5 Ways for Dog Owners to Control Pet Allergies

Having allergies is never easy and it can turn your everyday life and activities into suffering. But what happens when you’re allergic to pet dander and you’re a dog owner? The bond between a dog and their owner can be a very strong one, which makes it highly unlikely that you’ll get rid of your pet. Fortunately, there are ways to control your allergies, without having to go through the stress of giving your pet away.

Removing carpets

Although most people think it’s the animal hair they’re allergic to, the culprit is actually a protein you can find in animal dander, saliva and urine. Since these allergens are very sticky, they get attached to your pet’s fur, but you can also find them all over your clothes, bedding, drapes or carpets, as well as in the air where your pet spent some time. So, since cleaning your carpet of these allergens is extremely hard, you have two options. One of them is to get rid of your carpets completely and opt for laminate or hardwood floors, and the other is to have your carpets cleaned professionally at least twice a year.

Cleaning your home

Keeping your home clean can help you avoid allergens, so you should wipe your dust with a wet mop and vacuum your floors frequently to prevent the allergens from accumulating. When it comes to vacuuming, the type of vacuum cleaner you use is essential, so make sure the one you get has a HEPA filter and can trap allergens inside it, rather than just blowing them back out in the air of your home. Also, when emptying your vacuum cleaner, always do it outside, so that your indoor areas remain as allergen-free as possible. Another thing you can do is to invest in the best air purifier for allergies you can find on the market, which can relieve you of allergy symptoms by removing the airborne allergen particles and allow you to breathe freely inside your home.

Bathing your pet

When you wash your dog’s fur, you wash away the allergens along with the dirt, which can help you contain them and control your symptoms. Bathing your dog often enough helps remove dander from their skin and reduce allergens, so talk to your vet and find out if it’s safe to give your dog baths as frequently as your allergy requires you to. Although it’s good for you, it doesn’t mean it’s good for your dog, since washing them can dry their skin, which is why you should also find out which shampoos and wipes are mild enough to keep your pet safe, but effective enough to keep allergens at bay.

Avoiding dog kisses

Since the proteins you’re allergic to are found in your dog’s saliva, your dog transfers them onto their own fur and skin. However, if you allow your dog to lick you, they will dry up and then flake off into tiny bits, after which they will stick to your skin, clothes and furniture. So, even though you love your dog and you love the affection they show you by giving you kisses, don’t let them lick you, especially on your face, since that way they put the allergens far too near your mouth, nose and eyes, which can make you sick.

Washing your dog’s stuff

The toys your dog plays with and puts in its mouth are covered with dog saliva, and the proteins that are harmful to you. In order to be less exposed to the allergens, you should wash your dog’s toys regularly by putting them in the dishwasher or, if they’re plush toys, in the washing machine, using eco-friendly detergents. The same applies to your dog’s bed, since it’s actually a real piece of heaven for the allergens. Wash your pet’s bedding weekly in a washing machine, and make your life easier by choosing dog beds with bed covers which can be easily removed and washed.

So, if you’re a combination of an allergic person and a dog-lover, don’t despair, there’s still a way for you to keep your pet close to you and enjoy each other’s company.