Tips For Animal Lovers With Allergies
An animal lover that suffers from allergies may not be condemned to living pet-free; learning what causes animal allergies may help you to become a pet owner despite your allergies.
Most people believe that it is the fur or hair on the animal that causes allergies. This is incorrect. It is actually the proteins in dead skin cells, urine, saliva, and oil or scent glands that cause the most allergic reactions. A short hair or hairless animal can cause as many issues for allergies as a long haired animal.
It is important to keep in mind is that the amount of allergens an animal has is related less to the breed or type of animal than it is to the specific animal. Just as humans vary in the amount they shed skin cells, perspire, and secrete oils so do animals. One Chihuahua may cause a severe reaction while another Chihuahua causes no reaction at all. Spend as much time with the animal you are considering finding out if they will trigger a reaction. If you are looking for a dog, some breeds are bred to have fewer allergens but remember, no animal is completely allergen free (and the same hold true for these breeds, some individual animals will cause more of a reaction than others) so investigate this possibility.
If you find a pet that causes minimal reaction then your grooming and housekeeping habits will determine if being a pet owner is a possibility for you.
Regular bathing and brushing of your pet will reduce the number of allergens, recruit a family member without allergies to be in charge of these tasks or send the animal to the groomer on a regular basis.
Remember when considering a pet that the urine contains allergens so a litter box trained pet may not be the best choice but if you do have a litter box you may also have to recruit the non-allergic in your family to take care of it.
Invest in good quality furnace filters and replace them regularly. These filters will substantial reduce the amount of airborne allergens in your home.
Dust and vacuum your home regularly. Dont use a feather duster, which just stirs the dust up into the air. It is best to use a microfiber cloth that is just very slightly damp (mist it with a spray bottle). When you are vacuuming, make sure to vacuum the any fabric furniture, even if your dog is not allowed on it, allergens will collect on it. Use a double bag in your vacuum or if you are in need of a new vacuum consider one with a HEPA filter which stops fine dust and allergens recirculating into the air.
Another item that may help is an air filter. Again, HEPA is the best choice, a portable one can be moved from room to room, make sure you move it into your bedroom at night and consider making your bedroom off limits for your pet.
Wash your hands frequently and dont allow the animal to lick you, there are allergens in the saliva which can cause hives.
With a bit of planning and research and regular grooming and housework the joys of pet ownership are possible, even for those with allergies.
Most people believe that it is the fur or hair on the animal that causes allergies. This is incorrect. It is actually the proteins in dead skin cells, urine, saliva, and oil or scent glands that cause the most allergic reactions. A short hair or hairless animal can cause as many issues for allergies as a long haired animal.
It is important to keep in mind is that the amount of allergens an animal has is related less to the breed or type of animal than it is to the specific animal. Just as humans vary in the amount they shed skin cells, perspire, and secrete oils so do animals. One Chihuahua may cause a severe reaction while another Chihuahua causes no reaction at all. Spend as much time with the animal you are considering finding out if they will trigger a reaction. If you are looking for a dog, some breeds are bred to have fewer allergens but remember, no animal is completely allergen free (and the same hold true for these breeds, some individual animals will cause more of a reaction than others) so investigate this possibility.
If you find a pet that causes minimal reaction then your grooming and housekeeping habits will determine if being a pet owner is a possibility for you.
Regular bathing and brushing of your pet will reduce the number of allergens, recruit a family member without allergies to be in charge of these tasks or send the animal to the groomer on a regular basis.
Remember when considering a pet that the urine contains allergens so a litter box trained pet may not be the best choice but if you do have a litter box you may also have to recruit the non-allergic in your family to take care of it.
Invest in good quality furnace filters and replace them regularly. These filters will substantial reduce the amount of airborne allergens in your home.
Dust and vacuum your home regularly. Dont use a feather duster, which just stirs the dust up into the air. It is best to use a microfiber cloth that is just very slightly damp (mist it with a spray bottle). When you are vacuuming, make sure to vacuum the any fabric furniture, even if your dog is not allowed on it, allergens will collect on it. Use a double bag in your vacuum or if you are in need of a new vacuum consider one with a HEPA filter which stops fine dust and allergens recirculating into the air.
Another item that may help is an air filter. Again, HEPA is the best choice, a portable one can be moved from room to room, make sure you move it into your bedroom at night and consider making your bedroom off limits for your pet.
Wash your hands frequently and dont allow the animal to lick you, there are allergens in the saliva which can cause hives.
With a bit of planning and research and regular grooming and housework the joys of pet ownership are possible, even for those with allergies.
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