Pet allergies ARE manageable!

Love your pets but have allergies? No problems, there are actually many things you can do to help ease your them!

Many people are allergic to more than one thing so make sure that your doctor does an actual allergy test which will test for allergies to pet dander as well as dust and pollen. If you’re sensitive to more than one allergen, manage your exposure to all of them, since allergies have a cumulative effect.

There are over the counter medications such as Zyrtec available that relieve sneezing, runny nose, itch, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. 

Most people believe that cat or dog fur causes the allergies but in fact it is the proteins in the saliva that sticks to your pet’s fur when he grooms himself and the dander from the skin. It’s the protein that causes the sneezing, a runny nose and an itchy throat. That’s why allergy sufferers may have a stronger reaction to cats rather than dogs, since cats groom and lick themselves more often than dogs do!

What can you do to help relieve your allergies? In your home create an “allergy free” zone where your pet is not allowed. The bedroom may be best.

Also put plastic covers on your pillows and mattress to prevent allergen particles from building up in them.

Invest in a great vacuum and air purifiers with HEPA filters, which capture small particles including animal dander.

Clean your home frequently, be sure to wash pet beds, couch covers and pillowcases.

Avoid furnishings that easily trap dander like carpet and cloth curtains.

As far as your beloved pet is concerned, make sure you bathe your pet regularly using a dog shampoo as human shampoos are harmful to cats and dogs. A wonderful all natural dog shampoo to use is Dr. Harvey’s Herbal Shampoo which is organic and chemical free.

Since cats are not too fond of the idea of bathing make try wiping your cat down with a cat-grooming wipe to remove saliva and dander.

Brush your pets frequently to reduce airborne allergens.

You will hear the term “hypoallergenic pet” but unfortunately there is no such thing! Fact is that all cats and dogs can cause allergy symptoms. The reason why dogs with soft constantly growing fur might be less irritating to some people with allergies is simply because they are groomed, brushed and bathed more often then dogs with short fur. Everyone will react differently to different breeds of cats and dogs.

The only way to be sure is to spend some time with that pet before adopting.

If you already have a pet in your home you are allergic to try the tips above!