Remedies for Pet Allergies

A fur or hair allergy diagnosis can be devastating for people who love to own pets. It’s commonly thought that allergy sufferers can’t experience relief without giving their pet up for adoption, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Luckily, there are many actions for pet lovers to take to ensure that companionship with their dog or cat continues for many years to come.

Find Out the Specifics
If you think you may be allergic to your cat or dog, see a doctor first. Different people react to separate allergens – like dander or fur – and symptoms can range from watery eyes to life-threatening asthma. Have an allergy test done to determine the root cause.

Make Your Home an Allergy-Free Environment
After you’ve determined that your pet is in fact giving you allergies, there are several measures you can take to reduce the symptoms:

• • Keep Fido Outside: If your pet can live outside comfortably, this is arguably the best tactic for reducing allergens inside the home. Just remember to spend time with your beloved friend in the great outdoors! You can also install a pet door in a room that connects to the yard to give your pet the freedom to roam. This can also help limit exposure to the allergy indoors.

• • Get a HEPA Filter: Standalone HEPA filters can be purchased at your local home improvement store, and do a world of wonder for allergy-sufferers. The device will help circulate the air in your home by filtering out dust and dander particles. HEPA filters are essential for drastically reducing airborne pet allergens.

• • Remove Carpeting and Upholstery: Some fabrics trap dust and other particles, which can cause extended allergic reactions. If possible, replace carpets in the home with wood flooring or linoleum. You may also want to limit upholstered furniture, curtains, and drapes, as they can have a similar effect.

• • Create an Allergy Safe Zone: If keeping your pet indoors is causing frequent allergy fits, try creating a room or several rooms of the home that your pet cannot enter, such as a bedroom or living room. Give this room its own HEPA filter, and, if needed, try using mattress and furniture covers to avoid all potential exposure.

• Try Treatments: Some pet owners find the most success when using the above measures in conjunction with medication or over the counter remedies. There are many options available, including steroidal sprays, antihistamines, or allergy shots.

Rehoming Your Pet
Though there are several tactics you can take to limit pet allergens, sometimes the best solution is to rehome. With many agencies and shelters dedicated to this cause, you’re sure to find a great new home for your pet. Once your dog or cat is on his way, complete a thorough cleaning in the home to limit any lingering dander or fur. Replace upholstery and carpeting if you can, but, if all else fails, a comprehensive steam clean will also do the trick.

If you’d like to decrease pet allergens in the home while giving your dog or cat the freedom to explore the outdoors, install one of our quality cat or dog doors. Australia Pet Doors offer flexibility for your furry friend to come and go as he pleases, while getting enough exercise to keep him happy and healthy. For more information, call Australia Pet Doors at 0414 922 751.