How to Deal with Allergies while Living with Pets
It’s one of life’s saddest ironies; the dog that you love so much is giving you the symptoms from hell, or maybe your favourite cat is setting off your asthma something awful. We can’t live without our pets but we severely struggle with our allergies. Luckily, there are measures you can take to minimise the risk of your beloved animal kick-starting your dreaded sniffles. Here are some top tips.
HEPA Filter
Pet dander (the material animal shed from their skin which is often the worst allergy trigger) is one of the pollutants which is purified from the air by these handy filters. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) work by catching harmful particles in a fine mesh through which air is pushed.
Allergy-friendly floors
Thicker carpets and rugs trap more dander than tiles or wood flooring and these can be cleaned a lot more thoroughly. Getting floors which are less welcoming hosts to these irritating particles will go a long way to purifying your home.
Keep Bedding Washed
Washing bedding regularly on a high temperature will eliminate dander which inevitably drifts on to your sheets. This will also take care of dust mites which are also a dastardly allergen.
Designate Pet-free Zones
By designating rooms which your pet(s) are welcome in and those into which they are not allowed you can minimise the amount of items in the pet-friendly rooms which attract danders while being able to rest assured the other rooms are completely allergen-free. Starting with banning pets from the bedrooms is a good move.
Wash Hands Regularly
This is another golden rule to prevent yourself coming down with any illness. Living with a pet you are likely to pick up allergens on your hands all the time not least when you are playing with the animal.
Vacuum Regularly
HEPA filter vacuums are available but cleaning, dusting and hoovering on a regular basis is the most important thing to protect allergy sufferers. Again, having easy-to-clean floors are a big advantage in this area.
Keep Your Pet Clean
Regularly bathing your pets will ensure any hidden nasties are kept at a minimum. A weekly grooming regime of washing and brushing should go some way to helping your situation. However, it is important to remember that the act of grooming itself may kick up some of the allergens you are trying to avoid so do it in an open space and maybe wear a face mask.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamins which benefit the health of your pets’ skin will prevent much of the shedding of dander to keep allergens in the home under control. You’ll find more useful information about living with pets over at the Vet Medic website.
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