Achoo! Either that Dog Goes or I Go!

As someone who's had both a cat (at least one) and cat allergies for many years, I know what it's like to live with the source of my sneezing and itchy eyes. I'm not alone. I'm joined by approximately 2 million other people who are allergic to their cats.



Sometimes, though, it's not so easy. Your allergies might be a lot more severe than mine. And what do you do when you're moving into a new place where a cat or dog is present? Or if your child is just showing signs of allergies?



First, know what you're allergic to. We give this advice for every situation. Before you blame your pet, make sure that it's actually the source of your symptoms. See your allergist or immunologist and get an allergy test. Or, get away from your pet for a week or two and see if your allergies improve (removing the pet is not as effective, as pet allergens can linger in the home for up to six months).



If a pet allergy has been confirmed, the best way to control it is avoidance. It can be hard, but sometimes the best solution is to find your pet another home. If you would rather keep your pet, there are ways to minimize your symptoms by avoiding pet allergens.

• Always wash your hands, face, and arms immediately after touching your pet to remove dander.


• Keep your pet out of your bedroom. Letting your cat or dog sleep on your bed (even when you're not there) means lots of dander and hair left behind on your bedding. Not fun when you're trying to sleep.


• Always wear a protective mask and gloves when grooming your pet. Change your clothes afterwards, and keep them out of the bedroom. You can wash it with Allergen Wash to remove dander.


• Use a HEPA air purifier to cut down on the amount of allergens in the air. Houses with forced-air heating and air-conditioning can be fitted with a central air purifier or filters.


• Vacuum often, since pets always give off allergens, even when they aren't shedding. A HEPA vacuum or high-efficiency vacuum bag will trap more pet allergens and keep them from getting pumped back into the air.
  
  


• Nothing beats a bath for your pet, especially if you use a shampoo that minimizes dander (such as Allersearch Pet Shampoo). If you start bathing a cat when it's a kitten, it will usually not mind being washed as an adult.


• Place the cat's litter box somewhere that is unconnected to the air supply for the rest of the home, and avoid it if you're allergic.
  
  

Dander (skin flakes) aren't the only cause of cat and dog allergies. Saliva and urine can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. There is no relationship between the pet's hair length and allergen production, and there is also no such thing as a non-allergenic breed. Also note that, since pet dander is sticky, it gets carried on clothes to places where pets have never been present, such as schools, workplaces, and other public spaces.



I've talked specifically about cat and dog allergies, but this advice also applies to other types of pet allergies. Other common pet allergies include hamsters, rabbits, and birds. There are even people who complain of allergies to reptiles (usually thought to be "hypo-allergenic").



It can be hard to give up a pet because of allergies. It's also hard when you can't give your pet as much love and affection as he or she deserves because of allergies. In the end, only you can make that decision. each person's allergies are different, and might require a different course of action.



For more information and tips, see: About Pet Dander on Allergy Be Gone