Allergies and Animals

A question we hear often: “My husband [or wife or child] has allergies. Do we have to give up our pet?” The answer is, “Definitely not.”

There are now many ways for people with allergies to live healthy lives with their animals. It is no longer necessary to give up your animals because of allergies.

Unfortunately, most people with allergies react to many different things – dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander, to name just a few. Eliminating just one of these allergens will not necessarily solve your allergy and/or breathing problems.

Here are a few suggestions to help you and your animals stay together – and to breathe easier. These suggestions will help with all air-borne allergies.

• Install a HEPA Air Filter in your furnace. If you have forced air heating, have your air ducts cleaned once a year.
• Buy HEPA Air Purifiers and use one in every room. Portable air purifiers are available at Target and other stores for $35-$90. These filters remove 99.9% of allergens from indoor air and are recommended by the American Lung Association.
• Keep animals out of the bedroom and off the bed.
• Reduce the amount of carpeting and upholstery in your home. Dust and pet dander attach themselves to carpeting, draperies, and bedding. Go with hard wood floors instead of carpeting. Provide pets with their own washable bedding. Keep pets off the furniture.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a built-in HEPA air filter at least twice a week.
• Wash your bedding and linens in hot water [140 degrees] at least twice a month.
• Experiment with hypoallergenic bedding, towels, and pillows.
• Keep your bathroom, kitchen, and basement dry, Install a de-humidifier. Many allergens thrive in damp, warm places.
• Use a vapor steam cleaner to clean your home. This has been proven helpful in removing cat dander.
• Brush your animals regularly and wear a mask while doing so. Ask your local pet store about products that reduce dander and shedding. Run a damp cloth over your pet; this is helpful in removing dander.
• Discuss treatment options with your doctor. Try medication. There are many excellent allergy treatments available—both over the counter and by prescription—that can relief your symptoms.