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.