If you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ll know all too well that pets can wreak havoc on your entire system. From the mildness of watering eyes to a life-threatening chest closing, you know the frustration of needing to stay at arm’s length from the Fidos and Mitsy’s of the world.

First and foremost, the only way to gain control over your allergies is to determine what they are precisely. Everyone’s reaction to allergens is different, from person to person and can range from mild sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

The good news is that you won’t have to give up a life of furry companionship – you just need to find a balance in your home and reduce the allergens in your environment.

Below are seven helpful tips to combat pet allergies :

Cleanliness

Pet allergies get triggered by exposure to the dead skin flakes your pet sheds. These flakes get referred to as dander. Any animal with fur can trigger an allergic reaction in humans but are most frequently caused by dogs or cats.

While it is virtually impossible to get rid of pet allergies altogether, you can lessen the tight hold they have on your life.

Creating an area of your home that is as “allergy free” as possible is highly recommended. Give yourself at least one safe space and prohibit your pet’s access. Clean the room daily and use impermeable covers for your bedding.

Remove dust and dander frequently, and wash curtains, carpets, and rugs once or twice a month.

Weekly Pet Bathing

Bath your little buddy every week to drastically reduce the dander that triggers your allergies and helps to keep their coats healthy. That may sound impossible if your pet is a feline, but they get used to being bath – it just takes time and protective gear.

When bathing your pets, only use shampoos and treatments recommended by your vet. Follow their directions on safe bathing – your pet’s skin is more sensitive than you realize. Studies have shown that bathing your favorite furry with an allergen-reducing shampoo can cut their dander levels by almost 90%! 

That reduction in dander will mean the world to an allergy-sufferer. Most veterinarians recommend weekly bathing, but this can be bumped up to twice a week during the summer months if your allergies are bad.

Pet Grooming

First and foremost, the purpose of grooming your pet to reduce your allergic reaction is because brushing and haircuts reduce pet dander. Reduced pet dander equals reduced allergies, it is that simple.

Have someone who isn’t allergic to your pet brush or comb them regularly. That will reduce the amount of dander and allergens released in your home. That is best done outside of the house, several times a week. By having your pet groomed outside, it significantly reduces the dander and fur that would otherwise cover the surfaces in your home.

Keep your pooch groomed and you’ll reduce their allergies too! Get the best eye stain remover for dogs and wipe their eyes a few times a week to keep their beautiful little face clean and stain-free. As a bonus, this helps to reduce the dander and pollen too.

Hypoallergenic Breed Myth

All dogs produce allergens – that is a fact. The level of allergens varies between each dog – but it has nothing to do with breed or breed mix. Some people tolerate some dog breeds better than others as there are variations in the type and amounts of allergens produced.

Despite what you may read online and on social media, no breed is truly hypoallergenic in its truest sense. So don’t feel bad if your pooch is still making your eyes water, they’re not faulty.

Many people would have you believe that certain breeds are incapable of triggering an allergic reaction or response, which is utter nonsense. All animals release dander when they shed dead skin flakes, there is no clever scientific way around that.

What does help is to choose a breed that sheds less frequently than others and has shorter fur.

Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning not only removes dirt and germs from items like curtains, rugs, and mattresses, but also washes out dust mites, mite allergens, pollen, mold, and pet dander.

These work by cleaning deep down in the fabric of items and blasting steam so hot that it dries practically instantly – sterilizing allergens and stopping them in their tracks. A good quality cleaner can melt away mold, mildew, and allergens before they do any damage to your immune system.

Using a steam cleaner is often the safest option for getting rid of allergens without using harsh chemicals which often trigger their own set of allergy symptoms and reactions.

Air Filters

When changed every three months or so, dual-action air filters can be a formidable defence system against allergens. They capture visible and invisible dander, pollen, dust, and other allergens and prevent them from triggering an immune response from allergy-sufferers.

High-quality air filters essentially act as vacuum cleaners for the air, effectively removing allergens and improving your indoor air quality. Keep your air filter working efficiently by reducing allergens as much as possible, such as dust mites, mold, or cigarette smoke.

Treatments

If after trying all the above methods, your allergies refuse to let up, it may be time to turn to other options to control them. There are multiple options available on the market that reduce symptoms and severity of allergic reactions. Depending on how bad the symptoms are, you can try over-the-counter medicines for temporary relief.

Speak to your doctor about allergy immunotherapy, prescription medicines, and other treatments that have successfully worked for other allergy sufferers. Many allergy-sufferers have noticed a massive improvement in their symptoms with allergy shots. These are a multi-year process that essentially spurs the development of protective antibodies, thereby potentially ridding you of allergies altogether.

There is still hope for you, so don’t give up yet. All it takes is following these tips and making small lifestyle adjustments along the way.

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