How to Subdue Pet Allergies

Chances are you know a person who doesn’t want to be in the same home where a pet lives because the animal bothers their allergies. About 15 to 30% of Americans have allergic problems with pets. It’s not unusual for families to have to hold events away from a certain person’s home because so-and-so “can’t be in the same room with the dog or cat.”

Sneezing, tearing eyes, coughing, and headaches are just some things that happen when a person is allergic to pets. Typically, it’s cats that bother people most, though dogs, birds, and even the outdoor animals like cows and horses can trigger allergies.

With dogs, for instance, they can secrete a protein that gets released with their dead skin cells and saliva. The protein ends up in fabrics and the air and eventually finds its way into people’s noses and eyes and lungs.

One way to help make a home as allergen-free as possible is to restrict a pet to one place/room of the house. In that area, there shouldn’t be carpeting or lots of furniture– keep it as simple as possible. Obviously, the room you choose shouldn’t be the bedroom where people sleep, spending a third of their day/night.

If the pet roams the house, then regularly clean upholstered furniture, drapes, stuffed pillows, etc. Consider using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wipe the pet with a warm, damp washcloth twice a week.

Medications like antihistamines can help.

Certain pets seem to be more “hypoallergenic” than others, such as poodles. While poodles aren’t 100% allergen-free, they’re less likely to make people sneeze since they have hair instead of fur.

Scarlet’s Fancy Poodles are bred by Linda DeBlauw in California. If you have any questions about Red Poodles, Teddy Bear Poodles, or Miniature/Toy Poodles, please call her at 805-748-2095 between 11am and 5pm PST.