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Don’t blame the pet just yet -

If you suffer from allergies or a condition such as asthma, being exposed to allergens often triggers symptoms. But the only way to know if you’re actually allergic to a pet is by getting a test done.

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Get an allergy test done -

A "skin p r i c k" test is a popular choice when it comes to testing for allergens. You will get an immediate skin reaction to whatever allergens you’re getting tested for (e.g. dog and/or cat).

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Get an allergy test done -

Another one is called an "intradermal skin test," where allergens are injected into the skin. Regardless of the test you do, you should be able to determine whether or not you really are allergic to your pet.

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You may be allergic to your pet…indirectly -

It may be that you’re actually not allergic to your cat or dog, but you may test positive for allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, and others. In which case, this may indicate that you’re not actually allergic to your pet, but instead are allergic to what's carried by your pet in their fur, for example.

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It might be a combination of allergens -

Sometimes, though, it can be a mix of allergens, e.g. you may be allergic to the proteins in the saliva and skin glands of your pet, but your allergic reaction may be exacerbated by other allergens, too.

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Groom your pet -

Allergens in your pet’s hair can be minimized by adopting a regular grooming routine. Brushing your pet at least weekly can help reduce the amount of allergens.

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Groom your pet -

Washing your pet is also a way to clean their fur. This may prove more difficult if you own a cat, but it's still doable. How often you do this is best advised by your vet.

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Groom your pet -

When doing so, opt for scent-free shampoo with natural ingredients. You may opt to take your pet to a professional groomer.

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Don’t allow your pet into your bed -

Yes, sometimes you just want to cuddle up with your pet, but your bed is also the place where your eyes, nose, and mouth are in close contact with fabric (where your pet also spends time on). This is bad news for allergy sufferers.

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Don’t allow your pet into your bed -

There are also other downsides of sleeping with a pet, including them moving a lot during the night and disturbing your sleep. If you don’t want to stray apart, at least relocate your dog or cat to their own bed.

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Make your bedroom a pet-free zone -

If you have allergies, you should have a pet-free zone in your house. This should ideally be your bedroom, given that this is where you’ll spend most of your nights. Turn your bedroom into an allergy-free haven.

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Make your bedroom a pet-free zone -

This may require a lot of training. It’s doable for dogs, but cats may be a bit more challenging. Installing a baby gate to block the pet from getting into your bedroom is a way to go about it. This way you won’t have your pooch scratching and crying or your cat meowing all night at the closed door.

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Change the furnishings -

You may have to adapt your home in order to reduce allergens. Swapping carpets for hard flooring that can be easily cleaned is a good option. And so is getting rid of draperies in favor of blinds, for example.

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Change the furnishings -

Reducing the amount of fabric furnishings is key to keep your home allergen-free. Swapping your fabric couch for one made of leather (or faux leather) may also make a difference. The same applies to chairs with fabric where allergens can easily cling onto.

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Keep you home (very) clean -

It goes without saying that keeping your home clean will reduce your exposure to allergens and therefore allergic reactions. You will want to vacuum and mop, as well as use a damp cloth for hard surfaces.

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Keep you home (very) clean -

Look for a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. High-efficiency particulate air filters will ensure allergens don’t go flying back into your home as you vacuum. And don’t forget to clean tables, bookshelves, and lampshades, among other surfaces that can gather allergens.

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Hypoallergenic dog breeds -

Some dog breeds are said to be more hypoallergenic, though this is debatable. Dogs have allergens in their skin, urine, and saliva. It doesn't really matter which breed you get; it’s almost guaranteed that they will lick you—that’s just what dogs do!

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Hypoallergenic dog breeds -

Some dog breeds may, however, be more hypoallergenic because of their coats (which collect less allergens) and because of their size (smaller dogs carry less allergens, proportionally).

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Some dogs breeds may cause more allergic reactions -

Some dog breeds may be a bit worse than others when it comes to allergens. These include those that drool a lot (e.g. Bulldogs, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, etc.).

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Some dogs breeds may cause more allergic reactions -

The same goes for dogs that are prone to develop skin allergies (e.g. Doberman). These can cause the dogs’ skin to flake, which is bad news for allergy sufferers. The same goes for dogs that shed a lot of hair.

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Hypoallergenic cat breeds -

When it comes to felines, the culprit is a protein called Fel d 1, which originates in cats’ saliva. When cats groom themselves, they spread it all over their hair. Some breeds simply produce less dander, so, just like dogs, there are no 100% hypoallergenic cats.

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Hypoallergenic cat breeds -

There are cat breeds that don’t shed the allergen onto other surfaces through their hair. Sphynx cats are one example of a breed that doesn’t shed the allergenic protein through dander.  

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Hypoallergenic cat breeds -

Popular choices among allergy sufferers also include the Bengal, Devon Rex, Balinese, Siberian, and Siberian, among others.

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Use an air purifier -

Air purifiers filter the air, including allergens and any other particles. When shopping for one, look for air purifiers that capture both small and large particles.

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Use an air purifier -

While some with HEPA filters may do a great job in filtering larger particles such as hair, they might not do so well capturing pet dander and other small particles.

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Try managing your allergies -

In addition to all the mentioned ways to minimize the impact of your pet’s allergens, sometimes you will just have an allergic response. At first, you can try to manage the symptoms using natural remedies, such as irrigating your nasal passages with saline.

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Try managing your allergies -

Some people also swear by allergen immunotherapy. This is when you’re exposed to the allergens in a controlled and gradual manner in order to build resistance to them. Your doctor should be able to advise.

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Medication -

Unfortunately, some people just can’t get over their allergic reactions, and must resort to medications to prevent and control them. Antihistamines work great in keeping allergies at bay, so you may want to talk to your doctor about them.

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Medication -

Beware that these should be prescribed by your doctor, as some have side effects and can interact with other medications you may be taking.

Sources: (Health Digest) (Pumpkin Pet Insurance) (The Humane Society of the United States) (Catch)

See also: How to beat seasonal allergies without medication

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