How to Live With an Allergy to Animal Hair

Allergies to animal hair are not caused by the hair itself, but by a protein present in the pet's saliva and dander. Fortunately, you have options for dealing with the allergy other than getting rid of the pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Air Filters
  • Flitered Vacuums
  • Power Brush Vacuum Attachments
  • Distilled Waters
  • Bromelain
  • Quercetin
  • Vitamin C
  • Allergen Remover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash your pet weekly. This will reduce the allergen levels. Use a very mild dog or cat shampoo to prevent your pet's skin from getting too dry.

    • 2

      Rub pet down with distilled water daily. It helps reduce allergen levels significantly.

    • 3

      Use one of the allergen reduction products on the market. They are sold in pet supply stores; you can use them instead of distilled water.

    • 4

      Vacuum daily. Use a vacuum with a good HEPA filter. Vacuum furniture and drapes as well as the floor.

    • 5

      Consider removing carpeting. Smooth floors such as tile or wood are much easier to clean, and animal hair doesn't cling to these surfaces.

    • 6

      Use an air filtration system in your house.

    • 7

      Minimize upholstered furniture and soft fleecy surfaces, which can harbor allergens.

    • 8

      Damp-dust at least once a week. The allergens are airborne and can stick to objects around the house, such as lamp shades or picture frames.

    • 9

      Keep pets out of bedroom.

    • 10

      Select a sofa or chair that will be the pet's spot and cover it with a sheet. It will be easier to keep your pet off furniture if the pet has a designated piece of furniture to sit on.

    • 11

      Wash the sheets once a week.

    • 12

      Wash or wipe down pet toys frequently. They carry allergens.

    • 13

      Confine pets to certain rooms if you have a large house.

    • 14

      Wash your hands after playing with your pet.

    • 15

      Keep pets outside if you have a safe place for them. For dogs, this means a fenced yard and a doghouse for shelter. Cats should not be kept outside unless you live in an area far away from traffic and natural predators.

    • 16

      Consider taking allergy shots to help desensitize you to the allergens.

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