Dogs make very good companions, but unfortunately, other people are often diagnosed with pet allergies caused by these pets. Allergies are ailments or some form of health issues experienced by people as a result of coexisting with dogs in the same environment. Fortunately, there are different options you can consider to stay with your beloved pup while managing your allergy at the same time. As long as your allergy is not life-threatening, you can happily live with your dog in the same home.
Remove the Carpet
Allergens can easily stick to surfaces consisting of cloth or fabric, and they are difficult to clean. Therefore, if your carpet is made of fabric, it is a good idea to get rid of it and replace it with other options like laminate and hardwood flooring. Alternatively, you can hire a professional cleaner to give your carpet a deep cleaning at least twice every year. You should also replace your curtains with blinds or shutters to keep your home allergen-free. Consider leather sofas or cover fabric household furniture with plastic to keep allergens at bay.
Clean Your Home
Regular vacuuming of your home prevents allergens from piling up in hidden places. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can remove about 99.97% of the minute particles found in your home. This kind of filter is very effective in trapping allergens from the air. Remember to mop your floors regularly to remove all tiny particles from all corners of your home. Ensure there is enough ventilation in your home. For instance, you can open the windows to allow allergens to escape and promote free circulation of air.
Bath and Groom Your Dog
Give your dog frequent baths and grooming to remove allergens that can affect your health. Bathing your dog removes undesirable elements like dander, and it reduces allergens by about 84%. It is recommended that you should give your dog at least one bath per week. You should consult your vet first so that you can choose the best products for your pet. There are special shampoos meant to reduce pup allergens. Furthermore, be sure to wash pet bedding to eliminate piled-up allergens. Replacing linen on your pet bed every few months also helps reduce the amount of allergen pileup in your home.
Demarcate Your Home
Demarcating your home is vital since it helps you create a dog-free zone. When you keep your dog out of certain spaces in your house, you’ll safeguard the health of the household members suffering from pet allergies. Always keep the doors of pet-free rooms shut. When your allergy gets bad, you can retreat to an allergen-free room. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone no matter how much you love your friend. Since you spend most of your time in your bedroom at night, you should make it a haven. This does not affect your relationship with your pet since you can play with her in other places around your home.
Choose Hypoallergenic Dogs
Some individuals are more sensitive to other dog breeds than others. Therefore, choosing a hypoallergenic dog can be a good idea since this will help prevent the spread of allergens. Although there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, the following breeds are better options, especially if you have pet allergy:
- Poodles
- Schnauzers
- Maltese
- Bichon Frise
- Afghan Hound
- Chinese crested
Treatments and Supplements
If you have a pet allergy, you can control it by using specially designed-supplements and treatments. For example, antihistamine nose sprays, immunotherapy, and antihistamine pills are some of the treatments you can get for pet allergies. You should first consult a professional allergist who understands how these treatments work. There are also supplements designed to reduce the impact of allergens on people who might be allergic to pets. Again, you need to talk to a professional first before using them.
Wash Your Hands
Whenever you have a close encounter with your dog, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands with an antibacterial soap. This option helps you remove all tiny particles that may stick to your hands when you hold your dog. It is recommended that you change and wash your clothes when you come into contact with someone else’s dog outside your home. Take a bath and clean your hair to remove potential allergens stuck in your body.
Monitor the Movement of Your Dog
When you take your dog out for a walk, you should keep it away from tall grasses, patches of flowers, or other vegetation where it can pick up allergens like pollen. Always walk your pet on a leash so you can control her movements. Divide your yard so your pet can access areas with mowed grass. Paving other sections of your yard can also help reduce the spread of allergens from plants.
Wipe Your Dog
When you take your dog outside for a walk, you should always give it a gentle wipe with a moist towel to remove allergens that may be stuck to its coat. You cannot bathe your dog every time you take her out, so this option can be effective in dealing with the issue of allergens. Wash the towel after wiping your dog.
Declutter Your Home
Before you bring a new dog into your home, be sure to declutter it and get rid of trash and other unnecessary items. If you are already experiencing challenges, such as dust mites, mold, and cigarette smoke, you should clean the entire environment first. Clear all unwanted items to prevent the spread of allergens.