Did you know that millions of pet owners suffer from allergies caused by their furry friends, but their love towards their pets just doesn’t allow them to abandon them? If this is the case with you then we have some good news. There are numerous ways to treat your pet allergy with just a little hard work and some medicine, and you’ll still get to enjoy your pet’s companionship and have a comfortable life.

Make sure you’re indeed allergic to your pet

Don’t just assume you’re allergic to your pet without getting tested. Even if you are indeed allergic, there might be other allergies making your symptoms worse. Many people who suffer from allergies are sensitive to several allergens and need to reduce many substances rather than concentrate on pets only. So, your safest bet is to see a doctor and get tested. You can get a scratch test or order a cat or dog blood test. Once you’re sure about your pet allergy, you can start implementing strategies to relieve your symptoms.

Create pet-free zones

One of the best ways to fight pet allergies is to reorganise your home and create pet-free zones. Keep your pet away from your bedroom, home office, furniture and other places where you spend a lot of time. This can reduce your symptoms and make your life much easier. You can also get impermeable sofa, mattress and pillow covers that prevent accumulation of allergens that stick to your clothes and hair. 

Give them regular baths

Another easy way to reduce allergens is to give your pet a thorough bath every week. This can reduce allergens in their fur by more than 80%! There are also products that claim to reduce pet allergens when sprayed on your pet’s fur, but they don’t work remotely as well as a simple bath. However, since baths can irritate your pet’s skin, damage their hair follicles, and increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, it’s crucial to consult your vet and find a safe shampoo that can be used often.

Clean regularly

Even though it’s time-consuming and tiring, try to clean as often as possible, and be very thorough. Wash your furniture covers and other cloth to remove all dust and dander. You can also find a good cordless pet vacuum cleaner that will catch all the allergens. Additionally, install HEPA filters in your home, and remove rugs and curtains (if you can).

Consider meds

Antihistamines can greatly relieve mild allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes and nasal congestion, but they won’t help with asthma symptoms. Always consult your physician before taking any allergy medication, and ask for the best solution to your problems.

Even though keeping your pet when you have allergies can be hard, it’s more than possible to pull it off as long as you implement these few suggestions.