How to Control Pet Allergies
- 1). Create a place in your home free of allergens. Bar your pet from your bedroom; you spend most of your time there. Keep your bedroom door closed and restrict any pet from entering. Allergens are very sticky and will attach themselves to your bedding, couches and chairs. Consider getting impermeable covers for your mattress and pillows.
- 2). Clean your home rigorously. Because allergens are sticky you must clean often and deliberately. Scrub your walls, wash your upholstery often, and keep all surfaces clean and uncluttered. Remove your carpeting if you can; carpet harbors allergens. If you must have carpet, steam clean your carpets often. Vacuuming is effective only if you use a double bag. Wear a dust mask when you vacuum and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- 3). Install HEPA air purifiers in your home. HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filters are air filters that satisfy the standards of efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Use of these filters can help reduce indoor allergy problems. The filtration system takes allergens out of the air should be added to the central heating units and air conditioning.
- 4). Groom your pet regularly. Giving your pet a bath weekly can reduce the allergen count in your home. Cats and dogs secrete fluids, shed dander, and carry allergens in their hair. Giving your pet a well-balanced diet can help in preventing dry, flaky skin (dander). If you own a cat, brush it regularly and also use a wet cloth to wipe it down, reducing dander.
Source...