pet allergies - clearing the air

Pet allergies are the bane of the many pet owners who nevertheless elect to put with the sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes rather than part with their four-footed friend.

It's a shame, therefore, that pet allergies are one of the main reasons pet owners state for giving up their pets.

Pet allergies are actually aggravated by proteins secreted by oil glands and shed as dander, proteins in saliva (which stick to fur when animals lick themselves) and are shed as skin flakes, and droppings and urine which dry and become airborne.

Here are some ways to help deal with the problems that Pet allergies can cause.

• Use non allergenic covers for your pillows, mattresses, and box springs - to prevent them from accumulating allergen particles.
• Minimize your upholstered furniture or cover them with washable slipcovers.
• Replace carpets with hardwood floors, tile, or linoleum.
• Replace drapes with solid blinds, carpeting and rugs with hardwood floors, tile, or linoleum, textured wallpapers with paint. Drapes and carpeting are magnets for skin flakes, dander, and allergens.
• If you have to have carpets, use a steam cleaner to periodically clean it. The steam will help to kill the allergens in the carpet.
• Periodically wash walls, windows, baseboards, and other surfaces because allergens easily become airborne, and get everywhere.
• Use HEPA air cleaners and filters to help reduce the allergens in the air.
• Wash your pet once a week, outside and with water only, to get rid of some of the protein allergens in the fur.
• Let your pets spend time outdoors so less dander will collect in the house.
• Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice monthly. This eliminates both dust mite and allergens.
• Use "dust free" litter.

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