Are You Allergic to Your Pet?

A message from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association's public information committee.

IF YOU SUFFER from pet allergies, you are not alone. As much as 15% of the population is allergic to household pets. But before you consider finding a new home for your best friend, try these ways to control your pet allergies so that neither you nor your pet are climbing the walls. First, be sure that your pet is really the source of your allergies. Many people mistakenly blame their pets when the real allergen is something else.

Allergy Proof Your Home

• Create an allergy-free area in your home, preferably your bedroom, where your pet is not allowed.
• Use "microfilter bags" to improve the filtration in your vacuum cleaner.
• Consider replacing your carpet with tile, wood or vinyl flooring, and use throw rugs that can be washed.
• Encase your mattress and box spring in vinyl covers. Reduce upholstered furniture. Wash blankets, curtains, and pillows regularly.
• Use an air purifieer to help eliminate allergens in the air. Generally, free-standing models are more effective than tabletop versions.
• Clean furnaces, ducts, and air conditioner filters often.

• Wash your hands after handling you pet.
• Have a non-allergic family member bathe your pet weekly with an antiseborrheic shampoo to reduce the accumulation of skin dander and shedding hair.
• Have a non-allergic family member brush your pet regularly and have your pet groomed often to keep the haircoat as short as possible. Short haircoats have less dander and shed less.
• Spray your pet daily with a humectant (moisturizer) to hold down the dander and shedding hair until it can be removed with bathing.
• Talk with your physician about allergy shots or medication approved for the treatment of pet allergies (yes, it exists!).