How to Reduce Allergens Caused by Pets

An estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of the population is allergic to animals.

An allergen is described as a foreign protein substance that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. The job of the immune system is to find the allergens and get rid of them, but people with allergies have supersensitive immune systems that react negatively to otherwise harmless allergens. Anywhere from 15 percent to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs, with cat dander being the most common. Pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, congestion, itchy watery eyes and rashes. In severe cases it can also result in difficulty breathing, asthma attacks and even death. With the right equipment and a few changes, there are ways to reduce pet allergens in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning products
• Vacuum
• Animal shampoo
• Vent filters
• HEPA filter

Instructions

1. 

   Find an isolated spot for your pet, to keep allergens outside.

   Finding a new home for your pet is ultimately the best solution if you or someone in your household suffers from severe pet allergies. Animal dander is the loose skin flakes that animals shed and overexposure can make the problem worse. For milder allergy cases, isolation methods are effective at controlling allergens. Keep the animal in only one area of the home, outdoors or create an allergy-free room and prohibit the animal from entering.

2. Wash pets weekly with dander reducing shampoo. Specially formulated shampoos cleanse your animal of saliva, urine and other outdoor allergens that stick to your pet's fur. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis reduces the level of allergens by as much as 84 percent.

3. 

   Vacuum frequently and clean any surfaces that can accumulate dust. Many vacuums come equipped with attachments that help remove pet hair from furniture and carpets. Certain attachments even remove unwanted hair from your animal's coat before it has the opportunity to fall off after shedding.

4. 

   Stop allergens by filtering the air at the vents.

   Install a HEPA filter on home climate control systems. This is a kind of mechanical filter that captures at least 99.97 percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter, or larger, that enter it. Cover the vent registers with special filters or cheesecloth to prevent allergens from circulating throughout your home.

Tips & Warnings

• There are no cures for pet allergies. They are manageable, though, with proper prevention and treatment. For people who are unable or unwilling to part ways with their pets, there are a number of tools and products available to help.

• Seek the help of responsible, professional medical care, especially if symptoms persist or start to get worse.

References

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Pet Allergies
• Environmental Protection Agency; Asthma Triggers: Gain Control; 2011
• Achoo! Allergy and Air Products: Facts About Animal Dander and Allergies