Experts Explain Ways to Beat Pet Allergies From Cats and Dogs

Pollen, mold spores, and other allergens found outside can attach to a pet’s hair or fur in addition to dander. Whether you’ve had cat or dog allergies before or not, there are steps you may do to alleviate your symptoms.

Pet allergies can be found in the animal’s fur, skin, and saliva, per the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), the proteins in pet dander, skin flakes, saliva, and urine can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate asthma symptoms in certain people.

Be Prepared

Alejandra Soto, who has allergies to various animals, shared her personal approach to managing her allergies when visiting homes with pets. She mentioned that she takes an antihistamine pill approximately 20 minutes before going to someone’s house to help alleviate her allergy symptoms. Since she cannot always predict if someone has a pet, she always carries an antihistamine in her purse to be prepared. Soto emphasized that it is rare for her to be exposed to pet allergens without prior knowledge, as she takes precautions to manage her allergies effectively.

Don’t Choose the Soft Chair

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends avoiding exposure to the allergens causing pet allergy symptoms as the best way to manage them. In households with cats or dogs, upholstered furniture can trap pet dander, which is a common allergen. To minimize exposure, it is advised to avoid sitting on upholstered furniture and opt for hard wooden chairs instead. Even if you cannot visibly see any animal hair on a couch, it is still recommended to refrain from sitting on it to reduce the risk of allergen exposure.

Take Antihistamines

Non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) can be effective in keeping you symptom-free and alert when visiting households with pets that trigger your allergies. Taking loratadine or other oral antihistamines can help manage allergy symptoms caused by pets, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). Additionally, steroid nasal sprays and other oral medications may be recommended by an allergist based on your specific allergy triggers. If you are planning an extended visit to a home with cats or dogs, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare provider about starting medication a few weeks prior to the visit to better manage your symptoms.

Practice Hand Hygiene

In addition to managing pet allergies, it is important to follow basic hygiene practices to minimize exposure to pet allergens. Washing your hands regularly and refraining from touching your face are essential habits recommended by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). If you come into contact with pet allergens, such as after playing with a pet, it is advised to wash your hands and launder your clothes to remove the allergens.

Even minimal contact with pets can trigger allergic reactions, so it is cautioned by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) to avoid hugging, kissing, or close contact with pets if you are allergic to them. Pet dander can easily be transferred to surfaces, so washing your hands before touching your face or eyes is important to prevent triggering allergy symptoms. By practicing good hygiene habits, you can help reduce exposure to pet allergens and minimize allergic reactions.

Have Air Filter, Will Travel

If you frequently visit households with pets but find that they don’t have a HEPA air purifier in the room where you’ll be staying, it might be worth considering investing in a portable HEPA air purifier of your own.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) air purifiers are known for their ability to effectively remove allergenic particles from the air. These small yet powerful devices can be purchased for under $200 and can also be used to clean the air in your car.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), HEPA air purifiers are beneficial not only for pet allergens but also for pollen, mold, and dust mite allergens. Having a HEPA filter can be a valuable addition to your allergy management strategy, providing cleaner air and potentially reducing allergic reactions in various environments.

So, if you frequently encounter pet allergens or other allergens in your surroundings, consider investing in a portable HEPA air purifier to create a cleaner and more allergen-free environment for yourself.

When You Get Home

To minimize the spread of pet allergens and avoid bringing them into your home, it’s recommended to wash your clothes in hot water, especially after a visit to a household with cats or dogs.

Pet allergens can easily become airborne and settle on various surfaces, including carpets and furniture, where they can persist for months. Additionally, these allergens can hitch a ride on clothing and be transported to areas without pets.

To ensure thorough removal of allergens, Angel Waldron suggests washing everything you’ve brought from the pet-inclusive environment. It’s advisable to use water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively eliminate allergens.

By washing your clothes in hot water, you can help reduce the presence of pet allergens and minimize the potential for allergic reactions in your own living space.

HEPA at Home

To reduce the presence of allergens in your home, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) suggests several strategies.

Installing air cleaners with HEPA filters in your heating and air conditioning systems can help minimize the circulation of allergens. It is recommended to run the air cleaners for at least four hours a day to ensure their effectiveness.

When vacuuming, opt for a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens more efficiently. It is also advisable to wear a dust mask while vacuuming to minimize your exposure to airborne allergens. Instead of dry dusting, use a damp cloth to trap dust and prevent it from becoming airborne.

Maintaining a clean and tidy home is essential in reducing allergen levels. Dust and clutter can harbor allergens, so regular cleaning is important. By keeping your home clean and clutter-free, you can create a healthier environment with reduced allergen presence.

Keeping a Kitty

If you have allergies but still want to have a pet, there are measures you can take to reduce your exposure to pet allergens. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) provides several recommendations:

1. Ban pets from your bedroom: Keeping pets out of the bedroom can create a sanctuary where you can sleep and relax without being exposed to allergens.

2. Cover heating or air conditioning vents with cheesecloth: This can help prevent pet allergens from circulating through the vents and spreading throughout the house.

3. Scrub bedroom walls and woodwork: Pet allergens can stick to surfaces, so regularly cleaning and scrubbing these areas can help reduce their presence.

4. Remove your pet’s favorite pieces of furniture: Pet allergens can accumulate on furniture, so it may be beneficial to remove or limit access to furniture where your pet spends a lot of time.

5. Consider removing wall-to-wall carpeting: Pet allergens can become trapped in carpet fibers. If possible, removing wall-to-wall carpeting and replacing it with hard flooring surfaces can help reduce allergen accumulation.

6. Choose low-pile carpets: If you prefer to have carpets, opt for low-pile varieties as they tend to trap fewer allergens compared to high-pile carpets.

7. Steam clean carpets regularly: Regular steam cleaning of carpets can help remove allergens that may have settled into the fibers.

8. Wash throw rugs in hot water: Throw rugs can harbor pet allergens, so washing them in hot water can help eliminate allergen buildup.

By implementing these strategies, you can minimize the presence of pet allergens in your home and create a more allergy-friendly environment. However, it’s important to note that individual sensitivities to pet allergens can vary, and it may be necessary to consult with an allergist for personalized advice and guidance.

Healthy Pet, Less Allergy

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends taking certain steps to minimize allergens from pets:

1. Speak with your veterinarian about your pet’s diet: Providing your pet with a balanced and healthy diet can contribute to healthier skin and coat, reducing the likelihood of excessive shedding of dander and hair.
2. Have a non-allergic family member brush your pet outdoors: Regular grooming can help remove loose hair and dander from your pet’s coat. Having a non-allergic family member handle the grooming outside can help minimize allergen exposure indoors.
3. Assign someone else to clean the cat’s litter box: If you have a cat, it’s best to have a non-allergic family member take care of cleaning the litter box. This can help avoid direct contact with allergens present in the litter.

Allergy Shots

When other treatments and measures are not effectively managing pet allergies, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) suggests considering allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. This treatment involves an allergist injecting a small amount of the specific allergen that triggers your allergies into your skin and monitoring your body’s reaction.

The process of allergy shots involves gradually increasing the dosage of the allergen over time. The purpose is to desensitize your immune system and help it develop a tolerance to the allergen.

Allergy shots require multiple appointments, typically administered over a period of several months or years. The treatment can be highly effective in reducing the severity of allergic reactions and improving overall allergy symptoms.

To determine if allergy shots are a suitable option for you, it is recommended to consult with an allergist who can evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized advice. They will consider factors such as the severity of your pet allergies, your medical history, and your individual response to treatment.