Would you believe that approximately one third of all Americans who are allergic to their cats live with a cat anyway? Another study found that only one out of five adults who were diagnosed with pet allergies chose to give up their pet! Four out of five people decided to keep them anyway. For many people, the benefit of a relationship with their cat or dog is more important than the allergy.
Believe it or not, you can live with a dog or cat despite being allergic. It takes a little more work and an understanding of what causes your allergies and how to treat them.
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help increase your tolerance for allergens. Allergy shots won’t cure your problem, but they can help train your body to be less sensitive. A small dose of allergens injected weekly will teach your system to produce antibodies.
- Ask your doctor about treating the symptoms of your allergies. Antihistamine nasal sprays and pills can ease the runny noses and watery eyes. They can’t cure your allergies, but they can help block what’s making you miserable.
- Create an allergy-free space in your home. A good choice is the bedroom! Don’t let your pets into the allergy-free space, and run a HEPA air filter. If you’re allergic to animals, you’re probably allergic to other things too! A plastic mattress cover will protect you from dust mites. Taking out the carpet will prevent the fibers from trapping dust and animal dander.
- In the rest of the house, you should try to avoid furnishings and décor that will trap dust and dander. Cloth curtains and carpets are notorious dust holders. If you can’t live without cloth curtains, wash them frequently. If you can’t live without carpets, vacuum often!
- Thorough cleaning is going to be your best defense against animal dander and dust. Wash pillows, blankets, slipcovers, pet beds, and curtains frequently. At least once a month if not more often!
- Run air cleaners throughout the house to help catch dust and dander.
- Use an allergy-approved bag in your vacuum cleaner to help catch all allergens.
- Bathe your pet weekly. They might not like it, but you can reduce the level of allergens on their fur more than 80% with a weekly bath. If your pet is prone to dry skin, try an oatmeal shampoo.
Choosing to live with your dog or cat despite an allergy takes a little more effort on your part… but if you feel your pet is worth the effort, they are! Too many shelters are full of dogs and cats who lost their homes thanks to an allergy.