The Facts On Pet Allergy - Allergy Relief Learning Center

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The Facts on Pet Allergies
What causes pet allergies? Animal dander, the loose skin flakes that animals shed, is the main cause of pet allergy symptoms. Pet allergies can also be caused by the proteins in a pet’s hair, saliva, or urine. When these pet allergens come in contact with the skin, they cause an allergic reaction. Pet allergy symptoms can include: Sneezing, congestion, runny nose Itching, watery eyes Coughing and wheezing Eczema or rashes There is no relationship between how long your pet’s hair is and how much dander its skin produces. However, although dog or cat fur is not a major allergen, it does collect pollen, dust, mold spores, and other irritants. Having other allergens present in the environment will only make your pet allergy symptoms worse. You might be experiencing a pet allergy even if there is no pet in your home. Because animal dander is sticky, it can adhere to many surfaces, sometimes lasting for up to 6 months after the pet has been removed. Animal dander is especially likely to stick in carpets, upholstery, drapery, and other similar surfaces. The Facts on Pet Allergies Fact #1 - Suffering from a pet allergy is quite common. An estimated 10% to 15% of the entire population may be allergic to animals, and more than 70% of U.S. households have a dog or a cat. According to the Humane Society, an estimated 1/3 of people who are allergic to cats (about 2 million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. Fact #2 - Pet allergies can be controlled. The best solution is always to find a new home for your pet. Overexposure can often make the problem worse, and may eventually develop into asthma. If you or a member of your family has a severe pet allergy, finding a new home for your pet may be your only solution. However, for milder pet allergies, there are many steps you can take to reduce your exposure to animal dander and other pet allergens. And, since many people are not able or willing to give up their pets, there are a number of products available to reduce symptoms and exposure as much as possible. What can be done to decrease exposure to animal dander? 1. Keep pets outdoors. If this is impractical, create an allergy-free zone somewhere in the home, preferably the bedroom. Prohibit the pet’s access to this room. 2. Remove airborne animal dander by cleaning the air with a HEPA filtered air purifier. 3. Wash pet weekly with dander reducing shampoo. Bathing your pet on a weekly basis can reduce the level of allergens by as much as 84%. 4. Vacuum frequently, using a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner that removes and permanently traps airborne allergens. 5. Install a high-efficiency filter on home climate control systems to prevent dander from re-circulating throughout the home. Put filters over register vents. Change both filters seasonally. 6. Keep pets off furniture. 7. After playing with pets, wash hands thoroughly. 8. Avoid furnishings such as cloth curtains, blinds, and carpeted floors. These materials tend to trap animal dander, as well as other allergy-causing particles. Fact #3 - achoo! ALLERGY can help. We have a great selection of products to help you control your pet allergy symptoms. Additionally, we offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $150.00 in the continental United States. Please browse our helpful Pet Allergy Buying Guide. You’ll find some great ways to clean your home, care for your pet, and create an environment that is as free from allergens as possible. You can easily order online or by phone, 24/7. Pet Allergy Buying Guide
	Air Purifier The Austin Air Healthmate is our top selling air purifier. We recommend the Austin Air HM-400. This sturdy, dependable air purifier is great at removing a variety of airborne allergens. Its true medical HEPA filter will consistently and effectively remove animal dander from your environment, as well as pollen, dust, and other common irritants. This versatile air purifier also removes odors, so if your pet leaves any unpleasant smells, the HM-400 will do the trick. It is most effective for areas up to 700 square feet.

	Dyson DC14 Animal The most powerful vacuum cleaner for pet hair. Dyson vacuum cleaners are the first vacuum cleaners that don’t lose suction. A mini turbine head on the DC14 Animal is specially designed to clean pet hair from confined spaces. Dyson vacuum cleaners are approved for allergy sufferers by the British Allergy Foundation, because their suction is so strong they can pick up even the smallest particles. A lifetime HEPA filter offers additional filtration.

	Pet Brush Vacuum Attachment If you have a large dog that sheds a lot of hair, this Pet Brush can help you remove unwanted hair from your dog’s coat before it has a chance to settle around your home.

	Ecology Works Pet Dander Shampoo This Anti-Allergen Solution Pet Shampoo is proven to denature protein allergens on contact. It can be used on dogs, cats, and small animals to neutralize dust mite and pet dander allergens. Deodorizing and completely non-toxic.

	Allerpet/C This solution is formulated specifically for cats. Allerpet/C will cleanse your cat’s hair of saliva and dander. Use once a week to significantly cut down on animal dander allergens. Absolutely non-toxic and safe for kittens.

	Allergy Zone Furnace Filters The unique patented design the AllergyZone Furnace Filter traps over 90% of allergens, removing them from the air circulating through your home. Disposable and highly efficient, Allergy Zone Furnace Filters will help reduce dust, animal dander, and other allergens, keeping your home cleaner and reducing your allergy symptoms.

	Web Vent Filters These vent filters go over the vent register systems in your home. They are made of a self-charging electrostatic material that traps dirt, dust, and pollen sized particles, so the airborne allergens in your home don’t just keep recirculating.