How to Stop Pet Allergies
Whether you’re thinking about acquiring a new pet or having pet allergies, knowing how to stop pet allergies can benefit you.
There are different ways to relieve pet allergies that you can try. These methods can help you stop pet allergies without giving up your pet. You can restrict your pet’s access to particular home areas, such as your bedroom. Installing an air purifier or HVAC filter can also aid in the capture and removal of pet allergens such as dander from your home’s air. Just obtain an electrostatic HVAC filter to remove all pet allergies.
Many people have pets in their homes, including some who are allergic to them. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, millions of people suffer from pet allergies triggered by cats and dogs. However, the most common are cat allergies.
Pet allergies can be a huge problem, especially if you have severe symptoms that occur year-round. For instance, you may experience eye inflammation, itchy throat, wheezing, nasal congestion, or even hives.
And even if you are not immediately allergic to your pet, they can trap and release allergens that can eventually set you off. Unfortunately, some people believe that if they are allergic to their pets, they have no choice but to remove them from their homes.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stop pet allergies so that you can live happily with your pet. We’ve shared a few tips for stopping pet allergies in this guide.
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Understand Your Pet Allergies
Before we can jump into the tips on how to stop pet allergies, you need to understand your pet allergies.
Determine What Allergies You Have
You probably already know the basics of what causes allergies. It tends to be your body’s immune system reacting to a foreign substance. In most cases, that is harmless.
The severity of the reaction to these allergens may differ from one person to another. You may experience mild sneezing to life-threatening Asthma.
It’s essential to consult with your doctor to determine your type of allergy. It might be that you are not allergic to your pet. For example, you may think that you are allergic to your pet. But it could turn out that you have a pollen allergy after your allergy test, which is very common.
Know What Causes Your Pet Allergies
When determining how to stop pet allergies, many methods, including the ones we mentioned below, revolve around a specific allergen. So it’s best to know what causes your pet allergies before moving forward.
In the case of pets, your allergies can be triggered by various things. Pet allergies can be triggered by saliva, dander, urine, and fur allergens. But it’s started by pet dander, a harmless protein found in your pet’s skin and saliva. You can find pet dander all over your home when it starches itself or runs around your house.
Most people assume pet dander only comes from cats and dogs. However, it can also be found in horses and rabbits. Pretty much any animal that has fur or feathers. That’s why there is no such thing as hypoallergenic pets.
10 Ways on How to Stop Pet Allergies
Many people love their pets, but they also have allergies to their pets. If you are one of those allergic to their pet, you already know this. That doesn’t stop them from sharing a roof with their pets.
There has to be a way to enjoy the company of your pet without getting a siege of allergy symptoms. Here are seven methods to employ when learning how to stop pet allergies so that you can live with your pet comfortably.
| Tip to Stop Pet Allergies | Pros of this method |
| Have a pet-free zone in your home. | You can still keep your pet indoors and you don’t have to deep clean your whole home. |
| Replace your HVAC filter. | The filter does the work for you and works continuously as long as you replace it on time. |
| Bathe your pet regularly. | Not only will this cut down on your allergy symptoms, it will also keep your home cleaner at the same time! |
1. Have a Pet Free Zone in Your Home
When you have a pet, the best approach when exploring how to stop your pet allergies is to have certain parts of your home ultimately, such as your bedroom, off-limits to your pets.
When you sleep, you can get exposed to pet allergens like dander circulating in the air in your bedroom. If your pet is constantly in that area, it can mean bad news about your pet allergies.
It might seem cruel, but you will have a better chance of stopping your allergens when your bedroom has low allergens.
2. Install an HVAC Filter
Specific HVAC filters are designed to capture and remove allergies-causing air particles floating in your home. Install an HVAC filter throughout your home, especially where your pet hands out the most.
HVAC filters are also an excellent alternative to conventional air heating and conditioning because they can spread allergens through your home.
Don’t forget to change your HVAC filters. It’s a good idea to change your HVAC filter every 30 days to ensure your filter is functioning effectively.
3. Keep Your Home Clean
Pet dander and other various allergens can build up daily. Make sure you clean and dust your home frequently to remove them. The more often you clean, the more likely you can stop your pet allergies.
According to Mayo Clinic, cleaning once a week can reduce the number of pet allergens in your home. This includes dusting with a damp cloth since it can pick up more dust than a dry cloth. In addition, also mop and vacuum your home.
Wash your carpets and rugs at least every week. Just be sure to focus on areas that tend to be magnets for it. These include your couch cover, pillows, and pet beds.
In addition, also vacuum your rugs with a device designed to remove any fur or pet dander. It’s best to wear a protective mask so your pet allergies don’t flare-up. Because when you are cleaning, you can breathe in pet dander, which can trigger your allergies.
You can buy an N95 mask. It creates an effective barrier between your mouth and nose and the allergens. Plus, it can also filter out even the smallest air particles. That is why it is always recommended to wear a mask before starting cleaning.
Once you get all that out of the way, you can cue up your favorite playlist or put on an exciting podcast and start cleaning so you can keep your pet allergies at bay.
If you hate constantly having to clean your rugs and carpets, installing an HVAC filter is the best option for capturing and removing tiny particles like pet dander.
You can also consider getting rid of your rugs. If your home has wall carpeting, it might be better to the carpeting only if you can afford to.
4. Bathe Your Pet Regularly
Next in how to stop pet allergies, bathe your pet at least once a week or every two weeks to reduce allergens, including dead skin cells that might build up. It’s essential to make sure you only use products labeled for pets.
For example, if you have cats, buy shampoo safe for cats. You can soak a washcloth in a bucket of water with a few drops of cat shampoo because they tend to hate baths.
For cats, use a wet washcloth and wipe them down since they tend to object to baths. You can also consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on pet-friendly products and pet care instructions.
If you don’t have the time to bathe your pet, you can take it to a professional groomer. This might also be a good idea to avoid getting scratches.
5. Brush Your Pet Regularly
Brushing your pets with a comb will help remove any loose fur that will otherwise have been around the house. Consider having someone who has no pet allergies help you with the brushing.
After thoroughly brushing your pet, apply a gentle product to the coat. Aside from removing dander from your pet, these products also remove dried urine.
The good news is that they are safe to use and have no adverse side effects on your pets. In addition, the products are transfer-proof so that they will stain your furniture or clothing.
6. Try Allergy Medications
You can keep some allergy medication on hand. For example, use an antihistamine. Histamine is a chemical released by your body’s immune system when it comes into contact with an allergen. It’s a big part of what makes allergies unbearable.
So taking some non-drowsy antihistamine is an excellent way to stop pet allergies. You can take eye drops or antihistamine nasal spray. However, this depends on the type of allergy symptoms you may have.
For instance, if you are experiencing itchy eyes, soothing eye drops are typically recommended. And if you have a stuffy and itchy nose, antihistamine nasal spray is the best option.
In any case, make sure you consult your doctor for the best treatment option. Your doctor should conduct a medical diagnosis of the cause of your pet’s allergies. Once your doctor determines the reason, you’ll get a prescription.
Read the prescribed medication carefully before using them. For example, suppose the nasal spray is prescribed for a period longer than recommended. In that case, you could have a severe condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa.
7. Change Your Furniture
Next in how to stop pet allergies, your sofa can trap significant pet dander, so keep your pets away from it and other furniture in your home. If they happen to sit on your sofa, vacuum at least three times a week. Alternatively, you can cover your table with a washable protective covering such as a towel.
It’s also a good idea to purchase washable sofa coverings. Yes, it may seem costly, but it is better than constantly vacuuming.
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8. Get Allergy Shots
You can get allergy shots which are commonly referred to as immunotherapy. These injections include small doses that reduce allergy triggers over three to five years.
Over time, your body’s immune system stops reacting to pet allergens. However, you’ll need to get an allergy shot at least every week or once every three weeks, depending on the severity of your allergic reaction.
The effectiveness of allergy shots also varies from reducing the severity of your allergic reaction to total relief. If you have the time and your doctor gives you an okay, they are a great option on how to relieve pet allergies.
9. Use a Dehumidifier
Substances like pet dander thrive in humid conditions. So, if you live in a damp place, purchasing a dehumidifier, especially for your bedroom, prevents it from becoming too moist. This will help reduce the allergens in your area.
10. Give Your Pet up for Adoption
Finally in how to stop pet allergies, suppose all the options we mentioned above are unsuccessful. In that case, unfortunately, you’ll have no choice but to remove your pets from your home.
We know pets are like family. However, there is a limit. If you have severe pet allergies like Asthma, it might be time to consider finding a new home for your furry friend.
Asthma triggered by your pet can be life-threatening. That’s why serious measures need to be taken. You can give your pet over for adoption to animal rescue organizations or shelters or a friend and family willing to take it in.
No matter which option you choose, do some due diligence. Make sure your friend or family is entirely ready to take in your pet. Check to see if they have the resources to take of your pet.
How to Stop Pet Allergies: The Bottom Line
There are several things you can try that can help stop pet dander. For most people, medication is often the first option that comes to mind when figuring out how to relieve pet allergies.
They are worth a shot, whether trying over-the-counter medication or a prescription or immunotherapy. Keep in mind to always check with your doctor before trying any allergy treatments. Purchase an HVAC filter to catch and remove these air particles to avoid recirculating pet dander in your home.
If everything else fails, consider placing your pet for adoption. Remember to do your homework ahead of time. Hopefully, these tips will help you stop pet allergies so you may enjoy your pet’s companionship for the rest of your life. Thanks for checking out how to stop pet allergies.
FAQs about How to Stop Pet Allergies
Is There Such a Thing as a Hypoallergenic Cat?
No, unfortunately. All cats produce allergens, which are proteins that cause allergic reactions. These can be derived from fur, skin, or even saliva. So yet, no studies have been conducted to demonstrate that there are hypoallergenic cats. If you have numerous cats in your home, your allergy levels will be higher. Furthermore, allergen levels vary depending on cat species, gender, and other factors.
How Do I Get a Pet Allergy Diagnosis?
A skin-prick test is one of the simplest ways to determine if you are allergic to pets. This test includes applying a small extract of a pet allergy, such as dander, to your skin. The doctor or allergist will next puncture your skin with a sterile needle to allow the allergen to penetrate beneath the skin’s surface. For 20 to 30 minutes, your doctor will monitor any changes or reactions, such as inflammation.
Is There Such a Thing as a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Most people believe that Portuguese dogs and a few other breeds, such as terriers, are hypoallergenic. However, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. A 2011 study tested pet dander samples from various dog breeds to see if they were hypoallergenic. The study showed that, while allergen levels varied, there was no hypoallergenic dog.
What Causes Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies are caused by allergens found in saliva, urine, dead skin cells, and pet dander. But it’s far more nuanced than that. Pet allergies are caused by your immune system’s reaction to foreign material, such as pet allergens. These pet allergies can be present in your house, and in the air you breathe.
How Can I Reduce Pet Allergies With an HVAC Filter?
There are numerous ways to use an HVAC filter to reduce pet allergies. First, make sure that your HVAC filter is clean. Over time, pet dander and fur can accumulate in HVAC filters. This could cause your HVAC system to recirculate unfiltered allergens back into your house. This can be avoided by keeping your HVAC filter clean or changing your HVAC filter.
Do Pet Allergies Eventually Go Away?
Most people find out they are allergic to pets as children. But, some people’s pet allergies may fade over time until they disappear entirely. However, it differs from one person to the next. For example, for some, they do go away for a while, but they can return considerably worse than before. In any case, you can try these tips to stop pet allergies.
How Do I Choose the Best HVAC Filter for Pet Allergens?
According to the ASHRAE, the ideal HVAC filter for eliminating pet allergens is one with a high MERV rating. Choose an HVAC filter with a MERV rating of 10 or greater. This is excellent for removing tiny air contaminants from your house, like pet dander. Additionally, electrostatic filters are good at attracting and removing smaller air particles such as dander.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Pet Allergens
According to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms differ from one person to another. Some people who suffer from pet allergies will experience skin irritation. For example, direct and prolonged exposure to pet allergens can cause dermatitis. In comparison, severe symptoms include shortness of breath or Asthma. It is essential to consult a doctor if you experience severe symptoms.
Can You Die From Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies do not cause death in most cases, although they can cause anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to pets that can be fatal in rare situations. It usually occurs after you have had contact with a dog or cat, but it is uncommon. People at risk of anaphylactic shock frequently keep Epipens with them in case of an allergic reaction.
What Is Better for Pet Allergies, HVAC Filter, or Air Purifier?
Air purifiers can trap small particles. However, they cannot remove all the pet allergens compared to HVAC filters. While they both have benefits, an HVAC filter is a better option for capturing and eliminating pet allergens. In addition, HVAC filters also have a longer life span than air purifiers. You can consult with our HVAC experts to choose the best HVAC filter for your system.
