| Ten ways to control your pet allergies |
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 Ten ways to control your pet allergiesby Allen Lawrence, M.D. According to the prestigious American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology some 10 million pet owners, children and adults suffer from allergies to their pet. This is obviously bad news. There is however, good news, if you are one of these pet allergy sufferers, you don't necessarily have to give up your pet. Almost all pet allergies are caused by microscopic proteins found in the pet dander, flakes and scales of dried skin, as well as hair, feathers or saliva. Just as we shed our dead skin and hair so do your pets. Unfortunately, as with humans, this dander is often extremely difficult to eliminate. These shed proteins stick to rugs, upholstered and unupholstered furniture, curtains, clothing, and even bedding. This makes it extremely difficult for owners suffering from pet allergies to entirely and easily eliminate from their home. When an individual is allergic and is exposed to dander floating within their home or someone elses home, this can start them sneezing and even cause rashes. This dander can even be spread to unsuspecting adults and children when they simply brush against a pet owner. Maintaining a pet when you suffer from allergies often requires extra awareness and work. Here are eight simple strategies that may help you as a pet owners reduce yours, or your family members, allergy symptoms. Strategy # 1 – Keep your pets out of yours or your children’s bedrooms If they are not allowed into the bedroom then their dander is much less likely to be in the bedroom. This will provide as close as possible with the help of the other seven strategies an allergy free bedroom. If your pets do get into the bedroom, then as best as possible make sure that none of them get up onto the bed . This is especially important with dogs and cats as they often want to be close to their owners. Allowing then up on the bed exposes comforters, bedspreads, blankets, pillow cases and sheet to become a trap for allergens that are often very difficult to eliminate and remove entirely, even with washing. Use only cotton or synthetic washable sheets, blankets and pillow cases. Avoid woolen blankets as they require special cleaning techniques and are more likely to trap dander. Strategy # 2 – Use a HEPA air filter A HEPA air filter in your home may trap allergens, lessening your family's exposure. Before buying any HEPA filter, however, do your research and make sure that the filter is capable of filtering a room the size you need filtered. If you move it from room to room make sure that it is capable of adequately filtering the largest room you will ever place it in. Strategy # 3 – Bath your pet at least once a week Bathing your pet frequent can reduce the allergen count significantly. If bathing is your pet is out of the question, try wiping your pet down with fragrance-free hypoallergenic baby wipes. When you do bath your pet make sure you use a hypoallergenic shampoo so that his or her skin is not irritated as this might cause the release of greater amounts of dander. Strategy # 4 – Wash your hands frequently It is important for you to wash you hands or make sure that your child’s hands are washed after each time the play with a pet. Avoid touching your eyes. Change clothing if possible if there has been any rough play. Wash the exposed clothing as soon as possible so the dander has less time to set into the fabric. Strategy # 5– Don’t keep rodents as pets Mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs give off highly potent allergens that are likely to trigger allergic symptoms. Also the dust from the litter or sawdust used at the bottom of their cage may contribute to airborne allergens. If you do have a pet rodent, and you are the allergic one, have someone else clean the cage. If the rodent belongs to your child then do not let the child clean the cage. Strategy # 6 – Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter Vacuuming using a vacuum with a HEPA filter or double bag is much more effective for eliminating animal dander then a regular vacuum cleaner. Regular vacuum cleaners may actually increase the amount of dander kicked up by your vacuuming. Strategy # 7 – Clean walls and eliminate carpets where and whenever possible Keep the walls, wood and floors as clean as possible. The floor should be polished. If necessary clean the walls, woodwork and floors regularly. Carpets tend to trap allergens, making them considerably more difficult to remove. Bare floors allow you to see when hair and dirt is hence allow better cleaning and dander is less likely to stick to hardwood floors. If you need to have rugs, use synthetic fiber easily washable area rugs. Use plastic curtains, if possible. Dust them every day. Avoid objects that attract dust like teddy bears, pillows, dried flowers, bric-a-brac and toys. Strategy # 8 – Wash your pet’s bedding often Washing your pet's bedding as regularly as you can in order to reduce dander and therefore yours or your child’s allergic symptoms. Strategy # 9 – Keep pets out side If you have significant allergies, if yours or your child’s allergies require medication then you should seriously consider keeping your pet outside of the house. Find a warm and dry covered area for him or her outside. Even with this however, be aware that pet dander can still be carried in to your home on clothing. Strategy # 10 – Choose a low allergy pet Certain animal breeds are lower in their likelihood to cause allergies. If you are just looking for a pet and you know one or more of your family suffers from pet related allergies then do some basic research into animals that have a lower risk of causing allergic symptoms. Pets that have no hair or have very short hairs, If allergic symptoms are sever consider seeing an allergist and discuss what other steps you and your family might take to eliminate or reduce allergic symptoms. |
