Year-Round Allergies: Pets
Pet allergies can cause nasal allergy symptoms at any time of year. In fact, for the 10 million pet owners who choose to keep a cat or a dog in spite of their pet allergies, nasal allergy symptoms can be a constant battle.
What is it about pets that can cause nasal allergy symptoms? Their dander (skin particles), as well as their saliva and urine, can cause an allergic reaction. (Plus, pet hair is a good hiding place for other allergens such as pollen and dust.)
Tips to reduce year-round nasal allergy symptoms caused by cats and dogs
- Experts say it's best not to let pets indoors if you have pet allergies. Of course, that may not be realistic. But do try to keep pets limited to a few rooms in your house — and at the very least, if you're allergic, keep pets out of your bedroom
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting in areas where pets spend time. Opt for bare floors or washable area rugs instead
- Avoid cleaning with harsh chemicals that can aggravate allergy symptoms
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in your home
- Cover spots on furniture where pets sleep or lie with something washable — and wash it frequently in hot water
- Bathe pets once a week — studies have shown this significantly cuts down on the amount of dander that can cause symptoms. Look for special shampoos in pet stores that can help minimize allergens on your pet's skin
- If you can, have someone else groom your pet or take it to the pet spa for regular grooming
- Take steps to allergy-proof your home