How to Manage Pet Allergies in Your Home

Pet allergies are triggered by proteins found in pets’ skin cells (dander), urine, and saliva. When pets groom themselves, they spread these proteins around the house, and for people with allergies, this can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and even asthma-like symptoms. Dogs, cats, and even smaller pets like rabbits or guinea pigs can cause allergic reactions.

The key to managing pet allergies is minimising your exposure to these allergens. This can be done through a combination of cleaning, air filtration, and, in the case of cat owners, choosing products like Purina LiveClear, which helps reduce the amount of allergens cats produce.

1. Clean Your Home Regularly

A consistent cleaning routine is essential for keeping allergens at bay. Pet dander is tiny and lightweight, meaning it can easily settle on furniture, carpets, and other surfaces throughout your home.

Here’s how you can minimise allergen buildup:

• Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. HEPA filters are designed to trap even the smallest particles, including pet dander. If possible, vacuum your home every other day, paying special attention to pet beds, rugs, and furniture.
• Wash your pet’s bedding: Pet beds and blankets can be a major source of dander. Wash them regularly in hot water to kill allergens.
• Dust with a damp cloth: Dusting with a dry cloth can cause dander to float around. Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap allergens and prevent them from becoming airborne.
• Invest in a steam cleaner: A steam cleaner can effectively clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery, reducing the buildup of allergens in soft surfaces.

• 2. Use Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can play a critical role in managing pet allergies by reducing airborne allergens in your home. Not all air purifiers are created equal, so here’s what to look for when choosing one:

• HEPA filters: As with vacuums, an air purifier with a HEPA filter is a must for trapping pet dander. HEPA filters can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them ideal for homes with pets.
• Activated carbon filters: In addition to dander, some pet owners may experience sensitivity to pet odours. Activated carbon filters are great at trapping smells and chemicals in the air.
• Recommended air purifier brands: Brands like Levoit and Dyson are highly rated for homes with pets, offering excellent filtration and easy-to-use models. These purifiers come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits the size of your living space.

3. Groom Your Pet Regularly

Regular grooming can significantly reduce the amount of dander your pet produces:

• Brush your pet often: Brushing your pet, especially long-haired breeds, can help control shedding and dander production. If possible, groom your pet outside to prevent dander from spreading indoors.
• Bathe your pet: Giving your dog a bath once a week can reduce the amount of dander on their coat. For cats, you can use dander-reducing wipes or grooming sprays designed to minimise allergens.
• Use dander-reducing products: Products like Allerpet are specifically designed to neutralise allergens on your pet’s fur. Regularly applying these products can significantly reduce dander.

4. Try Purina LiveClear for Cat Allergies

If you’re a cat owner with allergies, Purina LiveClear is a groundbreaking solution. It’s the first and only cat food that helps reduce allergens in cat hair and dander. How does it work?

The allergens in cats primarily come from their saliva, and when cats groom themselves, they transfer these allergens to their fur. Purina LiveClear contains a key protein that binds to the allergen, effectively neutralising it. In clinical trials, Purina LiveClear was shown to reduce allergens in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% after just three weeks of feeding.

This food is a convenient, effective way to reduce allergen exposure without impacting your cat’s diet or daily routine. It’s available at most pet stores and online retailers in the UAE.

5. Create Pet-Free Zones

Designating certain areas of your home as pet-free can help reduce allergens in the spaces where you spend the most time:

• Pet-free bedrooms: Make your bedroom a no-go zone for your pets to ensure you have an allergen-free space for sleeping. Wash bedding regularly, and use mattress and pillow covers that are allergen-proof.
• Limit furniture access: While it’s tempting to let pets snuggle on the couch, this can lead to an accumulation of dander on soft surfaces. Train your pets to stay off furniture, or use washable covers that can be laundered frequently.

6. Consider Hypoallergenic Breeds

If you’re considering getting a pet but are worried about allergies, certain breeds are less likely to trigger reactions. While no pet is completely hypoallergenic, these breeds tend to produce fewer allergens:

• Dogs: Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs
• Cats: Siberian, Balinese, and Cornish Rex

These breeds either shed less or produce fewer allergens, making them a better option for people with mild pet allergies.

Additional Products to Help Manage Pet Allergies

In addition to air purifiers and specialised foods like Purina LiveClear, there are other tools and products that can help manage pet allergies in your home:

• Pet-safe air fresheners: Products like Febreze Pet Odour Eliminator can help remove pet smells from your home while being safe for both pets and humans.
• Anti-allergen sprays: Sprays like Allersearch ADMS Anti-Allergen Spray can neutralise allergens on carpets, upholstery, and bedding.
• Lint rollers: Keep a lint roller handy to remove pet hair from clothing and furniture.

• Final Thoughts: Living with Pets and Allergies

Managing pet allergies doesn't mean you have to live in discomfort or give up your beloved pets. By adopting a regular cleaning routine, investing in air purifiers, grooming your pet frequently, and using innovative products like Purina LiveClear, you can enjoy a pet-friendly home with fewer allergy issues.