Tips to help you cope with your pet allergy

Do you have pet allergies? For those of us who do, but still love and want to own pets, having coping strategies is important.

The ASPCA has some very helpful tips, to improve the immediate environment, your pet, and yourself! Check it out.

Immediate Environment

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  Create an allergen-free room. The ASPCA recommends a bedroom as a good, practical choice. They say this will at least provide you with eight hours of freedom from allergens at night. The ASPCA also says it’s a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.

• Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery,  the ASPCA says, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments. You can also cover your furniture with sheets or blankets which you can remove and wash regularly.
• Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. The ASPCA says other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
• Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily, they say.
• Use anti-allergen room sprays. The ASPCA says these sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
• Clean the litter box frequently. Use low-dust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
• Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
• Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily. 

Check out the ASPCA’s full article for tips on decontaminating your pet, and taking care of yourself to cope with allergens! READ HERE.