Pet Allergies

It must be kept in mind, however, that as long as the pet is in the home, the allergic person will likely have at least some allergy symptoms (or at least require more allergy medication than if the pet wasn’t there). This may not be a big deal for people with a runny nose or itchy eyes, but could be very important for a person with severe asthma. Therefore, the decision to keep a pet, versus finding your furred friend a new home, is always an individualized decision based on the severity of allergy symptoms and how well those symptoms can be controlled with avoidance, medications and/or allergy shots.

The following is a list of avoidance techniques you can use to reduce exposure to pet allergens, and thus reduce symptoms and/or the requirement for allergy medications:

•Ensure the pet is neutered

•Bath the pet at least once or twice a week.

•Wipe down the pet using a wet cloth or baby wipes daily.

•Remove the pet from the bedroom; close the bedroom door and air vents leading to the bedroom.

•Keep the pet outside, in the garage, or in a part of the home with an uncarpeted floor.

•Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner.

•Purchase a HEPA room air cleaner for use in the bedroom and/or other parts of the home (it is best to keep the HEPA filter off of the floor so as to not stir up more dust).

•Steam clean all carpets and upholstered furniture.

•Launder or dry clean all bedding and curtains.

•Vacuum all hard floors.

•Wipe down all hard surfaces and furniture.

•Replace any air conditioner and heater vent filters.

While some very allergic individuals, particularly those with asthma, won’t be able to keep their pet regardless of what they do, many people find that a few of these simple steps allow them to keep their best friend around. Just make sure you’re stocked up on allergy medication and Kleenex. In some situations, allergies to your pet can be controlled. We always suggest you speak to your family doctor regarding medications as well as available herbal alternatives. Be very careful with asthmatic children though, you might need to find your pet a new home rather than risk your child's health and life, depending of the severity of the allergy. For less serious allergies there are some possible solutions.

There is also a special product you can use on your pets which we have received rave reviews for:

Allerpet-D for dogs has helped many allergic friends keep their animals. It's available at pet stores and at some vet's offices. It's a liquid - you moisten a paper towel or washcloth with this liquid and wipe your pet down with it once a week. It neutralizes the allergens on the pet's skin and fur. It takes about 3 weeks for it to reach peak effectiveness. We found a link for a Canadian distributor for Allerpet-D