Here’s how to minimise your exposure and live in harmony with your furry friends
Create pet-free zones
Creating a completely pet-free zone can be challenging, especially in a small apartment, but it's still possible to manage your environment if you suffer from severe allergies. One effective way is to designate certain areas of your home, such as the bedroom or living room, as off-limits to your pet. By keeping these spaces pet-free, you can significantly reduce the spread of allergens like dander, fur and dust, which often trigger allergic reactions. In addition to setting boundaries, regularly cleaning these spaces can help maintain better air quality which will give you some relief.
Invest in an air filter
To breathe cleaner air in your home and reduce exposure to dust and pet dander – common triggers for sneezing – consider investing in an air filter. A filter with fine particle filtration, such as a HEPA filter, can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles.
Wash pet bedding
It's essential to regularly wash your pet's bedding, blankets, and toys, as dander particles can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions. To effectively eliminate allergens and maintain a clean sleeping environment, wash these items in hot, soapy water using an anti-allergen detergent. Allow them to soak thoroughly before rinsing to ensure the removal of any remaining irritants.
Opt for hard flooring
Carpets are notorious for nesting allergens. Consider replacing carpets with hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring, which are easier to clean and less likely to harbour allergens like pet dander.
• From the experts at Allevia (alleviaallergy.co.uk)