Many pet parents experience allergies because of their furry companions. However, pet hair itself is not allergenic. Certain proteins, called allergens, are the main culprit of the terrible allergic reactions pet parents experience. Saliva, urine, and sebum from sebaceous glands produce these proteins that attach to the skin of cats and dogs. As pets go about their day, they shed skin cells, also known as pet dander, that contains these proteins and collect in the air, furniture, and clothing. So, reducing the amount of pet dander in the environment will reduce pet allergies.

1. Enjoy Housework 

Pet dander tends to collect in clothes, bedding, furniture, and carpet. Thus, reducing pet dander requires constant cleaning around the house. Vacuuming will help remove some pet dander from floors. Howoever, some vacuum cleaners tend to release small particles back into the air. If this is the case, pet parents can get HEPA vacuum cleaners or HEPA vacuum bags that prevent airborne particles from escaping. Additionally, pet parents can wipe down hard surfaces with dusting sheets. These sheets are designed to capture the smallest particles and prevent them from flying into the air. For all other hard to clean areas, allergy neutralizing sprays may do the trick.

Most pet parents enjoy cuddling with their furry pals. But cuddling comes with its consequences. Pet dander also tend to collect in clothes and bedding. In order to remove pet dander, constant washing of bedding and clothing is necessary. This also includes pet bedding, the place where pets spend much of their time. A regular laundry routine should be sufficient to neutralize and remove the allergens.

2. Getting Hypoallergenic Breeds 

There are many hypoallergenic cat and dog breeds. These breeds tend to have hair instead of fur and shed less regularly. Although no breeds are 100% hypoallergenic, these breeds shed less than their counterparts thus release less pet dander. Here are a few hypoallergenic breeds that are also family friendly.

Dog Breeds:

• Maltese
• Shih Tzu
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Airedale Terrier

Cat Breeds:

• Siamese
• Sphynx
• Siberian
• Balinese
• Bengal
• Devon Rex

3. Create Pet-free Zones 

Restrict pets from going into certain rooms such as bedrooms and areas with shaggy carpet. Pet-free zones can serve as “break-rooms” for pet parents in case the sniffles and itchy eyes get overwhelming. If there is a household member that is especially susceptible to allergies, their bedroom In addition to making bedrooms pet-free, there are also hypoallergenic bedding that can further reduce exposure to allergens.

Although restricting pets from entering certain rooms reduces exposure, it does not make the area 100% allergen free. Since pet dander particles are extremely tiny (approx. 2.5 microns), it may take a while to remove the particles from the environment. However, pet parents can begin creating pet-free zones by washing bedding, carpet, and curtains. Placing HEPA air purifiers in these rooms will help remove airborne pet dander as well. Creating allergy-free sanctuaries makes living with a furry companion much easier.

4. Wash & Groom

Pet owners love to pet their furry companions as much as the pets love getting petted. Although touching them may be fun, it may also get pet dander and other allergens onto hands and clothing. So if pet owners love petting their pets, routine hand-washing afterward will help reduce allergic reactions. Hand-washing will prevent pet dander from contact with eyes, noses, and mouths that are more susceptible to allergy symptoms.

Additionally, regular grooming will remove dirt, pollen, and other allergens trapped in pet fur that intensifies allergy symptoms. Each pet breed has different grooming requirements, which means daily baths may not be an option. Instead, regular brushing can extend the benefits of baths by reducing the amount of fur that ends up on furniture and floors.

5. Medicine

The final step in making life with a pet companion allergy friendly is by taking antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms. Antihistamines work to reduce symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose and other minor allergic reactions pet parents may have.  Although it may not cure the allergy, it does prevent reactions from happening in the first place. It is also a good idea to have antihistamines on hand in case any house guests are also allergic to pet dander. 

Having pet allergies does not mean pet parents have to give away their furry friends. Routine household cleaning, grooming, and pet-free zones can create an environment that’s tolerable for people with pet allergies while allowing them to enjoy the company of a pet. Pets are a huge time and energy commitment and taking the steps to reducing pet allergies is just part of the package. However, it’s all worthwhile because pets are the best cuddlers, listeners, and companions.