Pet allergies are unpleasant.
Itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny nose and wheezing can all make living with a dog very difficult. If you’ve made the decision to bring a dog into your home, or if you have family and friends who are allergic to your dog, there are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of allergens in your home. These hacks will help manage pet allergies and make life more pleasant.
Understanding Pet Allergies
Most people think they are allergic to pet hair; however, allergies are usually a reaction to the proteins in their dander (dead skin), urine and saliva. If you knew you had an allergy before you bought a dog, hopefully you chose a hypoallergenic dog which is less likely to trigger reactions because they produce less dander.
Hack #1: Have Some Dog-Free Areas
Consider having a few rooms which your dog isn’t allowed into. Don’t allow your dog into your bedroom or on your bed, and consider keeping him off furniture which you frequently use, such as your sofa. This won’t stop pet allergens spreading to these areas, but it will reduce the amount of dander.
If your dog is already used to jumping up on the sofa and bed, use allergen-resistant bedding and furniture throws to help reduce the level of dander levels you’re exposed to.
Hack #2: Say Goodbye to Carpets
Carpets can trap dog hair and dander making it difficult to remove even after a good vacuuming. Stick to hard surface flooring such as wood, vinyl laminate or tile. These surfaces are much easier to keep clean and hair & dander free. Vacuuming and mopping removes pet allergens quite quickly.
If you are set on having carpets, choose a low pile which is less likely to trap allergens. Please keep in mind that you should have them professionally cleaned frequently.
Hack #3: Bathe and Brush Regularly
If you have a visitor coming over who is allergic to your four-legged friend, you might want to consider giving your pooch the ultimate spa treatment to reduce the number of allergens. Unfortunately, this isn’t a great long-term solution for those living with the dog. It is only a temporary fix since allergens will be back in two to three days after the bath.
For those living with a dog and suffer from pet allergies, be sure to brush your dog frequently. This helps reduce the amount of hair and dander around the house. It is best to have someone who doesn’t have allergies do this a few times a week. It is best to do this outside to ensure fur and dander aren’t shed everywhere.
Hack #4: Use an Air Purifier
Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove impurities and pet allergens from the air. These purifiers work by trapping particles which cause allergic reactions so it’s important that you use it in the rooms that your dog uses the most.
Place one in the room your dog uses most to help reduce the amount of airborne allergies. Use another air purifier in your bedroom. Even if you don’t allow your dog into your bedroom, the allergens have worked their way in there. Considering this is where you spend the majority of your time when you are home, it’s important that its allergy free. Use each of the air purifiers for a minimum of four hours per day.
Hack #5: Clean and Dust Regularly
Having a cleaning schedule in place will help to prevent allergens from building up. Invest in a pet vacuum which has been specifically developed to help remove hair, dander and pet odors. Dusting regularly will also help to keep dander levels to a minimum. Make sure you clean and dust all the areas which your dog regularly uses, as well as their toys and bed.
Parting Thoughts
You will never be able to remove all the pet allergens from your home. If you follow these helpful tips, you’ll be able to keep them minimized which will reduce allergic reactions and make living with a dog more comfortable and enjoyable.
Article written by All Things Dogs.