Allergies can have a massive impact on an individual’s quality of life and ability to manage their day-to-day life. Managing allergies while living with a pet represents a huge step in getting your quality of life back on track and properly handling your health.
This can be a challenge when you live with a pet, especially if you happen to be allergic to the exact type of pet that you live with. However, separating yourself from a pet can be easier said than done.
If you have allergies and live with a pet, take a look at this overview of how you can help yourself manage your allergies in this type of context with the proper allergy treatments.
What Are Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies are a type of allergy to the dander, fur, and presence of a pet. These types of allergies can be particularly troubling due to the closeness that many individuals feel with their pets.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to differentiate between the exact sources of an individual’s allergies. If your allergies are coming from your pet, then the allergen-heavy elements of their fur and dander can contaminate your home environment by sticking to walls, carpets, and other elements of the home.
Pet allergies, like other types of allergies, can vary heavily in terms of severity between individuals. Some individuals have very mild allergic reactions to their triggers, while others are rendered incapacitated and in medical danger.
Managing Allergies While Living with a Pet
There are several different methods that can be employed to manage allergies that are induced by pets. Depending on the specifics of your situation, your physician may have a set of recommendations on which particular steps would be best suited to fit your needs. Some of the more popular methods for managing pet allergies are outlined below.
Use Air Filters
Air filters can be a valuable tool in helping to combat pet allergies. Air filters have the potential to capture dust and dander that might be released by your pet, reducing the risk the substances pose for triggering an allergic attack. You can help these filters do their job by cleaning frequently, and washing allergen-sensitive areas such as couch covers, curtains, pet beds, and pillows.
Keep Your Pet Clean
In addition to keeping your home space clean and clear of allergens, you can also do yourself a favor by keeping your pets themselves clean. This can help reduce the risk that they will dispose of excess fur and dander in your home environment, as well as reduce the risk that they’ll be bringing in allergen triggers from the outside world.
Attempting to bathe your pet on at least a weekly basis can be very helpful for reducing the overall risk and presence of allergens in your home environment.
Create an Allergy Free Zone
Another helpful step you can take to manage your pet allergies is to attempt to create “allergy-free” zones in your household. Often, this looks like creating spaces in your home where your pet simply isn’t allowed to go. One of the best areas that you can do this in is your bedroom, which can have a larger impact due to the necessary amount of hours that one will spend in this environment. Tools like HEPA air filters and impermeable mattress covers can be helpful in assisting an individual manage their allergies.
Experiment with Allergy Treatments
There are many different medications and treatments available on the market for assisting individuals with allergies of all kinds to overcome their issues. Some of the common forms of allergy treatments include:
- Antihistamine pills
- Nasal sprays
- Allergy shots
- Steroidal medications
These medications are often combined with other practical measures to reduce the overall risk of allergies and create a healthier home environment where individuals are not at as high of a risk for pet-induced allergy attacks.
You can talk with your allergist in a consultation whether they feel like you would benefit from undergoing some type of treatment that includes allergy medications. They will be able to inform you whether you qualify for such medications and which ones would be the most beneficial for you in your particular situation.
The Top Allergist in New York
Dr. Mayank Shukla and the rest of the team at Sleep MD NYC are dedicated to giving the residents of New York City the best in allergy care. If you’re interested in discussing your allergies with an allergist in New York, then contact our office to discuss some of your options for treatment.
