For most pet allergy sufferers, the problem isn’t the pet itself but dander. Dander is the shed dead skin cells that are small enough that they end up everywhere in a home and travel through the air. Unfortunately, allergies can be a challenge when it comes to owning or keeping a pet. Because of the pandemic, more people are working from home rather than going to the office or doing a hybrid-remote model. This can be tough for people with allergies because usually they wouldn’t be exposed to pet dander while working outside the home. The good news is that there are a variety of methods to try out in your home to alleviate as many of the symptoms as possible.
1. Make an “allergy-free zone” in your home
Usually the “allergy-free zone” will be a place where you or the allergic person spends a lot of time, such as sleeping in a bedroom or working in a home office. The idea is that you want to reduce exposure to allergens, so the room will be off-limits to pets.
You will want to use a high-efficiency HEPA air purifier, such as UV CAN’s Tulip 2 UV air purifier. Tulip 2 fan even has a quiet sleep mode, making it practical for the bedroom or while you are working from home.
Also consider using impermeable covers for your mattress and pillows so they don’t become pet dander reservoirs. Try swapping out feather pillows for synthetic ones since feathers can aggravate symptoms in some people as well.
2. Use HEPA air purifiers in the rest of your home
Consider investing in effective air purifiers to use throughout your home. It isn’t uncommon for allergy sufferers to be sensitive to more than one allergy. Not only should an air purifier reduce pet allergies, but it should reduce all other potential causes, such as mold, spores, pollen, or pollution particles.
If your home is a large open-concept space, UV CAN’s Cosmos Wall Mount UV air purifier will be the most effective. It is excellent at removing particles from the air in your large indoor space, using a H13 HEPA filter, germicidal UV lights, and carbon ionizer. Cosmos Wall Mount’s HEPA filter filters the air, and the UV disinfects it.
If you plan to install a HEPA air purifier in each room, look no further than Tulip 2. UV CAN’s Tulip 2 UV air purifier uses 4-in-1 air cleaning technology. Indoor air passes through a pre-filter, H13 HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. Finally, there is a germicidal UV light mode for disinfecting the air.
If you are going to gradually install Tulip 2s throughout your home, start with the “allergy free zone,” which is likely the bedroom, then pet areas such as near the litterbox or small animal cage. Sometimes the litter, pet bedding, or dried urine and feces can aggravate allergies even more. Not only will Tulip 2 filter out these allergens but its activated carbon filter will help reduce and eliminate odors from smelly bedding and litter as well.
Of course, allergens don’t just stay in one place, and Tulip 2 doesn’t have to either. Tulip 2 is light and portable from room to room so you can breathe easy whether its in your bedroom, home office, or on the couch watching Netflix.
Tulip 2 UV Air Purifier |
Cosmos Wall Mount UV Air Purifier |
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Tulip 2 is the best portable air purifier for your home or your desk in the office as it disinfects and purifiers the air at a rate of 2,472 to 3,885 ft³ per hour. |
Cosmos Wall Mount disinfects at a rate of 35,300 ft³ per hour making it best for your large office space, boardroom, waiting room, or reception area. |
3. Cover vents with filter-like materials
HVAC systems can spread allergens throughout your home. Try using a filter-like material like cheesecloth to cover vents around your home. Start with your allergy-free zone and go from there. Make sure that your ducts are cleaned regularly, and even consider installing in-duct HEPA filters.
4. Swap out dust-and-dander-catching furnishings and home décor
Dander can get stuck and accumulate in fabrics and carpets. Avoid cloth curtains, fabric blinds, and carpeted floors. Swap out for plastic, aluminum, synthetic or PVC blinds. Replace carpeted floors with hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. If you are going to gradually make these environmental changes, start with your allergy-free zone.
5. Keep up with housecleaning and vacuuming
If you can’t get rid of your carpet or furnishings, make sure to vacuum frequently. It is best if you use a HEPA vacuum cleaner, and wear a mask in case if the vacuum stirs up dust. Keep your space clear from clutter so allergens don’t have a place to hide. Especially keep your allergy-free zone clean, as well as any fuzzy pet beds. Regularly wash your own bed sheets, pillows, and couch covers.
6. Focus on keeping pet areas clean
In addition to your allergy-free zone, it is important to prioritize keeping your pet areas clean. This could look like washing your dog and cat beds once a week, changing litter often, and cleaning out small animal cages and bedding often. It is best if you can get a non-allergic family member to help out. Your allergies a good excuse to have one of your kids get involved with these chores.
7. Change clothes when cuddling your pet
Have some old clothes or smocks to change into when cuddling with or playing with your pet. Change afterwards, and then wash your hands and face. This is to help you from carrying the allergens with you throughout the day and around your home. Keep any clothes that were worn while playing with your pet in a hamper outside your allergy-free room and wash them before hanging them up in your closet again.
8. Bathe your pet weekly
Because dander is shed old skin cells, bathing your pet weekly will help to wash some of them off before they get in the air. Even cats can get used to being bathed, but it is important to consult your veterinarian staff or animal professional for safe instructions and safe products to use. Have another person who isn’t allergic help you with this, or see a professional groomer.
9. Find out if you are specifically allergic to your pet, or something else
Because many people with allergies are sensitive to more than one allergen, it may not be your pet’s fault. See your allergist and get tested specifically for pet dander. You may need to shift your focus to eliminating other allergies such as pollen, mold, spores, or mildew. Many changes that you can make to make your home pet allergy-free will also help reduce the effects from the others.
10. Visit your doctor or allergist for treatments
See an allergist who can help prescribe various treatments such as immunotherapy (allergy shots), steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays, and antihistamine pills. When used in combination with the other ways of reducing allergies, you will be more successful in living with your pet and managing your allergies.
You can get creative with your changes to live comfortably with your pet even if you are allergic. In summary, start with creating an allergy-free zone, focus on keeping your indoor air and surfaces clean, and see a doctor for treatment. At UV CAN, we recommend our Cosmos Wall Mount and Tulip 2 UV HEPA H13 air purifiers for helping to remove pet dander from your air.
Sources:
WebMd: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/pet-allergies-triggers
Humane Society: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-live-allergies-and-pets
Spruce Pets: https://www.thesprucepets.com/pet-allergies-2804677