The conventional wisdom about allergies is to avoid triggers whenever you can, but when it comes to their pets, many people don’t consider “allergen avoidance” an option. Over 40% of people with animal allergies will not give up their pets, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports (and some surveys put that percentage far higher). By taking steps to reduce animal allergen and your exposure to it, you may be able to live comfortably with your pets — and your asthma or allergies.

Clear the air

Animal dander (the flakes of dead skin produced by your pet) does most of its damage while airborne. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can effectively clear the air of dander and other airborne allergens.

Dander also can linger in carpets, drapes, and upholstery for weeks and sometimes months. The best way to control dander is to keep your pets away from these “sticky” household materials. If possible, keep your pets outside — you’ll save yourself a lot of cleaning and vacuuming in the process. Don’t allow your pet inside the bedroom. You spend most of your time and therefore do most of your breathing in the bedroom.

If your pets must stay indoors, restrict them to tiled or hardwood-floored rooms such as the kitchen or laundry area. Even this strategy is no guarantee for dander control, however. Cat dander can travel from room to room by sticking to clothing and other moving targets.

Controlling dander on your pet

Many allergists recommend that you brush your pet frequently to reduce the overall amount of dander in your home. Before breaking out the brush, consider that dry brushing can send pet dander particles into the air, exactly where they do the most harm. To reduce dander in the air, brush your pet frequently, but do it outside the home. If you’re allergic, wear a particle mask while brushing, or have someone else take on the task for you.

A weekly bath also can remove most of the dander from your pet. Wear a particle mask while bathing your pet, or delegate the job to a nonallergic friend or family member. To avoid drying out your pet’s skin (which can compound the dander problem), use a medicated pet shampoo. Your vet can help you choose the right product. For use between baths, apply a dander-sealing product to your pet’s coat to prevent tiny dander particles from becoming airborne.

Clean those tanks and cages!

Animal allergen isn’t limited to the dander of furry pets like cats and dogs. Many people are allergic to the urine of rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Once dry, animal secretions can break down into tiny particles and enter the surrounding air. Birds often shed their feathers, which can contain mites, molds, and pollens. And the quiet, peaceful fish tank can be a raucous breeding ground for molds. Clean out cages and tanks regularly (wearing a particle mask and gloves) to avoid exposure to other pet allergens.

Know when to let go

The decision to keep your pet is a personal one. If you begin to feel that animal allergies are interfering significantly with your quality of life, it may be time to reevaluate the pros and cons of keeping your pet at home with you.

Create a list of the benefits (love, companionship) and the drawbacks (physical discomfort, asthma or allergy symptoms). There may come a time when living with your pet does more harm than good, but don’t assume that means you must say good-bye forever. Explore arrangements with friends or family members that would allow for weekly visits — you may find that this solution offers the best of both worlds.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 14th, 2007 at 2:30 am and is filed under Pets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.