What makes you allergic to a pet? It is generally the proteins in pet dander, their saliva, or their urine. These substances are normally harmless, but they can cause irritating effects such as runny or stuffy noses, swollen nasal passages, itchy and watering eyes, as well as itchy skin.
Research shows that allergies to dogs and cats affect 10 to 20% of the population. Most allergies are manageable and since your animal has already become a part of the family, one would like to do everything possible to make living with a pet fun, as well as pleasant.
9 ways to make living with your furry friend more pleasant and fun.
- Have a pet free zone in your home. The best and easiest pet free zones would be the bedrooms. Keep the doors closed and teach your pet that these rooms are off limits.
- After having a fun time playing and bonding with your animal, change your clothes. Wash your hands and face, or even take a shower depending on how much fun you have had!
- Keep your pet bathed, using proper pet shampoos, and well brushed. Only brush your pet outdoors.
- Keeps litter boxes and kennels clean.
- Use slipcovers or blankets on sofas and chairs; these covers should be washed regularly.
- When vacuuming, be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter so dander is not pushed into the air.
- Use an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and keep your heating and air conditioning filters changed out with certified HEPA filters.
- Remove carpeting wherever possible as it captures the dander. Replace it with vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or engineered wood. If you insist on carpeting, a low pile is the best. Steam clean it regularly.
- A great product to help with your pets dander is Allerpet. It is good for your pet and you will love it as well. It is veterinarian approved.
Pets bring joy and happiness into our lives. They help us heal and feel loved; our animals do not judge and they can be our best friend in a time of need.
Allergies to pets cannot be cured, but they can generally be managed. If the above suggestions do not work, you can see your healthcare provider, or an allergist, and talk about what options they can provide that can help you improve your chances of keeping your beloved pet.
We have the responsibility to do want we can once we have accepted a pet into our lives. Talk to the experts and take a chance on being a lifetime pet owner.
One last thing that I want to mention. It is important the our kids bond with their dog, or any other pet. I have written the cutest book called A Book with My Dog and you can find it here on this sight under “shop.” It is also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback form. This book will bring out your kids imagination while they read in dog language. It is super fun!
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