No matter how intense the itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion get, pet allergies usually aren’t enough to deter us pet lovers from snuggling up with our fuzzy, four-legged friends. Still, according to a study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population, pet allergies are one of the most common reasons why owners surrender their cats, with 8 percent of feline surrenders attributed to allergies each year. But sufferers of severe pet allergies may want to consider making a few, small changes to reduce pet allergens so that you can snuggle up close with your slobbery sidekick comfortably.
Cleaning and Purifying the Air
To reduce pet allergens, you must get rid of the indoor pollutants that trigger your allergies, primarily pet dander. Pet dander is the microscopic material that falls off your pet’s skin and fur and hangs in the air, sticks to furniture or gets trapped in carpet fibers. When you breathe in pet dander, you might experience upper and lower respiratory issues, including congestion, sneezing, runny nose, wheezing and chest tightness. The following will help you get rid of those micro-particles through your daily and weekly cleaning routine.
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Try a HEPA Vacuum—By far one of the simplest ways to thoroughly reduce pet allergens is through a high-quality, multi-surface vacuum with attachments that effectively suck up dander resting on hardwood, carpet, rugs, upholstery and curtains. We recommend canister vacuums for this because they offer superior pickup power with excellent versatility for many surfaces. HEPA vacuum cleaners are another grade-A choice for allergy sufferers, as they are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove at least 99.97 percent of particles greater than or equal to 0.3 microns from the air.
- Change All Air Filters—Speaking of HEPA filters…it’s definitely not a bad idea to go through your home and swap out any and all air filters in appliances that use filters—air purifiers, air conditioners, furnaces, dehumidifiers, humidifiers and vacuums often use filters—with new HEPA filters. Be sure to check your appliance’s manual to learn how often you should be changing filters and be diligent about changing them on time.
- Clean Up Clutter—Dust, pet dander and other indoor pollutants love clutter. With so many nooks and crannies, those microparticles may never be discovered, so they can plague you forever! Anything that might collect dust is a magnet for pollutants, but fabric items such as stuffed animals, piles of clothing and bedding are particularly good at trapping in allergens. Not only should you de-clutter your space, but you should also regularly dust with a microfiber cloth and then vacuum to collect any particles that may have fallen to the floor during dusting.
Making Your Environment Anti-Allergen
Creating an allergy-friendly home is a two-part endeavor. First, you must totally clean your environment of the microscopic particles that trigger your allergies. Second, you must get rid of anything that might be an allergy magnet and then put into place some allergen fighters to help maintain your fresh, new space. Here are some of the easiest ways you can make your home inhospitable to allergens for the long-term.
- Install an Air Purifier—Along with a HEPA vacuum, the air purifier is one of the most important appliances for reducing allergens. In the home, air purifiers can help eliminate indoor pollutants that trigger and worsen your allergies. These appliances come in many styles, from units that install directly into your HVAC system for whole-house purification to small, portable styles great for apartments and small bedrooms. All pet owners should have an air purifier not only because it helps to improve your home’s air quality, but also because it helps get rid of pet-related odors.
- Swap Out Your Sheets—Any porous material or textile is particularly susceptible to pet dander buildup, including all of your bedding. Switching to hypoallergenic sheets, comforters and pillowcases can help ward off all sorts of allergens, including dust mites, mold, dust and pet dander. You might also consider some anti-allergy encasements or bedding that’s less susceptible to pet hair buildup, such as tightly woven cotton or linen. Be sure to wash all of your bedding in hot water weekly to eliminate all of that gross stuff.
- Nurture Some Plants—Did you know that keeping an indoor garden could help you breathe easier at home? Indeed, according to the NASA Clean Air Study, certain houseplants can act as natural air purifiers, effectively sucking up some of the airborne particles that worsen your allergies. NASA says that some of the best air-filtering plants include Boston ferns, spider plants, Chinese evergreens, dwarf date palms, bamboo palms and broadleaf lady palms, among others. It might be worth your while to stop in at the garden center and inquire about some easy-care air-filtering plants for your house.
- Make a Space Just for Your Pet—As difficult as it is, it can alleviate some intense allergies if you bar your pet from hopping up on the bed or sofa with you. Create a comfortable, enticing environment for a lazy kitty or sleepy pup with a zippered pet bed covered in a designated pet blanket on the floor. This allows you to easily throw the materials into the wash with your weekly laundry to eliminate a good portion of the pet dander that might settle in your home. If you can’t stand the idea of banning your pet from the bed—we don’t blame you—then be sure to add a throw blanket or an extra top layer that you can easily wash off the fur and dander each week.
Breathing Easy with Pets
Just because you have pet allergies doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the special pleasures of pet ownership. As long as you’re committed to creating and maintaining an allergen-free home, you can certainly soak up all the feline and canine cuddles you can dream of. Remember to talk to your doctor about allergy management medicine and have your pet professionally groomed for a comprehensive anti-allergen plan.
