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Animal Allergies
So you are in love. You found the perfect one to fill your life with
happiness and companionship. There's only one problem. You sneeze whenever
they get close. So do you give up your love or fight back, even if that
love is a little kitten or puppy. If you are like me, and the other 15% of
the population allergic to pets, there are steps you can take to minimize
the effect your fluffy and furry loved ones can have on your sinuses.
But there are other ways to help contain and reduce your exposure:
There are many air filters, purifiers, and vacuum filters on the market
today with the express purpose of reducing the allergens in the air. I have
an air filter that was about $100 from a big-box retail store that starts
with a W.
It greatly helped to reduce all kinds of air issues. You should be
replacing the regular filters in your intake for your home AC about once a
month anyway. These filters are usually square or rectangular and help to
filter the air as it goes through the house. Most vacuums are more apt at
spreading the allergens then actually removing them. Check your brand to
see what if any filters it has.
Carpets, curtains, and drapes are the perfect places once the allergens have
been scooped up to deposit. If you can, minimize these items or remove
them all together in favor of wood floors, or mini blinds. You can even buy
an acid spray to help keep allergens in carpets or drapes to a minimum.
Do you have one of those great energy efficient homes with triple plated
windows and all cracks sealed? That is great for your heating bills, but
unfortunately also keeps allergens in. Opening windows and allowing the air
to circulate will help.
We all want that close contact with our furry friend while we sleep, but you
will sleep better if you keep your bedroom off limits to pets by closing the
door at all times. Change your sheets and bedding at least two times a week
and remember to wash them in hot water to help kill the allergens.
Have a non-allergic family member be in charge of grooming. Have them brush
your pet outside if possible and bathe your pet. Yes, even cats can be
bathed from time to time.
Clean the litter boxes outside the house, and have that non-allergic person
in charge.
The better quality the food, the less dander you will have to deal with.
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I can't pass by a dog or cat without giving them a quick pat or scratch. If
I happen to be sitting down and they crawl into my lap, how can I say no?
But then my nose starts to twitch, and my eyes start to water, and then
comes the sneezing. Most people think it is the hair of the animal that
causes all this, but what we are actually allergic to is a protein in the
saliva, dander, or urine of the animal. Usually if you are going to have a
reaction it will be within minutes of being exposed to the animal. But for
some very rare cases of people, it can happen later. You should always
check with your doctor if you think you are allergic. There are many
prescriptions and over the counter medicines that can relieve your symptoms.