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There is good news for the estimated one in five allergy sufferers who have pets: There are ways you and your pet can live together.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests you:
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom. You spend as much as a third of your time there. Letting a dog or cat in increases your exposure to dander and the likelihood of allergic reaction.
- Bathe your pet frequently. It’s not the hair shed by the dog or cat that causes you to suffer, it’s the loose flakes of skin it deposits around the house. Bathe your pet at least once a week and dry the pet as best you can to limit the animal’s shaking and stirring up more dander.
- Replace air filters regularly. With a pet in the house, you should replace the filter in your forced-air heating and cooling system at least once a month. A high-quality pleated filter offers more surface area to capture more dander than a flat-surface filter.
- Clean your house frequently. Doctors recommend frequent vacuuming of both hard-surface and carpeted floors, heavily upholstered furniture and draperies. A HEPA filtered vacuum that has good seals and suction may be best, although a vacuum with high-efficiency filters and a tight body to prevent dust leaks may work well. See the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) website for vacuums that have been tested to contain dust and clean well. When dusting, use a damp or microfiber cloth or Swiffer-type disposable duster (Note: IEHA does not endorse products) to capture dust.
- Consider a central vacuum system. It often offers the most cleaning power available to remove captured dander from the living area. Quiet operation (since the motor is often housed in the garage) also prevents startling the dog or cat, reducing the amount of dander the pet will shed.
Reducing exposure through environmental controls, however, may not be sufficient for some allergic patients. You may need an over-the-counter or prescription medication to live comfortably with your pet. Ask your physician about the appropriate treatment for you.
For more facts about living with allergies and pets, visit www.acaai.org.
Living With Allergies—And Animals: Created on March 31st, 2013. Last Modified on January 21st, 2014
