, take precautions in controlling allergens in your environment.

Things You'll Need

• HEPA filters
• Vacuum cleaner
• Dust mask

Instructions

1. Create a place in your home free of allergens. Bar your pet from your bedroom; you spend most of your time there. Keep your bedroom door closed and restrict any pet from entering. Allergens are very sticky and will attach themselves to your bedding, couches and chairs. Consider getting impermeable covers for your mattress and pillows.

2. Clean your home rigorously. Because allergens are sticky you must clean often and deliberately. Scrub your walls, wash your upholstery often, and keep all surfaces clean and uncluttered. Remove your carpeting if you can; carpet harbors allergens. If you must have carpet, steam clean your carpets often. Vacuuming is effective only if you use a double bag. Wear a dust mask when you vacuum and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

3. Install HEPA air purifiers in your home. HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filters are air filters that satisfy the standards of efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Use of these filters can help reduce indoor allergy problems. The filtration system takes allergens out of the air should be added to the central heating units and air conditioning.

4. Groom your pet regularly. Giving your pet a bath weekly can reduce the allergen count in your home. Cats and dogs secrete fluids, shed dander, and carry allergens in their hair. Giving your pet a well-balanced diet can help in preventing dry, flaky skin (dander). If you own a cat, brush it regularly and also use a wet cloth to wipe it down, reducing dander.

Tips & Warnings

• Pet hair is not an allergen; it collects dander and harbors other allergens like dust and pollen.

• Consider having someone without a pet allergy brush and wash your pet outside and clean the litter box or cage.

• Allergens will not lose their strength and can stay suspended in the air for long periods of time.

• There are no "non-allergenic" breeds of cats and dogs; even hairless breeds may cause symptoms.

References

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Information about Asthma, Allergies, Food Allergies and More!
• Harvard Health Publications: Tips to Control Pet Allergies