Is there anything better than a good snuggle session with your pup? How about when your dog licks your face and dances with joy as if your arrival home were the best thing that ever could have happened?
For people who suffer from pet allergies, these everyday experiences can cause unpleasant or even dangerous allergic reactions. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with an allergy and think that you may need to rehome your beloved pet, or if you’ve always thought that a dog or cat was out of the question because of your allergy, you may be surprised to learn that you have options. Here are 7 practical ways to control your pet allergies.
[Picture of person nose to nose with dog or being licked]
#1. Understand Your Allergies
You may be allergic to more than your pet. Other irritants like mold or pollen can exasperate your reaction to pet dander. Your dog may even be carrying in pollen or other allergens on her coat. Have your doctor perform tests to identify all of your allergens.
Many people are more allergic to certain breeds or types of coat. You may also be more allergic to saliva or dander. If you are thinking of adopting a dog, try interacting with dogs of various coat types. Also, see if hair or saliva causes a greater reaction.
[picture: group photo of different dog breeds, including hairless or hypoallergenic]
What About Hypoallergenic or Hairless Breeds?
There is no evidence that breeds classified as “hypoallergenic” or hairless breeds cause a lesser allergic reaction. You may find, however, that such breeds are easier to keep clean. They also won’t leave dander coated hair, although they’ll still drop dander.
#2. Medication and Supplements
Your doctor can suggest an array of medications and treatments to help you control your pet allergies. Antihistamines, inhalers, and decongestants can all be effective in alleviating your symptoms. Immunotherapy is a series of shots given over several months to desensitize you to allergens, possibly for life.
Many people find that a simple saline nasal spray routine greatly reduces symptoms. A holistic doctor can recommend a supplement routine that might work for you. Vitamins like E, C, A, and B6, as well as oils containing omega-3 fatty acids have been found effective.
[picture: person and supplements with dog in the background or warm picture of doctor-patient conversation]
#3. Regular Baths and Grooming
Does your dog hate baths? Well, if you’re an allergy sufferer, your dog or cat had better get used to frequent baths. Most dogs adjust quickly to a routine of weekly or even daily bathing. Cats may be a bit more of a challenge, but waterless shampoos are often effective.
Frequent baths are the best way to ensure that dander is cleaned from your pet’s coat. Baths also clean off any other allergens that might be sticking to your pet. Use a very gentle soap that is made for daily use.
Brush your dog or cat after each bath and regularly in between baths. Brush out hair and dander outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area so you’ll have less of it throughout your house.
[picture: happy dog getting a bath]
#4. Maintain a Pet-Free Zone
We know how hard it is to say no to those puppy eyes, but if you suffer from allergies, having your dog climb into bed with you is a big no-no. Keep pets out of your bedroom and run a HEPA air cleaner to eliminate any dander that does get in. It is also wise to use allergy covers for pillows and mattresses. A pet-free zone will give your system time to rest and recover.
If you can, it is helpful to maintain pet-free areas throughout the home. It is best that your dog lies in her own bed on the floor or on the couch, rather than directly on the couch. This will make it much easier to keep dander and pet hair out of the couch since the bed can be machine washed.
[picture: person sleeping peacefully or person sitting on couch with dog in bed on ground]
#5. Restrict Your Pet’s Access to Allergens
You may be reacting to what your pet carries in on her coat. By keeping your dog or cat from picking up allergens like pollen, you can reduce your allergic reaction. When you walk your dog on a leash, don’t let her into any patches of flowers where she may pick up pollen.
Try dividing your yard so that your dog has access to the mowed grass but not to the flowers. Hardscaping areas of the yard where your dog goes can also reduce the allergens that she brings in on her coat.
Give your cat a “catio” so she can enjoy being outside without getting into trouble or picking up allergens. A good wipe down with a moist towel each time that your pet comes in can help a lot as well.
[picture: dog in grassy yard]
#6. Prevention is Key
Living with pets and allergies means that you’ll come to get very used to housework. Nothing will save you from the need for frequent cleaning, but by thinking ahead, you can make your cleaning routine easier.
Hard floors are much easier to keep clean of allergens than carpet. If you want carpet, limit it to the bedroom or other pet-free areas. Avoid curtains, drapes, and other upholstery that is difficult to wash and can retain dander.
HEPA air cleaners throughout your home will help to continuously rid the air of dander. Use rugs, throw pillows, chair pads, etc. that are machine washable.
[picture: dog lying in a dog bed in a living room with little upholstery]
#7. Clean, Clean, Clean
The most practical way to control your pet allergies is to prevent dander buildup by cleaning frequently. Your symptoms will be greatly improved if you eliminate dust and dander weekly or every few days.
Vacuum as frequently as possible. Robot vacuums can be a great way to constantly pick up pet hair and dander. Wipe down all surfaces where dust may accumulate, including fan blades and shelves. Change air filters regularly, perhaps even more often than monthly. Wipe down walls where pets rub.
Be sure to wear a mask when you dust and clean, as these activities are likely to trigger allergic reactions.
[picture: happy person cleaning, dog in the background or maybe playing with a mop]
Do you want a healthier & happier dog? Join our email list & we’ll donate 1 meal to a shelter dog in need!
Toledo, United States.
