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.

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.

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

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