Common Myths Related to Hypoallergenic Pets

The term “hypoallergenic pet” is a bit misleading, but it does help narrow the categories down a bit for those who suffer from allergies. There is no pet, or even human, who is hypoallergenic, but there are some pets who can make life a lot less miserable for people who experience allergies related to pets. Don’t uninstall that pet door just yet, because even if you have allergies and don’t have a pet who is labelled as hypoallergenic, there are a few things you can do to make life a bit better.

Fur and Allergies

Most people assume that fur is the cause of their allergies. Yet they turn to pets like poodles that are labelled as hypoallergenic and which still have fur. The issue isn’t the fur itself, but the things that stick to the fur. In other words, a pet with long hair or fur doesn’t make your allergies worse just by having long hair or fur. It’s the fact that things like mold, bacteria, pollen, and other items might find it easier to cling to some fur than others.

Dander and Allergies

Dander is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to allergies. Hypoallergenic pets don’t have a lot of dander, but they still have it. In fact, even pets without fur can have dander, like birds. The only pets that don’t have dander are going to be things like reptiles. Even these can be a challenge for allergy sufferers simply because they sometimes require specific climates that can aggravate allergies even worse than dander.

Urine and Drool

Sometimes allergies have nothing to do with dander or fur. Urine and drool can set off allergic reactions as well. Make sure your pet has a specific area where they can do their duties outside or in a litter box. Look for pets that drool very little or not at all in order to help curb your allergic reactions.

Reduce Allergens

Whether you have a pet that sheds a lot, has long hair, or has no hair at all, there are a few things you can do in order to reduce your allergic reactions. For one thing, you might consider a prescription allergy medication that can address the issue. Another thing you can do is to bathe and brush your pets on a regular basis with shampoo and/or conditioner that is made specifically to reduce dander and treat the fur for any contaminants. You may ask someone else to do this for you, or you can wear a mask and gloves when you bathe and brush your pets.

If need be, you can wipe your cats down with a damp wash cloth in order to reduce the amount of allergens they bring into the house. Be sure to vacuum regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter so you aren’t just blowing the allergens around the house. When it comes to reducing drool after drinking, just set the water dish close to the pet door so the dog is outside after he or she gets a drink.

For more information about tips to help reduce pet allergies around your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Australia Pet Doors today at 0414 922 751.