5 Ways to Reduce Pet Allergens in the Home

What to Do to Pet-Allergy-Proof Your Home

When it comes time to welcome a furry friend into the home, it is important to consider how this will affect your health and the health of your family. Studies show that 86% of animals are surrendered to shelters because of circumstances relating to the owner, not the pet. Of this, 4% are relinquished because of a pet allergy. For pet owners with allergies, a little sneeze is a small price to pay for the unconditional love a pet provides. In fact, animal lovers with allergies will ignore medical advice to keep their animals about 75% of the time. Whether you’re allergy-prone or not, keeping pet hair and dander levels to a minimum is highly desirable. Check out these 5 tips for reducing pet allergens in the home.

1.   Laundry, Vacuum, Dust, Repeat

As long as your pet is living in the home, they are dropping fur and dander. It might feel like an uphill battle, but it’s crucial to keep the home clean. Make sure to dust surfaces with a cloth, not paper towels that are more likely to send dust and dander floating into the air. Once that dreaded, scary vacuum is fired up, make several passes over each area paying special attention to your pet’s favorite spots. Use a hose attachment to vacuum furniture too. When this is done often, the dander can be sucked from the surface instead of becoming deeply embedded in the fibers of the upholstery.

2.   Splish, Splash

Studies have shown bathing your pet with an allergen-reducing shampoo can cut their dander levels by up to 85%. Bathing your pooch can also help remove dead hair, especially when you take the time to brush and blow-dry. Per VetDERMClinic, it is recommended to bathe your dog once a month. More frequent bathing can help reduce allergens but may also cause dry and itchy skin for your dog. One solution for those in-between times is to use a no-rinse waterless shampoo, which can help remove dirt and allergens without stripping away your dog’s natural oils. To best remove loose hair, towel dry and then blow-dry. Once your pup’s hair is almost dry, you can begin brushing to loosen and remove that pesky undercoat. Find the best brush for your dog’s coat with this resource.

3.   Air Purifiers

Pet dander floats in the air constantly. You can’t see it, smell it, until ACHOO! An air purifier that is designed for pet-friendly households can suck up airborne allergens before they have a chance to settle into the fibers of furniture or carpeting. It is recommended to use a purifier with a True Hepa filter, which is designed to capture 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring even the smallest of dander flecks can’t hide.

4.   Bed Time

Nothing ruins sweet dreams quite like nightly congestion. Pet hair and dander can burrow their way into the fibers of the mattress. If your pet sleeps in your bed, invest in hypoallergenic bedding, like a mattress pad. This bedding contains a barrier for allergens from dander to dust to mold. Wash your sheets, comforter, and pillowcases as often as possible.

5.   No Dogs Allowed

Pet allergens can be reduced in certain spaces deemed pet-free zones. Most commonly a bedroom, this area provides a space for allergy sufferers to breathe dander-less (or at least low-dander) air.

At-home grooming with high-quality products can help pet owners minimize the hair, dander and achoos. Click here to browse Wahl pet products including clippers, shampoos, brushes, grooming wipes and more.