How should you control pet dander in the home if you're allergic to it? If you're allergic to animal dander, the best thing to do is get rid of your pet. The next best thing to do is keep your pets out of the bedroom.
Pet Dander is a fairly well known allergen. Cats, dog, birds, and hamsters all have dander. A general misconception about pets and allergies is that the fur of the animal is what is causing the allergic reaction. If you are allergic to cats, chances are it has nothing to do with the hair but the skin flakes that are emitted. Many people get short-hair breeds of pets thinking that they have decreased their allergy threat but have done nothing to help the problem.
"Sadly, the easiest way to control this can also be the most emotionally difficult. The best thing you can do if you're allergic to animal dander is get rid of the animal," said Tom Kallstrom, Director of Respiratory Care and Biometrics at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. However, before you say goodbye to your pet there are some things you can do. If you are suffering from allergies it would be a good idea to go to a doctor to undergo testing to pinpoint your allergens. Perhaps you aren't allergic to pet dander and it isn't necessary to part ways with your pet. If you do find that you are allergic to pet dander and you don't want to get rid of your pet there are some options. "If you just can't bear to part with your furry or feathery friend, then it's essential to separate pets as much as possible from the allergy or asthma sufferer. That means keeping them outdoors if possible, or at least confining them to certain areas of the house, and especially keeping them out of the bedroom. Never, ever allow the pet in the bedroom. Let that be a sanctuary for the pet dander allergy sufferer," said Kallstrom.
If you are choosing to keep your four-legged friend despite your animal dander allergy, then it is vital to keep your home immaculately clean. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America listed several things that would help when cohabitating with a pet. First, since pet dander is sticky, it is best to get rid of carpet and furniture the animal is on frequently. Bare floors and clean walls are very important. Next, using HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtering with vacuums and air conditioning will help in catching dander instead of spreading it. To further protect the bedroom it would be a good idea to use a filter media like cheesecloth to cover the vents to bar pet dander from entering the bedroom. Finally, the pet should be cleaned weekly and regularly groomed to keep dander levels down. Kallstrom says, "Studies have shown washing a cat once a week can remove enough dander to provide a lot of relief to allergy and asthma sufferers."
People allergic to pet dander are best served by clearing their home of pets and cleaning thoroughly to take away the allergen altogether. For those who are not willing to part ways with their pets, they should do all they can to make their home as clean as possible and make their bedrooms an asylum.
