Help With Your Pet Allergy

If you think you have a Pet Allergy you should visit your doctor. The doctor will most likely have you take an Allergy test to confirm it. If it turns out that you do have a Pet Allergy then what help is there available?

Unfortunately scientists have yet to find a cure for Allergies. So, the best you can do is to take some form of medication or natural remedy to reduce the symptoms. You can also take some practical steps to reduce the chances of having more allergic reactions in the future.

Good sense would be to remove the pet altogether. In most cases this is usually neither practicable nor desirable. You have a pet because you like it and want it. So, what choices do you have.

For your pet.

You need to make your pet clean. Not just normal clean, but clean from Allergens as much as possible. There are plenty of good products available for your pet. Have a look at Allersearch Pet Shampoo or Simple Solution Pet Shampoo. Both are very effective products for cleaning the Allergens off your pets. Alternatively you can check out some of the Allergy Relief Stores in your neighbourhood or on the internet. The following will also help.

- Where at all possible keep the pet outside the home.
- If not, keep them away from your sleeping area.
- When you wash and brush your pet, always do it outside.
- Clean the pet bedding (and cat litter box) outside. This stops the spread of pet dander and fur in the home.

For you.

You need to reduce your current Pet Allergy symptoms. As the symptoms are many and vary from person to person your doctor will give you a prescription for the best product to treat your particular Allergy symptoms. If you are unable to afford to see a doctor try and see if you can access some free medical help or at the very least talk to your local pharmacist.

- Main thing to remember is you should always wash your hands thoroughly after touching your pets.

For your home.

Having done the above steps for you and your pet, you then need to make your home as Allergen free as possible. This will help greatly to reduce the number and severity of future Allergy attacks and Allergy symptoms.

The following is a list of some steps others have successfully taken in and around the home.

- Wash sheets and pillowcases every week. Wash blankets about every eight weeks.
- If it's in your budget you should consider a washer that is certified “Asthma and Allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
- Polished wood or vinyl floors are easier to clean than carpet. Mop floors every week.
- Again if it's in your budget look at getting a steam mop. They do a much better job.
- Any carpets you have should be vacuumed every week. You may need to wear a dust or Allergy mask, as it stops you breathing in the pet dander and fur stirred up by vacuuming.
- Try to make sure that your vacuum is fitted with an Allergen filter. Clean or change it regularly.
- Even with vacuuming you should consider getting your carpets steam cleaned two or three times a year.
- Furniture. If wood, metal or plastic, wash it down with a damp cloth every week. If material, clean with vacuum when you are doing the carpets.
- Dogs and cats rub up against the walls. Wipe down bottom of walls that pets can reach.
- If necessary consider using a HEPA filtered air conditioner or air purifier. This will  greatly reduce the pet dander and Allergens floating inthe air.

The same steps outlined above will also benefit those who suffer from Dust Mite Allergy. For more information on that subject please read the Dust Mite Allergy page.